How to Be Skydiving Ground Crew Member - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 3, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a skydiving ground crew member is critical to the success of each and every skydive. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of the skydiver by providing assistance to the pilot and skydivers before, during and after the jump. The ground crew must inspect the aircraft and parachute system, ensure that the equipment is secure, and communicate with the pilot and skydivers to ensure a safe jump.

Furthermore, they must be aware of weather conditions, coordinate with other members of the ground crew, and assist in any emergency procedures that may arise. Without the dedication and expertise of the ground crew, skydiving would be an extremely dangerous activity and many skydivers would not be able to enjoy it.

Steps How to Become

Become certified in CPR, first aid, and any applicable safety-related courses. These certifications are necessary to become a skydiving ground crew member and may be obtained at your local Red Cross or through a skydiving center.
Take a skydiving safety class. This class will teach you the basics of skydiving safety and the importance of following procedures. It will also cover the rules and regulations of skydiving, as well as emergency procedures.
Get a job as a ground crew member at a local skydiving center. Most skydiving centers offer ground crew positions to those who are interested in becoming a part of the team. You can apply for these positions through the skydiving center's website or by contacting the center directly.
Learn the equipment used in skydiving. As a ground crew member, you will need to be familiar with the parachutes, harnesses, and other equipment used in skydiving. Taking the time to learn about each piece of equipment is essential for performing your job safely and correctly.
Familiarize yourself with the procedures for loading and unloading parachutes from aircrafts. As a ground crew member, it is your responsibility to ensure that the parachutes are loaded properly and safely onto the aircrafts.
Participate in regular safety training and drills. Most skydiving centers require their ground crew members to participate in safety drills to ensure that they are prepared for any emergency situation that may arise while they are on duty.
Follow all safety protocols and procedures at all times. As a ground crew member, it is important to follow all safety protocols and procedures while on duty at the skydiving center. This includes wearing appropriate protective gear and following all instructions given by the jumpmaster or instructor.

The key to staying ahead and efficient as a skydiving ground crew member is to be organized and prepared. Proper planning and organization can help eliminate any potential problems or delays that may arise. Taking the time to think through what needs to be done and how it needs to be done ahead of time can save valuable time on the day of the jump.

providing a high level of customer service and making sure that all safety protocols are followed can ensure that everything runs smoothly. Finally, having a good understanding of the equipment used in skydiving can help ground crew members be more knowledgeable and better prepared for any situation that may occur. With these steps in place, skydiving ground crew members can stay ahead and efficient.

You may want to check Wing Suit Pilot, Skydiving Tandem Master, and Solo Skydiver for alternative.

Job Description

Greet and assist skydivers before and after their jump.
Provide skydivers with necessary safety equipment.
Assist skydivers in parachuting procedures.
Load and unload parachutes from aircraft.
Monitor and maintain skydiving equipment.
Re-pack parachutes according to manufacturers instructions.
Inspect landing areas to ensure safety of skydivers.
Maintain records of skydiving equipment and operations.
Provide logistical support for skydiving events and competitions.
Monitor weather conditions and make adjustments to skydiving operations accordingly.
Coordinate with aircraft operators to ensure safety of skydiving operations.
Operate computers and other equipment related to skydiving operations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong communication and teamwork skills
Knowledge of skydiving equipment and safety procedures
Ability to follow instructions precisely
Ability to think quickly and troubleshoot problems
Physical fitness
Attention to detail
Flexibility to work in various weather conditions
Reliability and punctuality
Ability to lift heavy objects
Good organizational skills

Being a successful ground crew member for skydiving requires an individual to possess a wide range of skills. One of the most important skills is communication. Having the ability to clearly and effectively relay information between ground crew, pilots, and skydivers is essential for a successful skydiving experience.

problem solving is an important skill as it allows the ground crew member to think quickly and creatively in order to anticipate and address any issues that may arise. Attention to detail is also essential to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the skydiving experience, from the pilots to the skydivers. Finally, physical fitness is an important skill for ground crew members as they must be able to move quickly and easily in order to set up and take down equipment, and help to launch skydivers.

Overall, having these skills allows ground crew members to provide a safe and enjoyable skydiving experience for all involved.

Skydiving First Aid Attendant, Swooping Skydiver, and Recreational Skydiver are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a skydiving ground crew?
How familiar are you with the safety procedures for skydiving operations?
What do you understand to be the primary duties of a skydiving ground crew member?
How do you ensure that all equipment is operated safely and correctly?
What is the most challenging situation you have faced as part of a skydiving ground crew?
Describe a time when you have gone above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.
What skills do you possess that would make you an ideal candidate for a skydiving ground crew position?
In what ways do you keep up to date with the latest safety regulations and protocols?
How do you handle difficult situations while working in a skydiving ground crew team?
How do you stay motivated and organized while performing ground crew duties?

Common Tools in Industry

Parachute Packing Tool. Used to properly pack and arrange a parachute for a skydiving jump. (e. g. Para-Pack Tool)
Rigging Tool. Used to securely attach the parachute to the harness and the skydiver's body. (e. g. Rigging Tool)
Go/No-Go Checklist. Used to ensure all necessary equipment is prepared and functional prior to a skydiving jump. (e. g. Go/ No-Go Checklist)
Emergency Equipment. A variety of tools and supplies used in case of an emergency during a skydiving jump. (e. g. First Aid Kit, Portable Radio, Flares, etc. )
Communication Device. Used to maintain communication between the ground crew and the skydiving team while they are in the air. (e. g. Walkie-Talkie)
Weather Monitoring Device. Used to monitor wind speed, temperature, humidity, and other weather conditions before a skydiving jump. (e. g. Anemometer)
Launch Platform. Used to provide a safe platform for the skydiver to launch from. (e. g. Launch Ramp or Platform)
Logbook. Used to record information about each skydiving jump and the skydivers performance. (e. g. Logbook)

Professional Organizations to Know

United States Parachute Association (USPA)
International Skydiving Committee (ISC)
Skydiver's Information Manual (SIM)
The British Skydiving Association (BPA)
The Australian Parachuting Federation (APF)
International Body Flight Association (IBFA)
Canadian Sport Parachuting Association (CSPA)
World Air Sports Federation (FAI)
European Skydiving Federation (ESF)
Japan Skydiving Association (JSA)

We also have Skydiving Video and Photography Specialist, Professional Skydiver, and Skydiving Flight Suit Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Parachute. A device used to slow the descent of a skydiver, typically made of a large cloth canopy and several suspension lines.
Parachutist. Someone who skydives, typically using a parachute.
Altimeter. An instrument used to measure altitude during a skydive.
Drop Zone. The area of land where parachutists land after a skydive.
Spotting. The process of finding a suitable landing area for a parachutist.
Chute Packing. The process of properly folding and packing a parachute before a skydive.
Rigging. The process of attaching the parachutist's equipment to the parachute.
Canopy Piloting. The ability to maneuver the parachute while in the air, typically done to avoid obstacles or achieve a desired landing spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of a Skydiving Ground Crew Member?

A Skydiving Ground Crew Member is responsible for ensuring the safety of skydivers before, during, and after their jumps. This includes setting up equipment, assisting with parachute packing, helping skydivers to board the aircraft, and more.

What qualifications are required to be a Skydiving Ground Crew Member?

To be a Skydiving Ground Crew Member, individuals should have experience in parachuting, a high level of physical fitness, and a working knowledge of safety procedures and regulations.

How many hours does a Skydiving Ground Crew Member typically work?

Skydiving Ground Crew Members typically work between 8 and 10 hours per day, depending on the number of skydivers and jumps that need to be conducted.

What is the average salary for a Skydiving Ground Crew Member?

The average salary for a Skydiving Ground Crew Member is around $30,000 per year.

Is there room for advancement in the role of a Skydiving Ground Crew Member?

Yes, there is room for advancement within the role of a Skydiving Ground Crew Member. With experience and additional training, individuals can become supervisors or even instructors.