Do you need a licence?

[FFAddict 0]

I have completed AFF and all the console jumps (in the US) and am now starting warp training (back home in the UK). I have (i think) done everything i need to to qualify for my A Licence, but i have not applied for it.

Firstly does it matter if i have the licence? my DZ is happy letting me jump but im not sure if this would be the case if i want to jump at a new DZ.

Secondly how do i go about applying for my licence? Can i apply alone or does my DZ need to apply to the BPA for me?

Im from the UK but info from abroad may be usefull aswell, especially regarding wanting to jump without the licence

[MarkM 0]

Well, in the US if you don't have your A you're not supposed to jump with anyone except for coaches and instructors. You need your A to be able to jump with other licensed skydivers. If you travel to other dropzones they're likely to make you do a checkout dive of some sort before letting you jump solo there.

Also, if you're off the sport for awhile and come back, it may be a little more involved to get recurrent if you're not a licensed skydiver. There are also more restrictive wind restrictions for non-licensed skydivers and you may not be elligible for special jumps(like night jumps) if you don't have any license at all.

That's in the US and I think most of the DZs here are good about honoring equivilant UK licenses.

[JonBonGraham 0]

You need to hold (as in, physically have) a licence in order to have the priveliges associated with that licence, but you do have a one month grace period from the date you complete the requirements for that licence, where you have all the priveleges but don't need to hold the actual physical licence.
Your center should be able to provide you with a form you'll need to fill in, send it off to the BPA (adress on the licence form) and they'll send you your licence.
Congrats on getting your A!

Blue skies!

John G

Durham University Freefall Club

Grounds For Divorce website (band I'm in)

[nacmacfeegle 0]

Get the license, they are very useful for travelling, or even just visiting other DZs, without a license you will be treated like a student. When I got my D there wasn't much point in getting the A, B, or C, but that has changed of late.

--------------------

He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson

[larsrulz 0]

From when you jumped in the US, if you completed the training for the A license, then you should have received the A stamp on your proficiency card. If you have this, then this IS your A license. You do not need to send it in to USPA to be able to jump at USPA dropzones. Provide your USPA membership card and this proficiency card, and you should be able to jump at any USPA dropzone which allows licensed jumpers. This obviously doesn't apply to the UK, but this will be the rules that all USPA dropzones in the US will follow.

I got a strong urge to fly, but I got no where to fly to. -PF

[GeordieSkydiver 0]

Your DZO should sort you out.

I recommend getting stuck into the BPA system as soon as possible.

I did approx 120 jumps in the USPA system, and hold my B Licence.

I got my A at a BPA DZ easily.

Having to go back now and meet the requirements of the BPA IC1, B, then FS1 is a pain, but neccesary.

You're at the correct stage to slot right into the BPA licence system, like I said speak to your DZO, CCI whoever.

Lee _______________________________

In a world full of people, only some want to fly, is that not crazy?
http://www.ukskydiver.co.uk

[rmsmith 1]

The first step in denying someone of a right is to issue a license, which effectively converts that right into a privilege.

[bob.dino 1]

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