Expert: Mike Turoff - 4/1/2009

Question
I am doing a research paper on my dream job and I have some questions for you. Whats the career growth as an instructor? What are the educational requirements to become an instructor? And I know that some states requirements are different as far as getting certified but How many jumps do you have to do in order to get certified? Thank you for your time mike

Answer
Oh boy, have you chosen the wrong career aspiration!  There is very little career growth in the Skydiving Industry.  Instructors make contract pay based upon the number of students they work with and that is a very weather and student vs. other instructor availability dependent job.  The old joke is about:  "How do you make a small fortune in skydiving?  Start out with a large fortune!"

Now let's get to the serious part of your questions.

Educational requirements to become a skydiving instructor are specified in the United States Parachute Association's Instructional Rating Manual.  Basically, you'll have to be proficient in making jumps and the ability to observe the performance of "practice students" before you can attend the first level of certification which is the "Coach" rating.  Then you can go on to instructional ratings in one of the four instructional programs based upon your abilities in the sky, the number of jumps you have, and attendance at certification courses for each of the disciplines.  States do not make requirements other than insisting that Federal Aviation Regulations be adhered to, and the FAA refers to the USPA as the main source of information in the sport in the US.  

Camera flying (as a videographer) is another way to make money in the sport.  

As to the number of jumps you'll need to get into certifications, 100 jumps for a coach rating, 500+ jumps (D-license) for an Accelerated Freefall rating and a Tandem Instructor rating.  Static Line and Instructor Assisted Deployment ratings can be had at the 100 jump level after obtaining and demonstrating proficiency at the Coach level and that usually takes you into the 200 jump region.

The IRM is available on-line at the USPA's website as is the Skydiver's Information Manual.  Those should be your primary resources.  Of course, you could always read our book, Parachuting, The Skydiver's Handbook to get more background information.

Blue Skies!