DZO Resources

Aircraft Operations And Pilot Training

All new US-based USPA Group Members Drop Zones are required to submit a customized Flight Operations Handbook with their application. USPA provides a Flight Operations Handbook template, originally by Ray Ferrell, that can be used to cover a variety of topics related to aircraft procedures and pilot training for skydiving operations. It includes sections on several popular skydiving aircraft, and pilot flight competency and proficiency checks. This Word document may also be edited to suit company needs. Contact USPA Government Relations for assistance creating a customized Flight Operations Handbook specific to your drop zone.

The Jump Pilot Training Syllabus serves as an outline for topics that should be covered during initial and recurrent jump pilot training. Aircraft operators are encouraged to tailor this Word document to their needs. Sections may be added to address pilot training in specific skydiving aircraft. The syllabus was created by Chris Schindler, whose website DiverDriver, is “the jump pilot’s information resource.” 

The USPA Skydiving Aircraft Operations Manual was designed to provide DZOs and their pilots with a guide to procedures and practices that supplement FAA regulatory requirements. The newly revised USPA Skydiving Aircraft Operations Manual is now available for download.

FAA Regulations and Guidance

See also: Federal Aviation Requirements page

Review applicable regulations for conducting parachute operations, see historical and current FAA guidance and read about airport access. Also available are FAA Advisory Circulars “Recommended Standard Traffic Patterns and Practices for Aeronautical Operations at Airports without Operating Control Towers” and “Sport Parachuting,” along with the FAA regulatory requirements for ATC Notification and Authorization and FAA inspector guidance for DZs.

File Downloads

Some files are only visible while signed in as a DZO of a Group Member or International Affiliate Drop Zone.