Step by step breakdown of our program:

STEP 1: Tandem Skydive

Before taking Ground School, you must complete 1 basic tandem skydive. Sign up for a tandem here.

STEP 2: Ground School

Ground School is a 6 hour class on the ground. You will learn everything you need to know to skydive solo. Sign up for Ground School here.

Requirements:

• Must be 18 or older

• Must be 210 lbs or less and an appropriate height/weight ratio. (220 lbs max if 6’2” or taller).

• Must have completed your first tandem skydive

STEP 3: Training Tandem Skydive

After ground school, you will make a training tandem skydive. This will prep you for your first solo jump. You will wear an altimeter and pull the parachute for you and your instructor at the proper altitude. You will learn about the proper body position, canopy flight, and landing pattern.

STEP 4: Solo Skydives with Instructor Supervision

We follow the USPA Integrated Student Program (ISP). This is an awesome program that progresses you through different levels called Categories. In each level you will learn different skills necessary to become a fully licensed skydiver.

Here is a short summary of the main freefall tasks of each level. Check out the example videos produced by the USPA for each jump.

Note: These videos are not from Skydive Utah. They are provided by the USPA.

Category A

This is your first solo jump. Held by 2 instructors, the main focuses are altitude awareness and a stable body position. 

Category B

This jump will introduce forward movement and turning, while still being held by your instructors.

Optional Step

*Optional, but HIGHLY recommended*  You will spend 15 minutes at iFLY Utah with our instructors, practicing all the freefall skills you will need in the upcoming levels.

Category C1

This jump will remove the training wheels. Your instructors will let go for the first time!

Category C2

Now down to 1 instructor, you will continue flying solo and work on stability.

Category D1

You will learn 90 degree turns.

Category D2

You will continue your heading control training with 180 and 360 degree turns

Category E1

You will now learn barrel rolls; practicing how to regain stability.

Category E2

You will learn front and backflips, and how to regain stability.

STEP 5: Solo Student Status

Once you pass Cat E2, you are officially able to jump solo without instructor supervision! You will now be on Solo Student status.

You still have some restrictions, including:

• You must jump solo, unless it is with an instructor, coach, or D license holder

• You cannot jump in winds higher than 14mph

• You must wear a helmet and jumpsuit

You will continue to work through the rest of the Categories on your A License Progression Card. You will do some solo jumps, coached jumps, parachute packing, and demonstrate specific knowledge on the ground.

Once the A License Card in completed, you are officially a licensed skydiver!

STEP 6: USPA A License!

Once you earn your A license, you can start to jump with all other licensed skydivers and continue to learn all the other fun parts of this sport!

There are many different disciplines including RW, freefly, wingsuit, CREW, swooping, XRW, and more! You will learn all about these as you progress and find what paths you want to pursue. 

For more information on the United States Parachute Association (USPA), click here.