The Winter 2026 USPA Board of Directors meeting wrapped up in Los Angeles, California. For the past three days, board members from across the country worked hard to serve skydivers. A full report will be published in April’s Parachutist magazine, but below are some highlights from a weekend of hard work!
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- Awarded the 2027 USPA National Skydiving Championships to Skydive Paraclete XP in Raeford, North Carolina, with the exception of wingsuit flying and speed skydiving. Bids will be solicited for the remaining disciplines through March 31.
- Created a combined “Vertical Champion” medal, akin to existing FS “combined champions” medals, using MFS, VFS, speed skydiving and artistic events.
- Updated SCM language in order to modernize technology used to communicate between judges and competitors, using a digital meet announcement board.
- Added a new record type for flocking jumps.
- Retired the classic belly sequential record, as the full-break record type has effectively replaced it, effective December 31, 2027.
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- Updated the tandem six-month emergency procedure review to include student harnessing, gear checks, hook-up procedures and standard operating procedures as specified by manufacturers.
- Expanded acceptable methods of completing a first-jump course in order to renew an instructional rating.
- Clarified language in the SIM regarding the participation of students on solo equipment on group freefall jumps.
- Passed a BSR requiring all tandem instructors to be equipped with a readily accessible hook knife.
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- Advanced the project for organizational strategic planning to the next stage, including member survey for input.
- Amended language to the USPA Governance Manual outlining processes to fill a vacated director seat.
- With the assistance of counsel, updated bylaw language to keep organization in line with New York state law and best practices.
- Formed working group to review good governance related to board size, makeup, term duration and process.
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- Discussed ways USPA can promote events and courses for group member drop zones.
- Awarded Randall Ottinger, D-6041, the USPA Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Awarded William Morrissey, D-156, the USPA Gold Medal for Meritorious Service.
- Awarded Yan Xia, D-38020; Rick DeShano, D-18067; Claude Wilson, D-3083; Mark Farrell, D-6549; and Shwetaben Parmar, C-51806, USPA Regional Achievement Awards.
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- Reviewed new uspa.org database feature, enabling regional directors to better communicate with S&TAs in their regions.
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- Addressed concerns related to the FAA’s proposed rules for commercial drones (FAR Part 108) in conjunction with other aviation associations.
- Reviewed USPA efforts to stop ADS-B usage to generate airport landing fees.
- Discussed ongoing collaboration with other aviation associations advocating or air-traffic control modernization.
- Introduced a new drop zone safety inspection checklist in order to help DZs identify safety deficiencies.