What It Takes to Become a Tandem Parachute Jump Instructor

Becoming a parachute jump instructor is an exciting journey that transforms passionate skydivers into the superheroes of the dropzone! Skydiving with an instructor gives total novices the ability to experience the sheer freedom of flight without having to invest the time and resources of learning how to do it solo.  

What exactly does it take to become a professional skydiver? Do you have to be born into it, or is it more about hard work and dedication? The latter, of course! Let’s dive in.

What Is A Tandem Skydive Instructor? 

A tandem skydive instructor is a certified professional skydiver who guides first-time jumpers through the exciting experience of skydiving. Tandem instructors manage all aspects of the skydive and find joy in giving first-timers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. They act as the gateway into the sport because, for most, a tandem skydive is their first jump EVER! 

How To Become A Skydiving Instructor 

How exactly do tandem skydive instructors fall into such a neat (and fun) profession? Many are driven by an enthusiasm for the sport and a genuine desire to share that excitement with others. And although this is tons of fun, we can’t overlook the years of hard work necessary to be a skydiving instructor. Let’s break it down: 

1. Do your first skydive! 

Tandem skydiving instructors are able to be so in tune with their passengers because they were once in their exact shoes! The first step to any goal in life is diving head first into the unknown, and for skydiving, that leap is literal. 

2. Get licensed. 

The United States Parachute Association (USPA) issues four comprehensive solo skydiving licenses – A through D. Each license entails proving progressively advanced skills and knowledge in the sport. This means that the A-license focuses on basic techniques, while the D-license is achieved once the jumper has shown mastery of elite skills and dedication to the sport. Each licensee learns more complex skills as they progress, and with these come new privileges – like night jumps and skydives from specialty aircraft, such as hot air balloons!

3. Start teaching others – get your ratings! 

Everyone’s skydiving journey looks different. Those wanting to guide others in their progression may opt to obtain instructional ratings, which is a prerequisite to pursuing a tandem instructor rating. 

The USPA Coach Rating can be pursued by those with 100 jumps and a B-license! A Coach Rating gives people the opportunity to share their knowledge with students, without the added pressure of taking them on their very first jump. Understanding something for yourself is one thing, but being able to teach it to others shows a different level of proficiency, and a Coach Rating helps jumpers practice this skill! The ability to turn thoughts into effective communication is critical for skydivers and especially for tandem instructors. 

4. Go for the tandem skydiving instructor rating! 

After all that hard work, we’re FINALLY at the tandem instructor (TI) rating. Let’s dive into a few requirements that must be met in order to earn a TI rating: 

A high jump number. How many jumps do you need to be an instructor? A minimum of 500 skydives is required to become a tandem instructor! Whew, that sounds like a lot, right? You’ll be shocked (and perhaps relieved) to know that many instructors pursue their tandem skydiving rating once they’ve far surpassed this number – it’s just a minimum.

A USPA D-license. This advanced license demonstrates a jumper’s extensive experience and knowledge about the sport, ensuring they’re at a place in their progression where they could begin teaching newcomers to the sport. 

FAA Class III Medical Certificate. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues medical certificates to indicate that the future tandem instructor meets the necessary health and fitness requirements to take others skydiving. 

Pass a USPA Tandem Instructor Rating Course. The tandem instructor course is a bit involved and we won’t go through all the nitty-gritty here. Candidates must pass oral and written examinations, and tandem skydives where multiple not-so-great scenarios are thrown at them. The course is designed to prepare future instructors for anything and everything that could happen during actual tandem skydives! 

Have a passion for sharing the sport with others. Tandem instructors are the bridge between the general public and our life-changing sport! How many tandem jumps a year do tandem instructors have to make to stay current? 15! This number is a minimum requirement to ensure tandem instructors keep their heads in the game, and the majority of instructors will make hundreds more than this per year. 

How Safe Is Tandem Skydiving With An Instructor? 

Tandem jumping is the safest way to be introduced to the sport of skydiving. Think of it like driving in a car with someone who has 200,000 miles of driving experience, or riding shotgun with a newly licensed driver. We’d take the experienced road-tripper anytime! 

How many tandem jumps a year happen? Tens of thousands of tandem parachute jumps happen every year! Tandem skydiving is classified as an extreme sport with inherent risks, but the skydiving community prioritizes safety above all, and this is prevalent in the training instructors go through. Tandem instructors follow strict protocols to reduce risk, which allows us to complete multiple jumps per day! 

Don’t just dream about flying – make it happen! Whether it’s a check off the ol’ bucket list or the beginning of a great, life-changing adventure, we can’t wait to take the plunge with you!