USPA 'A' to BPA 'A' License??

[14000andfalling 0]

Hi guy and girls.

I've found a course at Skydive Sebastian FL that seems to suit me perfectly. (Aff to 'A' in a week)
I live in the UK but am lucky enough to get cheap flights to Orlando through work. This along with the reduced costs of learning in the states really makes this my best option for getting qualified.

I've noticed on some other US DZ web pages that if you are a UK student, there are some extra things/jumps that need to be completed on top of the standard USPA 'A' stuff to enable me to jump solo on my return to the UK.
Does anyone have info they'd be willing to share with me?
My overall aim is to complete AFF, consols and 4x Coaching jumps in the US before returning, thus keeping my costs for jumping in the UK on my return as low as possible.

I've contacted BPA via email asking the same question but so far no joy.
It'd be great to have all the needed info before I go over the water, that way I can show the DZ/Instructors any extra requirements I might need for my BPA 'A'.

If anyone can help, thanks in advance!

JJ

[evilivan 0]

Quote

Hi guy and girls.

I've found a course at Skydive Sebastian FL that seems to suit me perfectly. (Aff to 'A' in a week)
I live in the UK but am lucky enough to get cheap flights to Orlando through work. This along with the reduced costs of learning in the states really makes this my best option for getting qualified.

I've noticed on some other US DZ web pages that if you are a UK student, there are some extra things/jumps that need to be completed on top of the standard USPA 'A' stuff to enable me to jump solo on my return to the UK.
Does anyone have info they'd be willing to share with me?
My overall aim is to complete AFF, consols and 4x Coaching jumps in the US before returning, thus keeping my costs for jumping in the UK on my return as low as possible.

I've contacted BPA via email asking the same question but so far no joy.
It'd be great to have all the needed info before I go over the water, that way I can show the DZ/Instructors any extra requirements I might need for my BPA 'A'.

If anyone can help, thanks in advance!

JJ

I can't answer your question categorically (not sure if they have brought in any specific license 'transfer' requirements), but can give you a couple of pointers. I did a similar thing to you - a long time ago! - had about 10 jumps and decided to go to the US to do AFF.

Do you know if you are doing the USPA or BPA AFF course with BPA instructors? The USPA AFF course didn't used to include a hop n pop where the UK one does (well, from 5k...) as AFF Level 8, so you may be required to do that when you return or have it signed off by a UK AFF intructor while in Florida.

Try to get in as many jumps as you can (safely of course, its tiring when you first start jumping etc etc). The more experience you can return with to the UK will definitely help you at your chosen DZ.

Lastly (and possibly should be firstly), if you know where you will be jumping in the UK contact the CCI before you go and ask what they would want you to return with. If you get any attitude about planning to do your course abroad (it used to happen...), pick another DZ!

Hope that helps

"If you can keep your head when all around you have lost theirs, then you probably haven't understood the seriousness of the situation."
David Brent

[GLIDEANGLE 1]

This link seems to address your question directly:

http://www.bpa.org.uk/training/training-overseas

The choices we make have consequences, for us & for others!

[14000andfalling 0]

Thanks everyone for the responses and PM's

[andybr6 0]

I did my AFF in Sebastian when these guys were based there http://www.ffadventures.com/ but they now seem to be based at Lake Wales. It's run by a British guy and they have UK instructors. If your not set on Sebastian (and it is a great DZ) you might also consider sending them an email.

Whatever you choose to do I am sure you'll love it!

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"All men can fly, but sadly, only in one direction"