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

Skydiving instructors teach the safety and technical aspects of parachuting from an aircraft. They provide the students with the necessary instruction for the safe operation of parachute systems. As a result, skydiving instructors are able to help their students make informed decisions when it comes to safety and help them build confidence in their parachuting abilities.

Furthermore, they are also responsible for providing instruction on the proper packing and maintenance of parachutes and other related equipment, such as reserve parachutes, altimeters, and automated activation devices. By teaching these important considerations, skydiving instructors are able to ensure that their students can enjoy a safe and successful skydive.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a skydiving license. The first step to becoming a skydiving instructor is to obtain a skydiving license. You must complete both a ground and flight training program to receive your license.
2. Become a skydiving coach. Once you have obtained your skydiving license, you can then apply to become a skydiving coach or mentor. A coach will teach other skydivers the basics of skydiving and will help them develop their skills.
3. Take a skydiving instructor course. Once you have obtained your coach certification, you will need to take a skydiving instructor course. This course will teach you the skills needed to become an instructor and will prepare you for the certification exam.
4. Pass the instructor certification exam. After completing your instructor course, you will need to take and pass the instructor certification exam in order to become a certified skydiving instructor.
5. Obtain a USPA rating. Once you have passed your instructor certification exam and become a certified skydiving instructor, you can then apply to the United States Parachute Association (USPA) for a rating. This is required in order to become an official USPA skydiving instructor.
6. Maintain your certification. Once you have obtained your USPA rating, you will need to maintain your certification by participating in continuing education courses every two years in order to remain current on industry standards and practices.

A skydiving instructor must keep up-to-date with the latest safety protocols and technologies in order to remain capable and qualified. This requires staying informed about the latest industry news and developments, attending conferences and workshops, and participating in continuing education courses. Additionally, instructors should continually review the parachuting regulations and guidelines, as well as their own qualifications and skillset, in order to ensure that they are prepared for any situation. By investing in professional development and staying on top of industry trends, skydiving instructors can remain knowledgeable and capable while giving their students the best possible experience.

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Job Description

1. Plan and coordinate skydiving activities for guests.
2. Provide skydiving instruction and safety briefings to guests.
3. Inspect and maintain skydiving equipment.
4. Ensure all participants are properly equipped for skydiving activities.
5. Monitor weather conditions for safety and adjust skydiving plans accordingly.
6. Assist with emergency management procedures as necessary.
7. Perform administrative duties such as scheduling, inventory control, and filing paperwork.
8. Demonstrate skydiving techniques to guests.
9. Maintain appropriate records and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
10. Educate guests on proper skydiving safety procedures.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of skydiving equipment and safety protocols
2. Ability to effectively communicate instructions and directions
3. Knowledge of skydiving laws and regulations
4. Proficiency in all types of skydiving maneuvers and techniques
5. Ability to assess student skill levels and adjust instruction accordingly
6. Ability to maintain a safe and secure environment for students
7. Ability to identify and correct potential hazards
8. Ability to provide encouragement and support to students
9. Ability to recognize student progress and provide appropriate feedback
10. Good organizational skills and attention to detail

Being a skydiving instructor requires a number of skills and qualities. The most important skill to have is teaching ability. Instructors must be able to explain the ins and outs of skydiving to their students in a clear and concise manner.

They must also be able to instill confidence and trust in their students so that they can complete their dives safely and correctly. instructors must be able to accurately assess the risks associated with skydiving and ensure safety protocols are followed. This includes being familiar with all the equipment, weather conditions, and emergency procedures.

A successful skydiving instructor must also have excellent communication skills, be patient when dealing with students, and have the ability to remain calm in difficult situations. All of these qualities are essential for any instructor to ensure a successful skydiving experience for their students.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have as a skydiving instructor?
• What processes do you use to ensure the safety of your students?
• What strategies do you use to teach students how to safely execute a skydive?
• How do you handle challenging situations with students?
• How do you motivate and encourage your students?
• How do you build trust with your students?
• How do you handle changes in weather or other environmental conditions?
• How do you respond to student questions and address their concerns?
• What techniques do you use to ensure the accuracy of student performance?
• How do you stay current on skydiving regulations and safety protocols?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Altimeter. A device used to measure altitude (eg: Suunto Altimaster III).
2. Parachute. A device that deploys the canopy to slow a skydiver's descent (eg: PD Reserve Parachute).
3. Harness and Rigging System. A system used to attach the skydiver and the canopy (eg: Javelin Odyssey II Harness System).
4. Rigging Tool Kit. A set of tools used to adjust and repair the rigging system (eg: Skyhook Rigging Tool Kit).
5. Jump Suit. Made from a durable material, these suits protect the skydiver from the elements (eg: Squirrel Flight Suit).
6. Helmet. A protective headgear for skydivers (eg: Cookie G3 Helmet).
7. AAD (Automatic Activation Device). An electronic device that can deploy a reserve parachute if the skydiver has become unconscious or has not deployed the canopy in a timely manner (eg: Cypres 2 AAD).
8. Radio. Used for communication between instructors and students (eg: Icom IC-A25C Airband Radio).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. United States Parachute Association (USPA)
2. International Bodyflight Association (IBA)
3. International Skydiving Commission (ISC)
4. World Freefall Convention (WFC)
5. National Skydiving League (NSL)
6. British Parachute Association (BPA)
7. Skydive Tandem Association (STA)
8. International Skydiving School Association (ISSA)
9. Skydive University (SU)
10. International Parachuting Commission (IPC)

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Common Important Terms

1. Freefall. The period of time in skydiving when the parachutist is in the air without the parachute deployed.
2. Deployment. The act of opening a parachute to slow the descent of the skydiver.
3. Altitude. The height of an object above a fixed reference point, such as sea level.
4. Canopy. The fabric material that is used to make up the parachute and is used to slow the descent of the skydiver.
5. Reserve Parachute. A second parachute that is carried by the skydiver in the event of a malfunction of the main parachute.
6. Rigging. The act of attaching the parachute to the skydiver’s harness and connecting the risers to the harness.
7. Risers. The straps that connect the canopy to the harness of the skydiver.
8. Spotting. The act of determining where a group of skydivers should land in order to minimize hazards and maximize safety.
9. Body Positioning. The skill of controlling your body position in mid-air, such as arching your back, so you can steer and control your descent more accurately.
10. AAD (Automatic Activation Device). A device that will automatically deploy a skydiver’s reserve parachute if they have not deployed their main parachute before reaching a predetermined altitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become a Skydiving Instructor?

To become a certified skydiving instructor, you must hold a USPA (United States Parachute Association) Coach or Instructor rating and have a minimum of 500 skydives.

What kind of training do Skydiving Instructors receive?

Skydiving instructors receive a combination of ground school, classroom and in-air instruction. The USPA offers Certified Instructor Courses for those wanting to pursue a career in skydiving instruction.

How much does it cost to become a Skydiving Instructor?

The cost of becoming a Skydiving Instructor varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking. Generally, the cost can range from $600-$2,000 USD.

How often do Skydiving Instructors need to renew their certification?

Skydiving Instructors must renew their certification every two years.

What is the average salary of a Skydiving Instructor?

The average salary of a Skydiving Instructor varies depending on the company and location, but typically falls within the range of $15-$30 an hour.

What are jobs related with Skydiving Instructor?

• Skydiving Ground Crew Member
• Skydiving Video and Photography Specialist
• Skydiving Equipment Technician
• Skydiving Equipment Inspector
• Skydiving Safety Officer
• Skydiving Flight Technology Specialist
• Skydiving Logistics Manager
• Canopy Formation Instructor
• Indoor Wind Tunnel Technician
• Recreational Skydiver

Web Resources

• Skydiving Instructor: An Offbeat Job? | New York English … www.newyork-english.edu
• Skydiving - Ohio State University sfhp.ehe.osu.edu
• OH, CHUTE! The Science of Skydiving ssec.si.edu