How to Be Skydiving Instructor Trainer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Becoming a skydiving instructor trainer requires a lot of dedication and hard work. After obtaining the proper certification, one must demonstrate a solid understanding of the fundamentals of skydiving, including proper equipment setup, emergency procedures, and skydiving techniques. they must demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and the ability to effectively communicate with students.

Once these requirements are fulfilled, the instructor trainer can begin teaching other instructors the basics of skydiving. By doing so, they set the standard for all skydiving instructors and ensure that all skydiving experiences are conducted safely and professionally. this dedication to safety will not only protect the instructors and students, but also protect the sport of skydiving in general.

Steps How to Become

  1. Become certified as a skydiving instructor. To become an instructor, you must have at least 200 jumps to your name and be certified by the United States Parachute Association (USPA). You'll need to complete a three-day course that includes ground training and in-air instruction.
  2. Acquire additional skydiving certifications. The USPA requires that instructor trainers have several additional certifications, including Skydiving Proficiency Card (SPC), Static Line Progression Card (SLPC), and Tandem Instructor rating.
  3. Complete the USPA Instructor Trainer Course. This course is designed to teach experienced instructors how to properly train and certify aspiring skydivers. The course is offered at various locations throughout the year and consists of classroom instruction, practical application, and evaluation.
  4. Become a USPA member. In order to become a USPA Instructor Trainer, you must be a current member in good standing.
  5. Apply for USPA Instructor Trainer certification and complete the application process. Once your application is approved by the USPA, you'll be able to start training and certifying skydivers as an Instructor Trainer.

Becoming a skydiving instructor trainer requires a great deal of dedication and training. First, the individual must have completed a significant number of skydives, typically at least 500 jumps. Secondly, the individual must have achieved a certain level of certification from a reputable skydiving organization.

Finally, the individual must have obtained a specialized instructor rating from that same organization. By meeting these qualifications, the individual can become a qualified skydiving instructor trainer. With this rating, they are now eligible to teach others the skills and knowledge necessary to become certified skydivers.

The instructor trainer must be devoted to promoting safety and providing a high-quality education in order to ensure the safety and well-being of their students. having reliable and qualified skydiving instructors is essential for the growth of this sport and the safety of its participants.

You may want to check Skydiving Ground Crew Member, Skydiving Emergency Medical Technician, and Skydiving Instructor of Record for alternative.

Job Description

  1. Provide instruction and guidance to skydiving instructors and students.
  2. Monitor and evaluate instructor performance.
  3. Develop and implement safety protocols.
  4. Teach advanced skydiving techniques.
  5. Evaluate emergency procedures and ensure adherence to safety standards.
  6. Create lesson plans for instructor training courses.
  7. Maintain detailed records of all instructor trainings and certifications.
  8. Facilitate workshops and seminars for skydiving instructors.
  9. Oversee the maintenance of skydiving equipment and supplies.
  10. Communicate regularly with instructors and students to ensure proper understanding of skydiving techniques and procedures.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Knowledge of skydiving safety protocols
  2. Ability to provide instruction in skydiving techniques
  3. Ability to effectively assess student performance
  4. Ability to recognize student skill levels
  5. Knowledge of different types of parachutes
  6. Knowledge of skydiving equipment and gear
  7. Ability to perform emergency procedures
  8. Ability to effectively communicate with students
  9. Ability to recognize and respond to hazardous conditions
  10. Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations
  11. Ability to accurately manage student records
  12. Ability to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment

Being a successful skydiving instructor trainer requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and experience. In order to achieve success, the instructor must have excellent communication and teaching skills, be able to analyze the capabilities of their students, and have a thorough understanding of safety procedures and regulations. The instructor must also have extensive knowledge of the principles of aerodynamics and be able to apply that knowledge to teaching skydiving techniques.

Furthermore, the instructor must possess the judgment and common sense to assess the physical and mental conditions of students during their training. If an instructor lacks in any of these areas, they may put their students at risk of injury or even death. While these skills are essential for a successful skydiving instructor trainer, it is also important to create a positive learning environment.

Developing a relationship of trust with students can go a long way in ensuring the success of their training.

Skydiving Instructor Evaluator, Static Line Instructor, and Skydiving Equipment Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

  • What motivated you to become a skydiving instructor and trainer?
  • What experience do you have in teaching skydiving?
  • How do you ensure safety for your students?
  • What strategies do you use to help students overcome their fear of heights?
  • How familiar are you with the latest skydiving regulations and equipment?
  • What methods do you use to ensure your students are well prepared for skydiving?
  • What experience do you have in identifying potential risks during a skydive?
  • How do you handle difficult or challenging students?
  • Describe a time when you had to think quickly on your feet to ensure the safety of your students.
  • How do you stay up-to-date on the latest innovations in skydiving equipment and techniques?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. Parachute. A lightweight device used to slow down a descent from a high altitude, typically used in skydiving. (eg: Round parachute)
  2. Harness. A system of straps and attachments that secure a skydiver to a parachute. (eg: Chest-mounted harness)
  3. Altimeter. An instrument used to measure vertical distance relative to a starting point. (eg: Wrist-mounted altimeter)
  4. Helmet. A protective headgear worn by skydivers to protect their head and face from impact or debris. (eg: Full-face helmet)
  5. Emergency Parachute System. A backup parachute that can be manually deployed in the event of a primary parachute failure. (eg: Automatically activated reserve parachute)
  6. Emergency Signal Device. A device used to send out an alert in the event of an emergency situation. (eg: Flare gun)
  7. Radio. A two-way communication device used for communication between instructors and skydivers. (eg: Handheld transmitter)
  8. Visual Aid. A device used to help skydivers identify their landing spot from the air. (eg: Smoke bomb)
  9. Training Manuals. Written material with instructions and guidelines for skydiving instructors and students. (eg: USPA Instructor Manual)

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. United States Parachute Association (USPA)
  2. International Bodyflight Association (IBA)
  3. World Freefall Convention (WFC)
  4. International Skydiving Instructors Association (ISIA)
  5. British Skydiving
  6. Canadian Skydiving Association
  7. Australian Parachute Federation
  8. International Association of parachuting Schools (IAPS)
  9. International Parachuting Commission (IPC)
  10. European Freefall Instructors Association (EFIA)

We also have Skydiving Instructor, Skydiving Flight Logistics Coordinator, and Freefall Photographer/Videographer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

  1. Skydiver. A person who engages in the sport of parachuting from an aircraft or other high place.
  2. Parachuting. The use of a parachute to slow a person’s descent from a high altitude.
  3. Aircraft. A powered, heavier-than-air flying machine, typically propelled by jet engines or propellers.
  4. Altitude. The height of an object above sea level or ground level.
  5. Canopy. A parachute canopy, also known as a parachute fabric, is the material that forms the airfoil shape and creates lift when it is inflated by air pressure.
  6. Freefall. The period of time during a skydive when the skydiver is in the air and has not yet deployed a parachute.
  7. Parachute Rigging. The process of assembling and connecting a parachute system in order to ensure proper deployment.
  8. Instructor Trainer. A skydiving Instructor Trainer is a highly experienced skydiving instructor who is also certified to train and certify new skydiving instructors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Skydiving Instructor Trainer course?

The Skydiving Instructor Trainer course typically takes 4-5 days to complete.

What is the minimum age requirement to become a Skydiving Instructor Trainer?

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and have a minimum of 500 skydives to become a Skydiving Instructor Trainer.

Is there a certification exam for Skydiving Instructor Trainer?

Yes, candidates must successfully pass the United States Parachute Association (USPA) Instructor Examiner evaluation in order to be certified as a Skydiving Instructor Trainer.

What are the duties of a Skydiving Instructor Trainer?

A Skydiving Instructor Trainer is responsible for teaching, mentoring and evaluating skydiving instructors and coach applicants to ensure safety and compliance with USPA standards.

What are the benefits of becoming a Skydiving Instructor Trainer?

Becoming a Skydiving Instructor Trainer provides many benefits, such as the opportunity to share one's passion for skydiving, to help others achieve their skydiving goals, and to travel and experience new places while teaching and training.

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