Above: Photo by Ewan Cowie.

When handling uncurrent skydivers, it is crucial to approach their reintegration into the sport with a balance of caution and tailored training. The Skydiver's Information Manual outlines basic currency requirements, but lacks specific guidance for varying lengths of inactivity or individual experience levels beyond simple license status. This is why the expertise of instructors and S&TAs is essential. Their role in assessing each case individually, especially when dealing with student jumpers and licensed skydivers returning after a significant layoff, is vital for safe and effective reintegration.

For student jumpers, the training approach should be determined by their period of inactivity and their last completed jump category. A short layoff, typically under one or two months, may require only a verbal and practical review of the first-jump course, followed by a jump in the category they last completed. However, it may be necessary to revisit earlier categories for longer layoffs, such as three to six months. For instance, higher-category students may need to step back to a Category C or D jump, depending on their previous experience, to ensure they are reacquainted with the necessary skills. The progression is deliberately gradual, with increasing complexity in jumps as they demonstrate proficiency.

Consider canopy progressionas well. If a student recently downsized their canopy before the layoff, returning to the larger canopy is advisable until they regain proficiency with flare timing and achieve consistent soft landings.

Licensed skydivers should generally perform the A-license check dive to revalidate their skills, but this should be adjusted based on their layoff duration and experience level. Returning to a lower-level category jump may be necessary for those with less experience and a longer layoff, potentially with an instructor taking a harness hold grip on the exit to ensure safety. This cautious approach allows the jumper to refamiliarize themselves with the procedures and safely manage the jump. The attached chart offers recommendations for various experience levels based on the length of layoff. However, it should be viewed as the baseline for the average jumper. The final decision should be based on the jumper’s ability to recall and perform essential survival skills, respond to emergency procedures during practical exercises and retain and execute the dive flow.

In cases of longer layoffs, regardless of experience level, multiple jumps may be required before the jumper is cleared to jump with other licensed skydivers. This may include using a larger parachute than they previously jumped until they demonstrate adequate canopy control and landing accuracy. A typical progression could include starting with a Category C1 or C2 jump, where the instructor(s) maintains a gripped exit, followed by Category D and E jumps focusing on solo exits and turns and concluding with a Category F jump to ensure the jumper can safely track and gain separation from others.

Instructors should emphasize the jumper’s recollection of key survival skills, such as when to check their altitude, pull priorities, rules of the air and landing priorities. Practical exercises, like responding to emergency procedures (through freefall, deployment and canopy flight) in a training harness will be critical indicators of the jumper’s readiness. Assessing these skills is about ensuring safety, rebuilding their confidence, reinforcing the importance of skill review and encouraging the jumper to take responsibility for their own readiness.

Ultimately, a personalized approach is vital when dealing with uncurrent skydivers. While guidelines and charts provide a framework, the individual’s recall and performance during training should dictate the path forward. By carefully evaluating each jumper’s needs and adjusting the training accordingly, instructors and S&TAs can ensure a safe and effective return to skydiving.

Ron Bell | D-26863
USPA Director of Safety and Training