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Over the past five years, the number of annual civilian skydiving deaths has been on the decrease. Ten people died making sport skydives in the U.S. in 2021, the fewest number of U.S. civilian skydiving deaths since recordkeeping began in 1961. The recent downward trend began in 2018, when 13 fatalities occurred in the U.S. for a fatality index of 0.39 per 100,000 jumps. Rising slightly in 2019 to 15, the number again fell in 2020 to 11 with an index rate of 0.39 (matching 2018’s index rate, but with fewer fatalities and fewer skydives made). Although the final data is not in on the number of jumps made in 2021, it is nearly certain that the fatality index will be at an all-time low, as well. This downward trend is a result of the efforts of drop zones and their staff, the parachute manufacturing industry and skydivers across the country. 

Although every life lost is tragic, leaving behind friends and family mourning, there is comfort in knowing that each year skydiving is getting significantly safer. This smaller fatality count is a testament to all the hard work drop zone operators, safety and training advisors, instructors, the skydiving industry and jumpers themselves are performing daily. With a bit of luck and continued vigilance, maybe we can see our first single-digit year next year. One way to help us achieve this goal is by attending your local drop zone’s Safety Day, this year scheduled for March 12 (but dates can vary by location). 

Follow this page for live event information from the 2021 National Collegiate Championships!

For up-to-date scores, visit skydiveorbust.com.

In November, the estate of longtime USPA member and parachute rigging instructor Dave DeWolf, D-1046, notified USPA that it was distributing $118,299.09 to the U.S. Parachute Team Trust Fund. DeWolf passed away on May 22, 2019, and remembered the trust fund in his will. Known by all as “Handsome Dave,” DeWolf had more than 13,000 jumps to his credit, a larger-than-life personality, a rollicking sense of humor and a very deep knowledge of parachutes and rigging. He began skydiving in 1962 and never stopped, actively skydiving and training riggers through his school, Para Loft, into his 80s.   

DeWolf’s service to skydiving earned him many accolades in his more than 50 years in the sport, including the USPA Gold Medal for Meritorious Service, the Parachute Industry Association's Don Beck Memorial Award and induction into the International Skydiving Museum’s Hall of Fame. He continued his generosity after his death with a gift to the USPT Trust Fund. His donation will help the trust continue to grow, with the interest used to support each U.S. Parachute Team that competes at World Championships. Jumpers who are interested in remembering the sport with a legacy gift to USPA or one of its four funds—The USPT Trust Fund, The U.S. Parachute Team Inc., The U.S. Skydiving Safety Foundation and the Airport Access Defense Fund—can contact Executive Director Albert Berchtold at aberchtold@uspa.org for planned giving information.  

 USPA bestows its Lifetime Achievement Award on skydivers “in recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, skill or personal contribution to the sport of parachuting and the United States Parachute Association, its goals and purposes.” Renowned skydiving competitor and judge Marylou Laughlin, D-12418, personifies those qualities, and at its recent summer meeting, the USPA Board of Directors unanimously chose her as the 2021 recipient of this prestigious honor.

Laughlin started skydiving in 1988, going through the student program at Connecticut Parachutists Inc. in Ellington. Although she has accumulated more than 4,000 jumps all over the country—and indeed, the world—she still considers CPI her home DZ.

In the early 1990s, Laughlin became heavily involved in competition, first in the classic events of style and accuracy and then in para-ski. During her time as a competitor, she won five gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals at the USPA Nationals, earning a spot on eight U.S. Parachute Teams—three for para-ski (1993, 1995 and 1999) and five for style and accuracy (1994, 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000). Laughlin is also an accomplished formation skydiver and canopy formation skydiver who has set several state records.

It was her interest in improving as a competitor that got her started in judging. As she said in her October 2019 Parachutist Profile: “I was told back when I first started competing that competition is a game, and the rules are part of the game. Learn them and use them. I was still competing and decided to become a judge to be a better competitor. I started judging at the Collegiate Nationals. I did that for years and enjoyed the entire Collegiates experience, especially the competitors! I got my Fédération Aéronautique Internationale Accuracy Judge rating to learn even more, and I was invited by the Golden Knights to be their judge at CISM (the military world championships).”

Once Laughlin stopped competing in the 2000s, she focused her considerable energies on judging. She is an Accuracy Landing and Canopy Piloting Judge Examiner; an Accuracy Landing, Canopy Formation, Canopy Piloting, Formation Skydiving and Style National Judge; and an FAI Canopy Piloting Judge. She has served as chief judge at countless national and international competitions, including the recent FAI World Parachuting Championships in Tanay, Russia. She also teaches national and international judging courses and says that she loves “to open the judging side of competition to competitors, as well as others who want to learn.”

Aside from judging, Laughlin has served USPA and its members as the Northeast Regional Director from 1999-2012. A tireless USPA leader, she spent time as the Competition Committee chair, Executive Committee at-large member and delegate to the International Parachuting Commission (now called the International Skydiving Commission) of the FAI. Internationally, she has served as head of delegation, jury member, FAI Controller, bureau member and ISC Vice President.

In 2004, the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights gave her recognition for her years of service by naming her an Honorary Golden Knight. In 2014, the FAI chose to bestow upon her its prestigious Leonardo da Vinci Parachuting Diploma, stating, “We do not believe there is another judge in the world in the last 10 years who has conducted more judge training camps and been responsible for the issuing of more initial judge’s ratings than Ms. Laughlin.”

Never one to slow down, Laughlin—who seemingly has limitless energy—is secretary of the International Skydiving Museum Board of Trustees. She serves on its Development and Marketing Committees, is chair of the Path of Excellence/Pioneers of Excellence Committee and co-chair of the Nominations & Elections Committee.

On top of all of this, Lauglin scuba dives (she has a PADI Advanced Open Water certification) and holds a private pilot’s license. She’s also a reiki practitioner and animal lover who founded the 501(c)(3) charity Reiki Wildlife International, which teaches reiki techniques to animal sanctuaries, conservation groups, rescues, caregivers and communities around the world.

On the evening of October 28, Laughlin accepted her Lifetime Achievement Award at—where else? — the USPA Nationals. At a lively ceremony sponsored by Sun Path Products directly following the 8-way formation skydiving and wingsuit flying medal ceremonies, Laughlin’s former colleagues on the USPA Board—Bill Wenger and Lee Schlichtemeier—spoke to the crowd that had assembled to honor her. Both men extolled her good humor, dedication and professionalism. As Wenger commented, “when you ask Marylou to do something, you don’t even need to think about it anymore. You know she’ll get it done. She’ll get it done right, and she’ll get it done professionally.”

Cheers and whistles rippled through the crowd as Schlichtemeier called Laughlin to the stage. Flanked by Schlichtemeier, Wenger and Executive Director Albert Berchtold, Laughlin accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award—a silver bowl on a walnut base—with a citation that reads, “For unsurpassed selfless contribution to the sport of skydiving and the United States Parachute Association as a leader, competitor, judge and U.S. representative within the international skydiving community.”

 USPA bestows its Lifetime Achievement Award on skydivers “in recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, skill or personal contribution to the sport of parachuting and the United States Parachute Association, its goals and purposes.” Renowned skydiving competitor and judge Marylou Laughlin, D-12418, personifies those qualities, and at its recent summer meeting, the USPA Board of Directors unanimously chose her as the 2021 recipient of this prestigious honor.

Laughlin started skydiving in 1988, going through the student program at Connecticut Parachutists Inc. in Ellington. Although she has accumulated more than 4,000 jumps all over the country—and indeed, the world—she still considers CPI her home DZ.

In the early 1990s, Laughlin became heavily involved in competition, first in the classic events of style and accuracy and then in para-ski. During her time as a competitor, she won five gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals at the USPA Nationals, earning a spot on eight U.S. Parachute Teams—three for para-ski (1993, 1995 and 1999) and five for style and accuracy (1994, 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000). Laughlin is also an accomplished formation skydiver and canopy formation skydiver who has set several state records.

It was her interest in improving as a competitor that got her started in judging. As she said in her October 2019 Parachutist Profile: “I was told back when I first started competing that competition is a game, and the rules are part of the game. Learn them and use them. I was still competing and decided to become a judge to be a better competitor. I started judging at the Collegiate Nationals. I did that for years and enjoyed the entire Collegiates experience, especially the competitors! I got my Fédération Aéronautique Internationale Accuracy Judge rating to learn even more, and I was invited by the Golden Knights to be their judge at CISM (the military world championships).”

Once Laughlin stopped competing in the 2000s, she focused her considerable energies on judging. She is an Accuracy Landing and Canopy Piloting Judge Examiner; an Accuracy Landing, Canopy Formation, Canopy Piloting, Formation Skydiving and Style National Judge; and an FAI Canopy Piloting Judge. She has served as chief judge at countless national and international competitions, including the recent FAI World Parachuting Championships in Tanay, Russia. She also teaches national and international judging courses and says that she loves “to open the judging side of competition to competitors, as well as others who want to learn.”

Aside from judging, Laughlin has served USPA and its members as the Northeast Regional Director from 1999-2012. A tireless USPA leader, she spent time as the Competition Committee chair, Executive Committee at-large member and delegate to the International Parachuting Commission (now called the International Skydiving Commission) of the FAI. Internationally, she has served as head of delegation, jury member, FAI Controller, bureau member and ISC Vice President.

In 2004, the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights gave her recognition for her years of service by naming her an Honorary Golden Knight. In 2014, the FAI chose to bestow upon her its prestigious Leonardo da Vinci Parachuting Diploma, stating, “We do not believe there is another judge in the world in the last 10 years who has conducted more judge training camps and been responsible for the issuing of more initial judge’s ratings than Ms. Laughlin.”

Never one to slow down, Laughlin—who seemingly has limitless energy—is secretary of the International Skydiving Museum Board of Trustees. She serves on its Development and Marketing Committees, is chair of the Path of Excellence/Pioneers of Excellence Committee and co-chair of the Nominations & Elections Committee.

On top of all of this, Lauglin scuba dives (she has a PADI Advanced Open Water certification) and holds a private pilot’s license. She’s also a reiki practitioner and animal lover who founded the 501(c)(3) charity Reiki Wildlife International, which teaches reiki techniques to animal sanctuaries, conservation groups, rescues, caregivers and communities around the world.

On the evening of October 28, Laughlin accepted her Lifetime Achievement Award at—where else? — the USPA Nationals. At a lively ceremony sponsored by Sun Path Products directly following the 8-way formation skydiving and wingsuit flying medal ceremonies, Laughlin’s former colleagues on the USPA Board—Bill Wenger and Lee Schlichtemeier—spoke to the crowd that had assembled to honor her. Both men extolled her good humor, dedication and professionalism. As Wenger commented, “when you ask Marylou to do something, you don’t even need to think about it anymore. You know she’ll get it done. She’ll get it done right, and she’ll get it done professionally.”

Cheers and whistles rippled through the crowd as Schlichtemeier called Laughlin to the stage. Flanked by Schlichtemeier, Wenger and Executive Director Albert Berchtold, Laughlin accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award—a silver bowl on a walnut base—with a citation that reads, “For unsurpassed selfless contribution to the sport of skydiving and the United States Parachute Association as a leader, competitor, judge and U.S. representative within the international skydiving community.”

Results are in for the 2022-2024 USPA Board of Directors election, which concluded October 29. Below is the list of candidates for the eight national director seats and 13 regional director seats, along with the vote totals. Winners are indicated in bold type. The new board will take its seat at the 2022 winter meeting, February 11-13 in Houston, Texas. A total of 5,593 members voted.

Event information, including event schedules, is available here: championships2021.com

Find the latest scores here: OmniskoreHD!  

All photos provided by David Cherry and David Wybenga of D-Squared Photography.

On October 16, former USPA National Director Tom Noonan, D-24313, died at age 47. He was preparing to make a high-altitude skydive that he did not complete due to a medical emergency. His passing marks a huge loss for the skydiving community, which benefitted from his expertise, intelligence and warm-heartedness for more than two decades.

Noonan joined USPA in 2000 and soon became interested in sharing his love of the sky with others, becoming a USPA Coach in 2001 and a Tandem Instructor in 2003. He went on to become a USPA Coach and Tandem Examiner, an AFF Instructor and an Examiner Course Director, and became the director of tandem for Strong Enterprises. He then moved to United Parachute Technologies, where he became the tandem program director and mentored hundreds if not thousands of future instructors using his safety-oriented approach. In addition, Noonan was a Federal Aviation Administration Senior Rigger and a USPA Safety and Training Advisor.

Along with his work in the instructional field, Noonan served USPA members on its board of directors. He was the Southeast Regional Director from 2009-2010, serving on the Safety & Training and Finance & Budget Committees. Leaving the board when his term ended, he continued to contribute to the success of USPA by acting as an advisor to the Finance and Budget Committee from 2011-2012. In 2013, he rejoined the board as a national director. He served in that capacity from 2013-2018, at various times serving on the Safety & Training, Finance & Budget and Executive Committees. During his time on the board, he most visibly worked on ways to improve the safety of the sport. 

Noonan traveled the world both for work and for adventure … and usually combined the two. Since its founding in 2008, he was the chief technical director of Everest Skydive, which arranges skydiving adventures near the famed mountain in Nepal. On one of those trips, he, along with Wendy Smith and Jai Kishan, made what is thought to be the world's a highest-altitude landing at 17,192 feet. Noonan's time in Nepal gave him an enormous appreciation for the country, its culture and its people.

At his heart, Noonan was a mentor who had the gift of recognizing and nurturing talent in others. When he noticed a tandem instructor was excelling, he would personally call them and encourage them to move forward in the next step of their careers. Director of Safety and Training Ron Bell remarked, "Saying that Tom was very influential in my career is an understatement. He always required me to be the best me, and he pushed me to be more than I was. He was that way with everyone. There have been a handful of people who were instrumental in my skydiving career, and he is the one of those."

Former USPA Director of Safety and Training Jim Crouch wrote, "Tom Noonan worked tirelessly to improve the tandem training program, and he traveled the world along the way. … He saw and did a lot more than most people could ever wish for in any lifetime."

Photos courtesy of Patrick Kessler and Lindsay Wheeler.

On September 17, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT)-Airports Division formally revoked its intent to terminate the lease for Kawaihapai (Dillingham) Airfield, giving tenants and businesses at least three more years as the U.S. Army and HDOT work to finalize a joint-use agreement and long-term lease. The airfield—located on Oahu’s North Shore—is a special place, with steady trade winds, open landing areas and consistently clear weather. If the airfield had closed, there would no longer have been a place for skydiving, glider piloting, general aviation, Civil Air Patrol operations and air-sports programs such as the Young Eagles, which offers a head start to youth in aviation and pilot training, in Hawaii. There are currently 11 businesses operating at Dillingham Airfield, employing more than 130 people. 

Following a year and a half of meetings, advocacy and problem solving, love and passion for general aviation and skydiving prevailed on the island of Oahu. USPA Executive Director Albert Berchtold said, “At USPA, it’s our mission to ensure continued rightful access to this incredible sport we love while supporting safe skydiving and all those who enjoy it. Skydivers know that we who share the air are family and, more than anything, that feeling and connection is what saved Dillingham Airfield.” He went on to say, “We’re thrilled that the Hawaii DOT is supporting general aviation in Hawaii, and we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with them and with the Army.”

One of the crown jewels of the global tourism industry, Dillingham Airfield is the only airport on Oahu that can accommodate skydiving and is the only suitable airport in Hawaii for large-scale skydiving businesses. More than 50,000 tourists and local patrons visited Dillingham Airfield in 2019 for recreational skydiving, and they and their families often frequented North Shore restaurants, retail outlets, parks and beaches in the area. 

HDOT currently manages the airfield and leases the land from the military, and in January 2020 gave notice that it would terminate its lease effective June 30, 2020. After the efforts of USPA and others, HDOT subsequently postponed the intended lease termination to June 30, 2021, and then again to December 31, 2021—leaving tenants and business anxious for a definitive decision. 

In a letter sent to the U.S. Army on September 17, that decision came: HDOT revoked its scheduled lease termination. The new termination date of the lease is now the original date of July 5, 2024. 

Much of this success is due to the efforts of USPA member and FAA Senior Rigger Ben Devine, who marched to work when he heard of the impending closure. He dedicated all his free time to solving the issues presented, assembling representatives from aviation-related groups (including the influential Airline Owners and Pilots Association and the National Business Aviation Association, among many others) and acting as a liaison between a working group of airfield advocates and Hawaii legislators. Devine and AOPA Western Pacific Regional Manager Melissa McCaffrey worked in concert with former USPA Executive Director Ed Scott and former Director of Government Relations Randy Ottinger to raise awareness of the effects of a closure. A USPA documentary, “Save Our Sky,” showcased the personal stories of Dillingham Airfield’s skydivers, who shared what would be lost with the closure. It was with this film that USPA called members, aviators and residents to action, ultimately resulting in 2,691 personal letters written to the Hawaii legislature. “The interviews and documentary were an absolutely essential communication tool that brought the issues to the attention of the wider community,” said Devine. As focus on the issue grew, so did public outcry. 

AOPA hosted a virtual legislative webinar to instruct individuals on advocacy methods. The webinar resulted in establishing an HDH Advocacy A-Team (named for the airfield’s airport code) consisting of more than 450 participants, who, as McCaffrey said, “want to actively engage and assist our team and support legislation to save the airfield.” Even the Federal Aviation Administration showed its support and encouraged HDOT not to move forward with the proposed lease termination without a viable plan to relocate current airport tenants, reminding officials that relocating tenants would be a requirement of the federal-grant obligations the state had accepted.

Airport advocates were also fortunate to have the support of State Senator Gil Riviere and State Representatives Lauren Motsumoto and Sean Quinlan, who realized what Dillingham meant to their constituents. After the news broke, Riviere said in a Facebook comment, “We will continue to work collaboratively with all parties to negotiate a new long-term lease …” He went on to say, “We are not done yet, but the future is looking a lot brighter today. Blue skies ahead.”

The working group worked persistently and patiently to bring the threat of Dillingham’s closure to the attention of residents, tourists and anyone who has dreamed of flight at one of the most beautiful airfields in the world. “USPA had lots of help saving that special piece of sky over Dillingham,” said Scott. “When skydivers join together, the sky is truly limitless.”

On Thursday, August 26, dark gray storm clouds and a cacophonous rain swept over the runway at Start Skydiving in Middletown, Ohio, extinguishing the hopes of those in the hangar below. Among those looking skyward and downtrodden were USPA Regional and National Directors, as well as headquarters staff, who had spent the day enjoying the drop zone’s hospitality—chatting with the friendly staff, touring the team rooms and even getting in a few morning jumps. By mid-afternoon, however, thunderheads reclaimed the skies and drove the directors southward on I-75 to Cincinnati, where they did eventually find shelter. The next morning began with sunnier skies, and the USPA Board of Directors gathered for its summer meeting—the sixth and final one of the 2019-2021 term.

Safety and Training
The Safety and Training Committee and Chair Michael Wadkins kept busy during the meetings, bringing a total of 44 motions to a committee vote. One of the topics most deeply discussed throughout all meetings was the role of USPA in promoting inclusivity and principled practices at drop zones. As a result, the board passed a motion to include an instructors’ code of conduct in the Instructional Rating Manual. The added section, crafted with the help of Nicole Richards, D-40124, of Skydive Chicago, defines a series of ethical responsibilities a skydiver accepts when they receive an instructional rating.

The committee also proposed a Basic Safety Requirement for safety checks prior to conducting a student jump, as well as another requiring instructors to have a visibly accessible altimeter during all student jumps. Both motions passed. The board discussed the potential addition of “Low-Altitude Emergencies” Toggle Fire and Low Turn Recovery Drills sections to the B-License Canopy Piloting Proficiency Card, and while no motion passed, all in attendance agreed on the importance of addressing what has been the cause of a large percentage of injuries and fatalities. The committee will spend the next several months fine-tuning the proposal in collaboration with canopy coaching professionals, and an edited version will likely be reintroduced at the 2022 winter meeting.

The board approved a new Military Transition Card, which will be available online, for military jumpers who have completed their respective military freefall courses and wish to receive a USPA A License. They also moved to give examiners the ability to designate an evaluator for each training method in which they have a rating, in order to give rating holders more opportunities to maintain currency.

Governance
The Governance Committee, headed by Chair and Mountain Regional Director Ray Lallo, brought forth several motions meant to improve the processes by which USPA functions. USPA’s Governance Manual was modified to describe the election validation process in accordance with New York state law. USPA’s bylaws were also changed, as the board moved to add a section outlining the steps that membership or the board of directors may take to remove a board member should that ever be necessary. The committee also discussed the idea of staggering elections with the goal of easing the transition between terms, but no action was taken. This will be discussed in future meetings, but any change to the election process will require a majority vote from all USPA members.

Membership Services
After electing not to award the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, the Membership Services Committee, chaired by Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Chris Wagner, chose Marylou Laughlin, D-12418, as the 2021 recipient. Laughlin has contributed to the sport of skydiving and USPA over the span of five decades as a leader, competitor, judge and U.S. representative within the international skydiving community. She served purposefully on the USPA Board of Directors from 1999-2012 and again from 2016-2018, much of which was spent chairing the Competition Committee.

This year, the board awarded three Gold Medals for Meritorious Service, which honors outstanding skydivers who have made significant contributions to the skydiving community over a long period of time. The 2021 recipients are Bram Clement, D-14597; Joannie Murphy, C-9720; and Morris “Mo” Viletto (posthumously), D-5853.

Finally, five individuals were recognized with the Regional Achievement Award, for making a significant contribution to the sport of skydiving on a local or regional level. Those 2021 recipients are Ben Devine (Pacific), Robert Goldman (Northeast), Douglas Hendrix (Northeast), Catherine Young (Southern) and Dustin White (Mountain).

The board also passed a motion that allows the Membership Services Committee to save nominations for USPA Service Awards for future review. In coming years, repeated nominations for the same candidate each year will be unnecessary, as the committee will be considering past nominations, as well as new ones.

Competition
Many competitors took a well-deserved sabbatical after competing in August’s Fédération Aéronautique Internationale World Parachuting Championships in Siberia, but not National Director Kirk Verner. Shortly after returning to the United States, the 8-way formation skydiving world champion headed to Cincinnati for a busy weekend chairing the Competition Committee. Verner is not running for re-election, so this was his last meeting as a member of the board.

The board instructed headquarters staff to create an online portal for members to register for USPA National Championships, as well as giving members the ability to apply for judge ratings online. There was clarification on language regarding the new 4-way FS beginner test event, establishing a minimum B-license requirement. USPA Executive Director Albert Berchtold proposed a 2-way canopy piloting test event, which was approved by the board and is scheduled for 2022, with further details to be determined.

The state-level “Most Lifetime Jumps” record will no longer be tracked. Existing records will continue to exist, but have been officially retired. The board also approved a payment of $5,700, split between all members of the U.S. Parachute Team who competed in this year’s world championships. Finally, the board recognized a $14,000 anonymous donation given in support of the 2021 U.S. Formation Skydiving Team members.

Group Membership
The Group Membership committee, chaired by National Director Mike Mullins, passed a motion to expand the language of the Group Member Pledge requiring drop zones to separate their standard and high-speed landing areas. It was specified that “such separation may be by location or time,” meaning that one physical landing area may alternate between normal and high-speed designations, but never function as both simultaneously. “In normal landing areas,” the added language also stated, “the direction of landing and direction of turns shall be specified, and for each normal landing area, turns may only be in one direction.”

The committee also discussed additional language in the Group Member Pledge ensuring that all jumpers who manifest themselves properly are accounted for by the end of the day. No motion was passed, but the board did not dispute the importance of drop zone staff doing so, and USPA commends Group Member drop zones that have existing systems serving this purpose.

Regional Directors
Much of the Regional Directors’ Committee meeting, led by Chair and Southern Regional Director Paul Gholson, was spent discussing the potential addition of a “Sexual Misconduct Resources” addition to the Safety and Training Advisors Handbook. The purpose of the section would be to offer basic knowledge regarding sexual misconduct situations that may occur at drop zones and to provide a list of resources for those involved. No motion was passed, but the topic will continue to be discussed. “We’re going to continue to think about this and address it at future meetings,” said USPA President Chuck Akers. “We want to make sure that we’re not overstepping our boundaries.”

Parachute Industry Association
Though the 2021 Parachute Industry Association Symposium was cancelled, the organization still held its second regular board meeting—simultaneous with and next door to USPA’s board meeting. Many USPA members who were in Cincinnati for PIA found a way to involve themselves with USPA, either by attending meetings or speaking directly with directors and staff. On Saturday night, all were invited to PIA’s celebration dinner for the recipients of their 2020/2021 Distinguished Leadership Awards: former USPA Executive Director Ed Scott, former Director of Government Relations Randy Ottinger and former Director of Safety and Training Jim Crouch.

Detailed minutes from the Summer Board of Directors meeting can be found at uspa.org/bod, and a full account of USPA’s 2020 financials can be found in September’s Parachutist. The 2022 Winter BOD meeting will be held in Houston, Texas, on February 11-13, 2022.

Ever wanted a shot of being on the U.S. Parachute Team? USPA selects the team based on the results of the USPA National Championships. This means everyone entered in the open-class events has the opportunity for a slot.

FAI World Championships 2022: October 20-26, 2022
USPA will use the results of the upcoming USPA National Championships (October 15-30) for selection of the U.S. Parachute Team for the 2022 Fédération Aéronautique Internationale World Championships in the following events: 

• Accuracy Landing
• Artistic Events – Freestyle, Freefly
• Canopy Formation – 2-way Sequential, 4-way Sequential, 4-way Rotation
• Canopy Piloting
• Canopy Piloting – Freestyle
• Formation Skydiving – 4-way, 4-way Female, 8-way, VFS
• Speed Skydiving
• Style and Accuracy
• Wingsuit Flying – Performance, Acrobatic

All 2022 FAI World Championship events will take place at Skydive Arizona in Eloy with the exception of style and accuracy,  which will take place in Strakonice, Czech Republic.

DIPC 2021: December 7-18, 2021
This year’s USPA Nationals will also be used to select the delegation for the 6th Dubai International Parachuting Championships 2021 in these events:

• Accuracy Landing (two male teams, one female team, two individual juniors)
• Canopy Piloting, including Freestyle (four competitors)
• Formation Skydiving – 4-way, 4-way Female, 8-way, VFS (one team per event)

The DIPC competition will combine the two canopy piloting competitions--canopy piloting (zone accuracy, distance and speed) and canopy piloting-freestyle--into a single, four-event competition. Consequently, the criteria used to select the four DIPC competitors will be as follows: USPA will combine the 2021 USPA Nationals Canopy Piloting and Canopy Piloting-Freestyle results to create a four-event (zone accuracy, distance, speed and freestyle) leaderboard, from which it will fill the slots based on overall placement. 

Due to the very short timetable, qualifying competitors will be asked to commit to attend the DIPC no later than October 30, as the event final registration deadline is November 1. 

Those interested in team manager or head of delegation roles for the DIPC should contact the USPA Competition Department.

All details of the DIPC 2021 can be found in Bulletin #1.

Any questions or concerns should be directed to the USPA Competition Department at (540) 604-9740 x332 or competition@uspa.org.