Now that summer is well underway, there’s a good chance that many jumpers are reaching milestones in their skydiving careers. USPA issues two types of awards so jumpers can commemorate these milestones: achievement awards (for number of jumps and time of freefall) and performance awards (for canopy formation performance). The basic requirements for these awards appear in the Skydiver’s Information Manual, achievement awards in Section 8-2 and performance awards in Section 8-3.
USPA members can earn awards for each 1,000 jumps (Wings Award) and 12 hours of freefall time (Freefall Badge). Once someone reaches the milestone, they simply need to fill out the application and have a USPA National or Regional Director certify it. The jumper will then receive a complimentary certificate for every achievement level. Initial applicants for the 1,000-Jump Wings and 12-Hour Freefall Badge will receive metal pins at no cost. Additional pins for higher-level awards are available for purchase.
Members can also receive awards for canopy performance. These awards recognize canopy formation skydivers as they progress toward higher levels of canopy control, maneuverability and proficiency. The 4-Stack Award is for building a canopy formation of four or more canopies. The Canopy Crest Recipient (8-Stack Award) is for building a canopy formation of eight or more canopies. The Canopy Crest Soloist Award is for docking eighth or later in a completed eight-canopy formation. Night versions of each of these awards are also available.
Both the Wings and Badges Award Application and the Canopy Formation Performance Awards Application are available at uspa.org/downloads.