USPA TANDEM Instructor

USPA TANDEM INSTRUCTOR

Become a USPA Tandem Master

To earn the USPA Tandem Instructor rating, it is mandatory to have a manufacturer rating (UPT Vector Sigma, Wings Tandem, FireBird, TOUCH).

The USPA Instructor rating is mandatory to work on any USPA drop-zones (US drop-zones and some others, contact us if you have any questions).

Formation USPA Tandem Instructor

We propose a complete training package including the Tandem Master and the USPA Tandem Instructor ratings.

     1. Prerequisite

Requirements 1, 3 and 4 below must be met before entering the course. The other requirements may be met with our examiners (on a case-by-case basis).

  1. reached the age of 18 years
  2. hold a USPA coach or Instructor USPA rating
  3. logged 500 jumps on a ram-air canopy
  4. a minimum of 3 years experience in parachuting
  5. Present a current FAA Class 3 Medical Certificate (Class 2 in Europe)
  6. D-Licence

The USPA Instructor course must be done after the manufacturer’s rating:

2. Training Program – USPA Tandem Instructor / Tandem Master

The training begins with a day of theory and modeling (ground rehearsals). After the ground preparation you will begin the training jumps which are divided into two distinct phases: one discovery phase and one skill development phase.

The discovery phase is made up of five jumps:   

  • 1 jump as passenger
  • 1 jump as an Instructor (without passenger but possibly with ballast or with “Rubert”)
  • 3 jumps as an Instructor AND with a Passenger.

The second phase, called skill development, also includes five jumps. During those jumps, the Trainer-Examiner will teach you new techniques and may ask you to jump with another skydiver.

The training lasts 5-6 days depending on weather conditions.

3. Advices and Recommendations


In addition to the USPA documents, the tandem builder document, and your skydive papers, we strongly recommend that you bring the following items:

  • Wide jumpsuit with enough drag (thick cotton, cordura …)
  • Open face helmet + goggles
  • Altimeter AND audible

Availabilities : Click HERE

Course fee : Click HERE

Additional prerequisites and pre-course

  • 6 hours of freefall minimum
  • 100 jumps in the last 12 months
  • USPA Coach rating, current or expired
  • Tandem pre-course activities completed and pre-course exam passed

Course structure and evaluation

The program includes at least 25 jumps: the first 10 jumps form the training phase, which must be completed at the course or under the direct supervision of the examiner (1 solo jump and 9 jumps with the evaluator), followed by 15 probationary jumps.

To pass the course, the candidate must:

  • successfully complete the 10 training jumps (phases 1 and 2)
  • complete 2 full Tandem Category A jumps and 2 full Tandem Category B jumps, from ground training to the student debrief
  • demonstrate complete awareness and control during exit, freefall, canopy flight and landing

Tandem Instructor rating privileges

  • take students up for their first jump
  • teach the Tandem-to-freefall transition first jump course
  • sign off licenses and Coach renewals
  • jump with students and conduct their recurrency after Category D

Annual renewal and expired rating

Within the membership year you need: 15 student learn-to-skydive Tandems (Category A or B), to meet the manufacturer’s currency requirements, to hold a current FAA class 3 (or higher) medical, to have completed in the last 6 months a full in-harness review of tandem emergency and standard operating procedures, to attend a Rating Renewal Seminar and to conduct or assist in a first jump course.

If the rating expires: meet the manufacturer’s ground training and recertification jump requirements, conduct or review the training for the solo student first jump course and Tandem categories A and B, then pass the Tandem pre-course exam.