Rayy 0 #1 August 30, 2011 Just recently did my first tandem and I look forward to doing solo and getting certified. The dropzone I went to offers Progressive Freefall Program (PFF) which lets you become 'solo certified'. My question is, is being 'solo certified' enough to go for an "experienced jumpers" jump (which are fairly cheap) at any dropzone in Canada? Or do you have to have an A or B or C etc. license? If so, how do you obtain an A license? Extra Question: What are the requirements for you to jump with friends? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CloudyHead 0 #2 August 30, 2011 QuoteJust recently did my first tandem and I look forward to doing solo and getting certified. The dropzone I went to offers Progressive Freefall Program (PFF) which lets you become 'solo certified'. My question is, is being 'solo certified' enough to go for an "experienced jumpers" jump (which are fairly cheap) at any dropzone in Canada? Or do you have to have an A or B or C etc. license? If so, how do you obtain an A license? Don't worry about your A license yet, that's when you want to jump with buddies. Just focus on getting your solo at your DZ first. Then to jump solo in any dropzone in canada, you need to get your CSPA membership. That way you are solo certified NATIONALLY and can start working towards other licenses (A,B,C...) Once you graduate the PFF, you are solo certified at the "club level" (not CSPA solo yet). To get the CSPA you have to complete a few more tasks which will be listed on a piece of paper they give you after PFF graduation. It is basically a CSPA membership application that your skydive school examiner has to sign. It should only take a few more jumps to complete the required tasks.. just some easy things like an intentional unstable exit, landing within a certain distance from target, an emergency procedures quiz, 10 minutes of total freefall time, etc... oh and you have to mail in $45. so yeah.. its Tandem/IAD > PFF > club solo certified > CSPA solo certified > A > B > C > etc... they'll explain it all to you when you graduate PFF! I'm working towards my A license right now.. there are tasks to complete in every aspect of skydiving, from packing, to freefall to canopy control. The skills grid is all outlined in one of the PIM manuals (download them from CSPA). But really i wouldn't worry about any of that until you have your solo. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rayy 0 #3 August 30, 2011 Thank you sooo much, that made everything more clearer now Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrewwhyte 1 #4 August 30, 2011 What Cloudyhead said is largely correct. The details vary from Dz to Dz, but your next goal is a solo certificate. This will allow you to jump without an instructor at any CSPA dropzone. The solo is available after your tenth jump; your A certificate after your 25th. As this is only 15 jumps you will have to remain focused on the tasks if you want your A certificate in the minimum number of jumps. At least five of these jumps must be with a coach. Check here http://cspa.ca/en/resources/parachutist-information-manuals to download the Parachute Information Manuals (PIMs). The PIM 1 has the requirements and privileges of the various certificates and ratings. I would absolutely disagree with Cloudyhead about not worrying about the PIMs until you have your solo. You should download the PIM 1 & PIM 2A today and start going through them. Pay particular attention to the theoretical models for freefall and canopy flight. This can only help you during your PFF and costs nothing but your time and effort. Have a great time! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #5 August 30, 2011 "Solo certified" means you've graduated from PFF, (ETA- and have at least 10 jumps) and are allowed to supervise yourself (i.e., no "jumpmaster") on solo jumps as you work on your skills toward your A license (ETA - some of which require coach jumps). Once you have your A license, most DZs in Canada & the US will let you jump there with little or no supervision (possibly subject to some restrictions consistent with your skill level) - although if you're freshly-licensed and still with low jump numbers, some may want you to make a "check dive" with an instructor before unhooking your leash. (Thanks to Andrew for filling in some particulars ) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrewwhyte 1 #6 August 30, 2011 Actually Andy "solo certified" in Canada means you have jumped through a predetermined set of hoops, passed an oral quiz and received a "Solo Certificate" from CSPA. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #7 August 30, 2011 QuoteActually Andy "solo certified" in Canada means you have jumped through a predetermined set of hoops, passed an oral quiz and received a "Solo Certificate" from CSPA. Yup, I just gave you a nod for the added particulars applicable to Canada. Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CloudyHead 0 #8 August 30, 2011 Oops sorry I meant not to worry about the skills grid in the PIM manual SPECIFICALLY for the A license.. because he's already asking about A. The PIM manuals in general have been very helpful to me from the very beginning.. there's some really basic stuff in there Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
