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

Feb 19, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Skydiving Tandem Masters are highly skilled and experienced professionals who play a vital role in ensuring the safety of tandem skydivers. They are responsible for the pre-flight briefing, aircraft loading and exit, and in-flight control of the tandem jumpers. As part of their job, they must also ensure that all safety protocols are followed throughout the skydive.

The consequences of not having a properly trained and certified Tandem Master can be devastating, as they may lead to serious injury or death. Therefore, it is essential for all potential tandem jumpers to make sure that their Tandem Master is properly certified, and has the necessary experience to safely and successfully complete the skydive. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that the equipment used is properly maintained and inspected, and that the weather conditions are suitable for the jump.

With the right Tandem Master, skydiving can be a safe and enjoyable experience that will be remembered for years to come.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a skydiving license. Before you can become a tandem skydiving instructor, you must first obtain a skydiving license from the United States Parachute Association (USPA). You must be at least 18 years old and have completed a minimum of 200 freefall jumps.
Complete the USPA Tandem Instructor Course. The Tandem Instructor Course is available in many areas and usually takes two days to complete. The course covers the theory and fundamentals of tandem skydiving and provides instruction on how to teach and coach tandem skydiving students.
Pass the written and practical exams. To become certified as a Tandem Instructor, you must pass both a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as student awareness and safety, aircraft operations, canopy flight, and bailout procedures. The practical exam requires demonstration of proper tandem skydiving techniques and includes a demonstration jump with an instructor.
Attend additional training. After passing the written and practical exams, you must attend additional training to become a Tandem Master. This training includes topics such as advanced canopy flight techniques, emergency procedures, and student awareness.
Pass the Tandem Master Exam. Once you have completed the required training, you must pass the Tandem Master Exam. This exam is designed to assess your knowledge and skills related to tandem skydiving and includes both a written and practical component.
Become USPA Certified. After passing the Tandem Master Exam, you must apply for USPA certification. This certification will allow you to work as a tandem skydiving instructor in the United States and abroad.

To stay ahead and competent as a Skydiving Tandem Master, it is important to stay current with best practices and safety protocols. Keeping up with the latest advancements in equipment, technology, and training methods is essential. building relationships with reliable vendors and instructors, and networking with other professionals in the industry can help you stay informed and competitive.

Finally, gaining experience in different environments and scenarios will help you hone your skills and become more adept at tackling any situation. All of these components combined will help ensure that you remain ahead of the game as a Skydiving Tandem Master.

You may want to check Indoor Wind Tunnel Instructor, Recreational Skydiver, and Swooping Skydiver for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare and inspect tandem skydiving equipment prior to each jump.
Ensure the safety of all passengers and adhere to all standard operating procedures.
Provide skydiving instruction to tandem passengers before, during and after the jump.
Communicate effectively with passengers and other members of the skydiving team.
Load and unload parachutes from aircraft.
Communicate with air traffic control personnel prior to take-off and landing.
Monitor weather conditions and adjust flight plans accordingly.
Demonstrate proper skydiving techniques and body position during freefall.
Monitor and record skydiving equipment performance during jumps.
Assist in packing parachutes for future use.
Provide first aid in the event of an emergency.
Contribute to the overall safety record of the skydiving facility.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of skydiving safety protocols and procedures
Knowledge of skydiving equipment and packing techniques
Ability to inspect and maintain skydiving equipment
Ability to recognize and respond to emergency situations
Ability to provide pre-jump briefings and educational instruction
Ability to communicate effectively with tandem passengers
Excellent physical fitness
Calm and confident demeanor
Excellent problem-solving skills
Detail-oriented and organized
Knowledge of local airspace regulations

Being a skydiving tandem master requires great skill and responsibility. Having a good head for heights is essential, as is the ability to remain calm and composed in potentially stressful situations. The safety and well-being of the tandem passenger rests solely on the tandem masters shoulders, so having a thorough knowledge of skydiving equipment, weather conditions, and parachute systems is key.

the ability to provide clear instruction to the passenger, and to effectively communicate with other skydiving professionals, is extremely important. If the tandem master is able to combine these skills and maintain a high level of performance, they can ensure a safe and enjoyable skydiving experience for all involved.

Skydiving Equipment Inspector, Skydiving First Aid Attendant, and AFF (Accelerated Freefall) Instructor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in skydiving and tandem skydiving?
How do you ensure the safety of both the tandem master and tandem student?
What is your experience in teaching and communicating with tandem students?
How do you react to unexpected situations, such as equipment malfunctions or weather conditions?
How do you handle students who experience fear or anxiety during the skydive?
What strategies do you use to ensure a successful skydive experience?
How do you interact with the ground crew during a jump?
Describe a time where you had to make a quick decision in order to ensure safety during a skydive.
How do you handle emergency situations while in mid-air?
What additional training or certifications do you have that are relevant to skydiving and tandem skydiving?

Common Tools in Industry

Parachute. A canopy of fabric that is deployed to slow down the rate of descent from a plane or other aircraft, (e. g. a tandem skydiving parachute).
Reserve Parachute. An emergency parachute that is packed and kept separate from the main parachute, usually worn by a tandem skydiving instructor, (e. g. a tandem skydiving reserve parachute).
Altimeter. An instrument for measuring altitude, (e. g. a wrist-mounted altimeter for tandem skydiving).
Radio. A two-way communication device used to maintain contact with the ground team, (e. g. a VHF radio for tandem skydiving).
Goggles. Protective eyewear that guards against wind and dust, (e. g. UV protective goggles for tandem skydiving).
Helmet. A protective headgear designed to protect the head from impact, (e. g. a full-face helmet for tandem skydiving).
Harness. A system of straps and buckles used to support a persons body weight, (e. g. a full-body harness for tandem skydiving).
Emergency Procedures Training. Training in the appropriate response to an emergency, (e. g. emergency procedures training for tandem skydiving instructors).

Professional Organizations to Know

United States Parachute Association (USPA)
International Bodyflight Association (IBA)
World Freefall Convention (WFC)
World Parachuting Organization (WPO)
British Parachute Association (BPA)
European Parachuting Organisation (EPO)
Australian Parachute Federation (APF)
Canadian Sport Parachuting Association (CSPA)
International Parachuting Commission (IPC)
International Skydiving Commission (ISC)

We also have Indoor Wind Tunnel Technician, Skydiving Flight Planner, and Skydiving Event Coordinator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Freefall. Falling through the air with no means of support or control, such as a parachute.
Canopy. The fabric portion of a parachute that provides lift as air rushes through its openings.
Rigging. The process of assembling and connecting the components of a parachute, including the harness and canopy.
Deployment. The action of opening a parachute after jumping from an aircraft or other high point.
Cutaway. The intentional release of a parachute to allow another parachute to be deployed.
Reserve Parachute. A backup parachute that is deployed in the event of an emergency or malfunction.
Landing Pattern. The planned approach to the landing area that must be followed for a successful skydive.
AAD (Automatic Activation Device). A device that will automatically deploy a reserve parachute if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Skydiving Tandem Master?

A Skydiving Tandem Master is a highly trained and certified skydiving instructor who is responsible for safely guiding and teaching first-time skydivers.

What qualifications are required to become a Skydiving Tandem Master?

To become a Skydiving Tandem Master, you must complete an approved training program and earn your United States Parachute Association (USPA) Tandem Instructor rating. You must also be at least 18 years old and have performed at least 500 skydives.

How long does it take to become a Skydiving Tandem Master?

It typically takes 3-4 months of preparation to become a Skydiving Tandem Master. This includes completing the USPA approved training program, passing the USPA written and practical exams, and accumulating the necessary number of skydives.

What is the main responsibility of a Skydiving Tandem Master?

The primary responsibility of a Skydiving Tandem Master is to provide a safe and enjoyable experience to first-time skydivers. This includes pre-jump instruction, safely guiding them through the jump, and providing guidance during the freefall and parachute descent.