The United States Parachute Association (USPA) is a voluntary membership organization of individuals who enjoy and support the sport of skydiving. The association is incorporated in New York and follows the constitution and by-laws contained in the USPA Governance Manual. The purpose of USPA is three-fold: to promote safe skydiving through training, licensing, and instructor qualification programs; to ensure skydiving’s rightful place on airports and in the airspace system, and to promote competition and record-setting programs.
USPA wouldn’t be possible without its nearly 32,000 members who support the organization. More members mean a bigger voice when dealing with issues that have threatened the existence of skydiving. It also helps to ensure the longevity of skydiving for people to enjoy for years to come.
More than 250 skydiving schools, centers and clubs affiliate with USPA as Group Member "drop zones" which pledge to follow USPA's Basic Safety Requirements. These skydiving schools offer USPA-developed first-jump training methods, use only current USPA-rated skydiving instructors and provide USPA-required safety equipment.
USPA's leadership begins with its members who elect a 22-member board of directors to represent their interests. Elections are conducted every other year. The board members, who live throughout the country and work without compensation and hire an executive director, who in turn hires a staff. The executive director and the staff work at USPA Headquarters in Fredericksburg, Virginia, just a short ride from the government agencies and Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
The USPA Board is comprised of eight national directors and 14 regional directors who serve two-year terms. The regional directors are elected from the members in the USPA region where they reside; national directors are elected at-large. National and regional directors may be reelected after each term is complete. Twice each year, the board meets to review and develop programs, set policy and guide the organization. The headquarters staff carries out the policies of the board, administers USPA programs and provides daily management needs.
Regional directors are responsible for safety, training and membership services in their region. They appoint at least one USPA Safety & Training Advisor at each recognized skydiving location for assistance. S&TAs provide advice and training for extraordinary jumps, verify rating renewal requirements and issue license tests. They are expected to address safety problems and violations and may be called upon to investigate skydiving accidents.
Board members want member feedback about USPA programs and policies. You can contact your regional director or any board member here. For issues related to specific DZs, you can locate the appointed Safety & Training Advisor here.