The Instructor Assisted Deployment (IAD Solo) is the first jump you will complete while wearing your own parachute, and is the stepping stone to obtaining your CSPA Solo Certificate, and ultimately your first “license” level, the Class A Certificate of Proficiency.

The IAD Solo is designed for the person who wants to take charge of their skydive. The day begins with the First Jump Course, a 5-hour ground school that introduces you to the student parachute system, as well as the routines and techniques necessary to successfully complete your first IAD. After the on-ground practice, you will be geared up in our state-of-the-art student equipment before you and your instructor fly to 3,200 feet.

You will then climb out of the plane and hang off the wing strut, watching your instructor for the “Go!” As you let go of the airplane, the instructor initiates your main parachute opening (this is called Instructor Assisted Deployment). It takes about 6 seconds for your parachute to open—talk about adrenaline rush! After opening, the on-ground instructor will talk to you via a one-way radio, giving instructions to help you fly and land your parachute!

The IAD Solo, including the First Jump Course, requires an all-day time commitment.

Please note: The First Solo Jump requires decision making in a high stress environment. One tandem is required before you take this course.

Progressive Freefall (PFF) is the most common training method used by CSPA dropzones in training new skydivers while they pursue their CSPA Solo Certificate and above.

This method of experiencing your first independent skydive starts with the 5-hour First Jump Course ground school, an Instructor Assisted Deployment (IAD) jump from 3,200 feet, and an additional hour of intensive training with two highly-experienced PFF instructors. You then put on your own parachute (supplied) and board the aircraft, climbing to 10,500 or 12,500 feet (depending on the aircraft used). After you reach altitude and receive a final safety check, your two instructors will take firm harness grips, and, on your command, the three of you will exit the aircraft.

Be prepared for the ultimate adrenaline rush as you accelerate to terminal velocity! Once at 5,500 feet you will deploy your own parachute and pilot it to the landing area with the assistance of your on-ground instructor, who will communicate with you via a one-way radio. PFF is the ultimate rush: Independence! Altitude! Speed!

A full day is necessary in order to safely complete the PFF skydive experience. This is due in part to the complexity of the required training prior to each jump, as well as the high qualifications of the instructors. Courses are limited in size to ensure all students receive proper one-on-one instruction.

One tandem is required before you take this course.

Please note: First Jump PFF requires the ability to perform tasks and make decisions in an extremely fast-moving, high-risk environment.