How to Be Wing Suit Pilot - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 10, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The cause of the increasing popularity of Wing Suit Piloting is the fact that the experience of flying has become accessible to more people. By utilizing modern materials and technology, the cost of the suits has become much more affordable. This has allowed more people to experience the thrill of gliding through the air, feeling the wind on their face and enjoying the view.

The effect of this has been an increase in the number of people taking up the sport, as well as an increasing interest in skydiving and other related activities. This has resulted in an increased demand for safety equipment, training courses and other services associated with the sport, as well as a rise in the number of local clubs and competitions. As the sport continues to grow, so too are its safety regulations, and this ensures that Wing Suit Piloting continues to be an exciting and safe activity for everyone involved.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Pilots License. Before you can fly a wing suit, you must obtain a pilots license. This will require passing a written test and practical flight exams and meeting any other requirements set by the relevant aviation authority.
Take a Wing Suit Course. Once you have obtained your pilots license, you will need to take a specialized wing suit course. This will cover the basics of flying a wing suit, such as launching, flying, landing and safety.
Get Your Gear. You will need to invest in quality gear that is made specifically for wing suit flying. This includes a wing suit, helmet, parachute, and other safety equipment.
Practice. You will need to practice flying your wing suit in order to become proficient and eventually be able to do tricks and stunts. Start by practicing in safe environments such as skydiving wind tunnels and eventually move on to outdoor flights.
Find a Mentor. Finding a mentor who is an experienced wing suit pilot is an important step in becoming a skilled pilot. Your mentor can help you with tips and advice on how to become better at flying your wing suit.
Keep Practicing. Practice makes perfect! The more you fly your wing suit, the better you will become at it.

Successful wing suit piloting requires a combination of skill, physical conditioning, and knowledge. To stay ahead and qualified, pilots must continually practice and stay informed of the latest advancements in the sport. This includes learning new skills, such as aerial acrobatics, as well as staying up to date on safety regulations, technical innovations, and best practices.

pilots need to stay in peak physical condition to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them. A proper diet and regular exercise are essential for maintaining strength and agility, as well as for preparing for the physical and mental challenges of flight. Finally, pilots must remain dedicated to learning and honing their craft in order to stay ahead of the competition.

By committing to these efforts, wing suit pilots can maximize their potential and enjoy a long and successful career.

You may want to check Skydiving Adventure Guide, Recreational Skydiver, and Swooping Skydiver for alternative.

Job Description

Perform pre-flight inspections and equipment checks to ensure the safe operation of a wingsuit.
Ensure that the wingsuit is in good condition and meets all safety standards.
Familiarize oneself with all local regulations and laws pertaining to the use of a wingsuit.
Practice takeoff and landing techniques to ensure the safety of oneself and others.
Monitor weather conditions throughout the duration of the flight and adjust flight plans accordingly.
Develop and execute an individualized flight plan for each flight.
Respond to changing conditions during the flight, such as wind speed, turbulence, and visibility.
Monitor and adjust body position during flight to control speed and direction.
Land safely at designated locations.
Maintain accurate records of each flight, including flight duration, altitude reached, and a description of the route and maneuvers completed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Proficiency in skydiving
Knowledge of basic aerodynamics
Ability to read and interpret wind patterns
Ability to interpret weather conditions
Ability to accurately calculate speed, altitude and distance
Ability to communicate effectively with other pilots and ground crew
Physical fitness and coordination
Skillful maneuvering of the wingsuit
Ability to navigate complex terrain
Knowledge of emergency procedures

Being a successful wingsuit pilot requires a wide range of skills, from physical fitness and mental toughness to a keen understanding of aerodynamics and weather patterns. Physical fitness is essential for any wingsuit pilot, as the suit itself is physically demanding and requires a great deal of strength and stamina. Mental toughness is also key, as the pilot has to remain focused and in control of their body and movements during flight.

Knowledge of aerodynamics and weather patterns is critical for safely navigating the air currents and avoiding dangerous situations. knowing how to use the equipment properly, such as the parachute and other necessary gear, is an absolute must. All of these skills are essential for any aspiring wingsuit pilot to have in order to be successful.

Freefall Camera Operator, Skydiving Drop Zone Manager, and Skydiving Equipment Inspector are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in flying a wingsuit?
What safety protocols have you implemented while operating a wingsuit?
How does flying a wingsuit compare to other forms of aviation?
What is the most complex maneuver you have completed in a wingsuit?
How do you stay informed of new technology and regulations regarding wingsuit flying?
How do you ensure that weather conditions are suitable for a wingsuit flight?
What type of emergency situations have you encountered while flying a wingsuit and how did you address them?
How do you work with other organizations, such as the Federal Aviation Administration, to ensure compliance with safety regulations?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision while piloting a wingsuit.
What measures do you take to ensure that all equipment is properly maintained and in working condition prior to each flight?

Common Tools in Industry

Parachute. A device used to slow and control a free-falling body, typically used in skydiving. (eg: Sport parachute)
Altimeter. An instrument used to measure the altitude of an aircraft or other object. (eg: digital altimeter)
Helmet. A protective headgear designed to protect the head from impact. (eg: full-face helmet)
Goggles. Eyewear used to protect the eyes from dust, wind or water. (eg: ski goggles)
Harness. A device used to attach a person to a parachute or other equipment. (eg: chest harness)
Wing Suit. A specialized jumpsuit designed to increase lift and maximize area for gliding during flight. (eg: Phoenix-Fly V3 wing suit)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Bodyflight Association (IBA)
Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI)
US Parachute Association (USPA)
World Wingsuit League (WWL)
Wingsuit Pilots Federation (WPF)
International Air Sports Federation (IASF)
British Skydiving (BSkyd)
Canadian Parachuting Association (CPA)
International Skydiving Commission (ISC)
World Air Sports Federation (WASF)

We also have Advanced Canopy Pilot, Skydiving Center Manager, and Skydiving Rigging Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Paragliding. A recreational and competitive flying sport involving the use of a lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft.
Hang Gliding. A recreational activity and competitive air sport in which a pilot flies a light, non-motorized foot-launched glider aircraft.
Wingsuit Flying. A type of human-powered flight in which a person wears a wingsuit, a garment with fabric between the legs and under the arms that creates an aerodynamic shape.
BASE Jumping. An activity that involves parachuting or wingsuit flying from a fixed structure or cliff.
BASE Rigging. The art of designing and constructing parachutes and wingsuits for use in BASE jumping.
Parachuting. A recreational activity in which a person jumps from an aircraft or other high place and deploys a parachute to slow their descent.
Skydiving. A recreational activity in which a person jumps from an aircraft at a high altitude and deploys a parachute to slow their descent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Wing Suit Pilot?

A Wing Suit Pilot is a skydiver or BASE jumper who wears a special jumpsuit with fabric between the legs and under the arms that allows them to glide through the air and maneuver like a bird.

What kind of experience is required to become a Wing Suit Pilot?

To become a Wing Suit Pilot, you must have a minimum of 200 skydives and at least 25 BASE jumps, as well as a license from the United States Parachute Association (USPA).

How fast can a Wing Suit Pilot fly?

A Wing Suit Pilot can reach speeds of up to 150 mph (241 km/h) when they are in their glide.

How high can a Wing Suit Pilot fly?

Wing Suit Pilots can fly as high as 10,000 feet (3,048 m) above the ground.

What is the risk of becoming a Wing Suit Pilot?

The risk of becoming a Wing Suit Pilot is high, as it requires extreme skill and precision to navigate the air. There have been several fatalities due to wing suit flying, so it is important to follow safety protocols and practice regularly.