How to Be Recreational Skydiver - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 29, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Cause: Recreational skydiving is an extreme sport that involves jumping out of an aircraft at a certain altitude and free-falling through the air before deploying a parachute and slowly drifting to the ground. Effect: This thrilling activity offers an adrenaline rush and a unique perspective of the world below, while also providing the opportunity to learn a new skill and test one's limits. It has become increasingly popular over the years due to its exhilarating nature and the availability of certified instructors and equipment.

Skydiving requires extensive training and preparation, as well as mental preparation for dealing with the physical and psychological challenges of the sport. In addition, the costs associated with skydiving can be quite high, including equipment rental, instructor fees, and insurance. Despite these challenges, recreational skydivers are rewarded with a feeling of accomplishment and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the world.

Steps How to Become

Find a local drop zone. Many skydiving centers offer recreational skydiving experiences. Contact the skydiving center to find out about their programs, safety measures and prices.
Meet the qualifications. Most drop zones require that recreational skydivers be at least 18 years old and in good physical health. You may also need to pass a medical exam and provide a valid photo identification.
Take a ground school class. Ground school classes cover topics such as skydiving safety, parachute equipment, emergency procedures, and basic flight dynamics. Most drop zones offer ground school classes that must be completed before making your first jump.
Make your first jump. You will be required to make a tandem jump with an experienced skydiver strapped to your back. This jump will include an instructor briefing, a plane ride, a free-fall, and a parachute ride.
Continue skydiving. Once you have made your first tandem jump, you can continue skydiving solo or with an experienced skydiver. You may also choose to participate in competitions or pursue advanced certifications.

Recreational skydiving is an exciting activity that gives thrill-seekers the opportunity to experience the sensation of freefalling through the sky. However, in order to safely partake in this activity, it is essential to stay ahead and capable by investing in proper training and equipment. A skydiver must invest in appropriate gear, including a parachute, harness, and other equipment, as well as receive the necessary training and certification.

they must keep up with maintenance and inspections of the gear to ensure it is functioning properly. Lastly, one should continually practice their skills and stay current with the latest skydiving techniques so as to remain competent and safe during jumps. By doing these things, a recreational skydiver can enjoy the thrilling experience that skydiving offers while staying ahead and capable.

You may want to check Static Line Instructor, Skydiving Flight Technology Specialist, and Skydiving Operations Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Skydiving Instructor: Responsible for teaching new and experienced skydivers how to safely and effectively use parachutes and other skydiving equipment.
Skydiving Pilot: Responsible for operating a variety of aircrafts designated for skydiving operations.
Skydiving Gear Technician: Responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing skydiving gear.
Skydiving Videographer: Responsible for capturing the experience of skydiving on video for customers and providing a lasting memory of their adventure.
Skydiving Safety Officer: Responsible for ensuring that all skydiving operations are conducted in accordance with safety standards and regulations.
Skydiving Center Manager: Responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a skydiving center, including customer service, sales, scheduling, and safety.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of FAA regulations and skydiving safety protocols.
Ability to interpret weather conditions and understand their impact on skydiving activities.
Knowledge of parachute rigging and maintenance.
Proficiency in canopy control and accuracy landings.
Understanding of skydiving equipment and its proper use.
Ability to operate aircraft and other aerial lift mechanisms safely.
Familiarity with emergency procedures, including bailout and emergency landings.
Ability to communicate effectively with instructors, aircraft pilots, and other parachutists.
Physical fitness, coordination, and agility to safely complete jumps and maneuvers.
Ability to complete pre-dive checklists and inspect gear for malfunctions.

The key to being successful as a recreational skydiver is to have strong technical and safety skills. Knowing how to properly pack a parachute, read weather conditions, manage equipment and master basic skydiving maneuvers are all essential skills to have. When all of these skills are combined, they create a safe and enjoyable recreational skydiving experience.

Furthermore, having a good attitude and the ability to stay calm and focused under pressure is also beneficial. This will enable a skydiver to make smart decisions in the air and respond effectively if an emergency situation arises. With the right amount of preparation and practice, recreational skydivers can enjoy a thrilling and rewarding experience.

Skydiver Load Organizer, Freefall Photographer/Videographer, and AFF (Accelerated Freefall) Instructor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have skydiving?
How do you handle stressful situations?
What safety procedures do you follow when skydiving?
How do you ensure the safety of your passengers?
What measures do you take to ensure the accuracy of your equipment?
What emergency procedures do you have in place?
How do you handle emergency situations while skydiving?
How do you handle challenging weather conditions?
What techniques do you use to ensure a smooth landing?
How do you ensure that passengers have an enjoyable skydiving experience?

Common Tools in Industry

Parachute. A device used to slow a skydiver's descent to the ground. (eg: Ram-Air Parachute)
Altimeter. A device used to measure altitude. (eg: Digital Altimeter)
Harness. A device used to attach a skydiver's body to the parachute. (eg: Chest-mounted Harness)
Helmet. A device used to protect a skydiver's head from impact. (eg: Full-Face Helmet)
AAD (Automatic Activation Device). A device used to deploy a reserve parachute if the skydiver does not deploy manually. (eg: Cypres AAD)
Goggles. A device used to protect a skydiver's eyes from wind and debris. (eg: Interchangeable Lens Goggles)
Logbook. A record-keeping device used to track skydives and progress. (eg: Digital Logbook App)

Professional Organizations to Know

United States Parachute Association (USPA)
British Skydiving
Canadian Sport Parachuting Association (CSPA)
Skydive Europe
Australian Parachute Federation (APF)
World Freefall Convention (WFC)
International Parachuting Commission (IPC)
Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI)
International Bodyflight Association (IBA)
International Skydiving Commission (ISC)

We also have Skydiving Retail Sales Representative, Skydiving Ground Crew Member, and Indoor Wind Tunnel Instructor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Parachute. A canopy device used to slow a person's descent during a skydive and allow for a safe landing.
Freefall. The phase of a skydive in which the parachutist is in the air and not using a parachute to slow their descent.
Altitude. The distance between the ground and the aircraft or jump platform from which the skydiver descends.
Canopy. The fabric that makes up the parachute and is used to create lift and slow the skydivers descent.
Static Line. A line attached to the aircraft or jump platform that deploys the parachute for the skydiver.
AAD (Automatic Activation Device). A device that automatically deploys the parachute at a predetermined altitude if the skydiver does not manually deploy it.
Skydiving Rig. The harness and components that a skydiver wears to allow them to use and control their parachute.
Spotting. The process of locating a safe place to land prior to exiting the aircraft or jump platform.
Preparing. The process of getting into the right body position and monitoring equipment prior to exiting the aircraft or jump platform.
Formation Skydiving. A type of skydiving where multiple skydivers join together in the air to form shapes and patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Recreational Skydiver need to weigh?

The maximum weight for a Recreational Skydiver is 220 lbs (99.8kg).

How long does the average skydive last?

The average skydive lasts between 60-90 seconds from the time of jump to landing.

How high do Recreational Skydivers usually jump?

The typical jump altitude for a Recreational Skydiver is 10,000-13,000 feet (3048-3962 meters).

What type of parachute is used for Recreational Skydiving?

Recreational Skydivers typically use a square, ram-air parachute.

What type of training is required to become a Recreational Skydiver?

Prospective Recreational Skydivers must complete a minimum of three hours of ground training and make at least one successful jump with an instructor before they can skydive solo.