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Things to Know Before You Go

You can jump your own gear, even if it’s not approved by the FAA (U.S. government).
Before 2001, international skydivers could only jump gear approved by FAA (TSO’d) when jumping in the U.S. In 2001, USPA fought that rule and won so that international jumpers could jump their non-approved gear while visiting the states. (See TSO Memo for more details.)

Make sure your rig is in date!
In the U.S., all reserves must be repacked every 180 days by an FAA rigger. (effective December 19, 2008 - see USPA News & USPA blog for more information) Your gear, if not FAA-approved (TSO’d), may be packed based on your country’s repack interval. (See TSO Memo for more details.)

Traveling with a skydiving rig as a carry-on is easy within the U.S.
USPA and PIA issued nationwide guidance to U.S. screeners, inspectors and supervisors about the carriage of parachute rigs on board commercial airlines. Skydivers encountering problems with screeners should request that the screener's supervisor become involved. Skydivers should insist that the supervisor review "The Parachute Screening section of the Screening Checkpoint Standard Operating Procedure." Skydivers encountering unsatisfactory treatment should contact USPA at (540) 604-9740 or e-mail us. Be ready to provide the airport, date and time of flight, airline and flight number, and names of TSA officials involved.

USPA Group Member drop zones may require jumpers to be insured.
Check with the drop zone you’re visiting to find out for sure. USPA membership provides the necessary insurance; if you’re not already a member of USPA, you may want to join. Some drop zones even offer an introductory membership for $20, which is good for 90 days.

Review Safety Rules and Recommendations in the U.S.
There are only a few Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) directed at skydivers in the U.S. (for example, it is illegal to jump through clouds). In addition, USPA has established Basic Safety Regulations (BSRs) to further help ensure safety of skydivers (like a minimum opening altitude of 2,000 feet or approximately 610 meters). All USPA Group Member drop zones adhere to these rules and recommendations.

Check the website of the drop zone you’re visiting for more details.
It’s always good to check the drop zone’s website for more information about the local area, as well as food, lodging and transportation options. The U.S. is full of very friendly people who welcome all cultures. And if you bring beer, you’re sure to be a hit!

American DZ Tips

Orientation
When you arrive at your destination drop zone, ask for a complete jumper orientation. Find out where the main and alternate landing areas are as well as good "out" landing areas. Make sure to take note of obstacles surrounding the drop zone and airport in case you can’t make it back.

Landing Patterns
Landing patterns differ at drop zones, so make sure to ask for details about their landing pattern. On no-wind days, some DZs opt to all land in the same predetermined direction, while others land in the same direction as the first person down. Group member drop zones separate high-performance landings (either by time or space) from standard approaches. Some restrict high-performance turns altogether. The bottom line is that DZs differ, so make sure to find out the details for each one you’re visiting.

Beer
If you do a first (first CASA jump, first 30-way, first freefly, etc.) buy a case of beer. It’s traditional, it’s super-sociable and it’s cheap. If you hear someone shout "Beer!" view this as "congratulations," and celebrate with new friends and frosty beverages after jumping hours.

General U.S. Travel Tips

Transportation
Expect immigration and airport security to take a long time, especially if you have a flight change. If you’re renting a car, try to do so in advance on the internet. It will likely save you money. The smallest (usually “compact”) car will be considered large by European standards. It’s possible (and likely) you’ll get a free upgrade when you arrive at the rental car location.

Travel
Make sure you’re familiar with U.S. laws—both federal and state. For example, in most states, it is an offense for anyone in the car to have an open alcoholic beverage.

Eating Out
Tips are a way of life and are needed to make up wages. Tip everywhere you sit down to eat or drink; a standard tip is 15-20 percent of the total bill.

Travel tips generously provided by Ditta Valsdottir, Norwegian national team.

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