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The United States Parachute Association (USPA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the safe enjoyment of skydiving. USPA works with skydiving centers and clubs, member skydivers, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to identify and eliminate potentially unsafe practices and provide proper training for instructors and skydivers.

USPA currently boasts a membership of more than 34,000. These members, and other first-time jump students, make approximately 3,250,000 jumps per year at more than 300 USPA-affiliated skydiving centers nationwide. [more stats]

USPA's origins date back more than 50 years. Originally headquartered in Mineola, New York, the association began in 1946 as the National Parachute Jumpers & Riggers Association and represented an estimated 100 members. In 1957 the association was renamed the Parachute Club of America and relocated to Monterey, California. Renaming itself again in 1967, USPA is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia.

Mission and Purpose

USPA encourages and supports the study and knowledge of skydiving, and compiles, edits, publishes, and disseminates information regarding the science of skydiving. USPA's mission includes:

encouraging unity among all persons interested in skydiving.
promoting safety in all skydiving activities in the U.S.
sanctioning skydiving competitions.
documenting national and world skydiving records set by U.S. citizens.
cooperating with all government agencies connected with aeronautics or aeronautical activities.
using skydiving as a vehicle to promote civic responsibility among citizens.

Safety

USPA establishes safety and training policies and programs, schedules instructor certification courses, and oversees the issuance of instructional ratings. These policies and programs are contained in the Skydiver's Information Manual (SIM). USPA members pledge to follow the basic safety requirements (BSRs) and recommendations found in the SIM. USPA’s BSRs are the commonly accepted skydiving safety standards and the cornerstone of skydiving's self-policing principle. The BSRs incorporate applicable FAA requirements and industry safety standards. These include standards for various instructional ratings, requirements for adequate training and supervision of student skydivers, minimum parachute opening altitudes for student and experienced skydivers, skydiving center requirements, and skydive equipment.

USPA also appoints Safety and Training Advisors (S&TA) throughout each region to help ensure that uniform safety practices are followed across the nation. Their main mission is to detect and advise on potentially unsafe parachuting practices.

Drop Zones

There are currently more than 300 USPA-affiliated drop zones worldwide that have pledged to follow USPA BSRs and recommendations for student and advanced skydiving. They offer first jump courses taught by USPA-rated instructors. They are also required to have unobstructed landing areas to accommodate all levels of skydiving experience.

Government Relations

USPA interacts with state and federal government officials, including those of the Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. Congress, state transportation departments, and state legislators. Much of this activity focuses on monitoring and evaluating bills and regulatory action to assess the impact on skydiving.

USPA also has programs to educate local, state, and federal agencies on the success of self-regulation. By communicating with pilots, airport managers, airport businesses, and air traffic controllers, USPA ensures that others know about and understand skydiving's focus on safety including safe integration into the national airspace system.

Additionally, USPA represents the membership on the many aviation working groups, coalitions, and councils that gather in Washington, DC. USPA involvement ensures that skydivers' rights and interests in using airports, airspace, and government services (like air traffic control) are retained.

Competition

USPA honors its national champions at several different competitions each year, sanctioned by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI): Freefall Style and Accuracy Landing; Formation Skydiving; Para-Ski; Freeflying; Freestyle Skydiving and Skysurfing; Canopy Formation and the Collegiates. As a result of the National Championships, except the Collegiates, U.S. Teams are chosen to represent the United States at international competitions. A U.S. Team for each category is chosen from the top competitors in each Open class.

Parachutist Magazine

Parachutist dates back to 1957 and is the chief communication vehicle between USPA and its members. The magazine reports news, events, and current trends in skydiving. Published monthly, Parachutist serves as the official publication of USPA