Space Lan

How does a person become a Tandem Skydiving Master, after their AFF?

What is the training involved and how long would it take?

Public Comments

1. I think its 500 jumps until you can consider becoming a Tandem Master. This might seem a lot but learning all the disciplines of formation jumping, 2 way, 4 way as well as free fly takes...jumps. You also need to be able to use a video camera so you can film jumps, and many people build up their jump experience working at DZ's packing, filming tandem jumps etc. So check out dropzone.com to find a few dz's near you and go and meet the people there. Get to know how they operate and build relationships with one or two of them. This way they are more likely to offer you work and help towards your tandem rating.
2. After you have become a licensed skydiver there are several ratings you can go after. The first rating that you must have before you go for your tandem or AFF rating is the Coach rating. You need a minimum of 100 jumps before you can start the Coach training course. After completing the Coach course, usually the better part of one weekend, you will be able to jump with skydivers who are unlicensed but cleared to self supervise. The AFF rating course requires the jumper to have at least 6 hours of free fall before starting the course to earn the rating. The Tandem rating requires that the jumper holds a D license, which among many other requirements is a minimum of 500 jumps including at least two night jumps. The jumper most also have been an active skydiver for three years. So if you hit the jumping hard and get 500 jumps in one year, you will still have to wait another two before you can go for the tandem rating. The training course will be set up for you to be cleared to jump by the United States Parachute Association and by the manufacture of the tandem system. Unlike any other parachute system that does not require a manufacturer's endorsement, the tandem gear does require it. You'll learn on the gear, then with licensed skydivers, both Instructor Examiners and others before you will be cleared to take others. It's a lot of work to get any rating in the sport, but it is well worth it. You can get more information about this and skydiving by going to the United States Parachute Association's web stie: http://www.uspa.org. Look up the SIM, Skydiver's Information Manual, and also, when you are getting ready to go for any rating you'll want to get the IRM, Instructor Rating Manual. Blue Skies!!