How To Become A Skydiving Instructor

How to Become a Skydiving Instructor: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you're dreaming of a career where adrenaline is your daily dose and breathtaking views are part of the job description? Becoming a skydiving instructor could be your perfect path! It's a challenging yet incredibly rewarding career that combines your passion for skydiving with the satisfaction of teaching others. This guide will break down the steps needed to achieve this exciting goal.

1. Gaining the Necessary Experience: Laying the Foundation

Before you can even think about teaching others, you need to prove your own expertise in the skies. This involves accumulating significant jump time and mastering various skydiving disciplines.

Minimum Requirements:

• USPA A License: This is the foundational license, requiring a certain number of successful jumps and ground training. The exact numbers vary depending on your dropzone.
• Extensive Jump Count: You'll need many more jumps than the minimum for your A-license. Expect a significantly high number, often in the hundreds, before even considering an instructor rating. This demonstrates proficiency and experience in various skydiving conditions.
• Proficiency in various skydiving disciplines: This isn't just about freefall; demonstrating skills in canopy piloting, accuracy landing, and potentially other disciplines is crucial. The more versatile you are, the more valuable you'll be as an instructor.
• Consistent, Safe Jumping Habits: A stellar safety record is non-negotiable. Any incidents or violations could severely impact your chances of becoming an instructor.

2. Choosing a Dropzone and Instructor Rating Program

With sufficient experience under your belt, the next step is selecting a reputable dropzone and enrolling in their instructor rating program. Not all dropzones offer the same level of training or support.

Finding the Right Dropzone:

• Reputation: Research the dropzone's safety record, the experience of their instructors, and the overall atmosphere.
• Instructor-to-Student Ratio: Look for programs with a manageable student-to-instructor ratio. This ensures you receive personalized attention during your training.
• Training Curriculum: Inquire about the program's curriculum, duration, and the specific skills you'll learn. A comprehensive curriculum is essential for becoming a competent instructor.

3. The Instructor Rating Program: Putting Your Skills to the Test

This is the intensive phase where you'll go from experienced skydiver to certified instructor. Expect rigorous training in:

Key Aspects of the Instructor Rating Program:

• Advanced Skills: You'll refine your existing skills and learn advanced techniques to prepare you for teaching.
• Teaching Methodology: This involves learning how to effectively communicate complex information, manage student expectations, and handle potential emergencies.
• Risk Management: Safety is paramount. The training emphasizes identifying and mitigating risks during every jump.
• Emergency Procedures: Thorough instruction on various emergency situations and how to effectively react is crucial.
• Practical Assessments: This is where you put your skills to the test. You'll be evaluated on your ability to demonstrate techniques and teach others.

4. Maintaining Your Certification and Continuing Education

Once you've earned your instructor rating, the learning doesn't stop. Continuous education and professional development are essential for staying current with best practices and safety standards. This may involve attending workshops, seminars, or refresher courses.

Staying Current:

• Regular Updates: Keep up-to-date with any changes in regulations, equipment, and skydiving techniques.
• Continued Training: Participation in ongoing training programs helps you maintain your skills and adapt to new methodologies.
• Professional Development: Engage with the broader skydiving community to network, share knowledge, and stay informed about industry developments.

5. Beyond the Rating: Building Your Career

Congratulations! You are now a certified skydiving instructor. But that’s just the beginning of a potentially long and exciting career.

Building Your Career:

• Networking: Develop relationships with other instructors, dropzones, and skydivers.
• Specializations: Consider specializing in specific areas like tandem skydiving, freefly, or wingsuit instruction.
• Leadership Roles: Seek leadership opportunities within your dropzone.
• Continuous Improvement: Always seek opportunities to improve your teaching skills and stay at the forefront of skydiving instruction.

Becoming a skydiving instructor requires dedication, hard work, and a genuine passion for the sport. But the rewards – the thrill of sharing your love of skydiving with others and contributing to a safe and vibrant community – are immense. Good luck on your journey!