Much has happened to USPA since its humble beginnings when ex-military parachutist Joe Crane incorporated a loose-knit group of barnstormers into the National Parachute-Riggers, Inc. on July 10, 1946. First, working from his home basement on Long Island, New York, Crane later gained the help of other dedicated thrill-seeking pioneers like Jacques Istel and Lew Sanborn, to grow our organization from just a couple of hundred parachuting enthusiasts to nearly 32,000 members. Changing its name in 1957 to the Parachute Club of America, it finally became the United States Parachute Association in 1967.
It was those early pioneers’ efforts in writing safety procedures and license requirements that gave the organization its due recognition. First, they convinced the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) to issue sporting licenses similar to those it issued to pilots. Then, on their behalf, the NAA recommended that the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) include a parachute category in their organization. The stature gained by its relationship with the NAA allows USPA to represent all U.S. skydivers, not only before local, state and federal government bodies, but at all international skydiving events and meetings worldwide.
By creating certificates of proficiency, instructor and jumpmaster ratings, and instruction course curriculum, USPA continues to lead the world in safety and sport promotion standards. Its unique ability to promote skydiving through its hosting of national and world competition events guarantees its place in the aviation community on par with every airport and airspace user. Every component of the skydiving community—drop zone owners, pilots, manufacturers, equippers, riggers and individual skydivers—depend on USPA for its leadership as they enjoy one of the most thrilling sports known to man.