USPA Adopts Voluntary Safety Management System (SMS) for Group Members
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Share the Air

USPA’s Be Aware Share the Air Campaign is an attempt to help all pilots identify and avoid active parachute locations. USPA Group Members will receive a copy of both posters with their 2024 Group Membership renewal packet. DZOs, Jumpers, and Pilots are encouraged to print off extra copies and place around their airport, local FBOs, or flights schools.

Be Aware Share the Air Flyer (PDF)
Be Aware Share the Air Flyer (Large 16x20 PDF)
Skydiver Hood Ornament (JPG)
Skydiver Hood Ornament (Large 16x20 PDF)

DZ Marketing Tools

Drop zones can get positive media coverage by inviting local news outlets to attend DZ events and by providing information about the sport and the drop zone. DZs can tailor these template materials with their own information.

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    Aircraft Modifications

    Jump plane modifications that are not specifically described in the Aircraft Flight Manual must be accomplished by FAA issuance of either a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) or a Field Approval. For $100 ($200 for non-members), USPA sells STCs for jump conversions of original and early model Cessna 170, 172, 180, and 182 aircraft. These STCs accommodate the removal of the door, not an in-flight door. E-mail the Government Relations department at govrelations@uspa.org or call (540) 604-9740.

    USPA In Action

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    USPA AAD Fund Supports Part 16 Win

    USPA AAD Fund Supports Part 16 Win
    Monday, April 1, 2019

    During its recent meeting in Dallas, the USPA Board of Directors voted to support a major airport-access win for skydiving by Luther Kurtz, DZO of Phoenix Area Skydiving in Casa Grande, Arizona, under Part 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Kurtz will receive a $24,156.76 as a reimbursement for a share of his legal expenses through the Airport Access and Defense Fund. Details about the case are available in the article “DZO Wins Part 16 Appeal” on page 16 in the February issue of Parachutist.

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    Another ATC Win for Skydiving!

    Another ATC Win for Skydiving!
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    The action calls worked and it now appears that the needed FAA funding bill will pass without changes to the structure of air traffic control. “Once again, we thank our members who made the calls in defense of skydiving’s airspace needs,” said USPA Executive Director Ed Scott.

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    Air Traffic Control and Skydiving Again Face Threat!

    Air Traffic Control and Skydiving Again Face Threat!
    Tuesday, April 24, 2018

    This proposal would pull ATC out of the FAA and move it to the U.S. Department of Transportation, where a new Management Advisory Council, populated with airline interests, would serve as the ATC board of directors.

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    Chairman Drops Push to Privatize ATC

    Chairman Drops Push to Privatize ATC
    Wednesday, February 28, 2018

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    FAA Regulations and Guidance

    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.

    DZO & Pilot Resources

    USPA Adopts Voluntary Safety Management System (SMS) for Group Members

    Monday, March 25, 2024

    SMS is a documented, structured, proactive approach to managing safety within an organization. USPA has produced a template based on ICAO and FAA guidelines that can be customized to meet each operation’s specific needs. An effective SMS program can benefit DZs by reduced risk, enhanced safety culture, improved compliance, operational efficiency and competitive advantage.

    The specific requirements of each parachute operation’s SMS will vary depending on the size of the organization; however, the four main components: safety policy, safety risk management, safety assurance, safety culture are essential.

    Within the framework of SMS, DZs can tailor the SMS framework to their specific needs, but every framework should include clear definitions of the responsibilities of the different individuals and teams. This helps everyone understand their roles and they are working together to prevent accidents and injuries.

    USPA provides support to guide DZs through the implementation process. Members are encouraged to contact USPA Director of Government Relations Michael Knight for assistance implementing SMS at their location.

    USPA SMS Template

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