Do you need a skydiving license to fly a wingsuit?

Answer 1

Not necessarily. In many countries such as the UK, you can skydive from the age of 16 onwards with parental consent. Once you reach the age of 18, you can self certify.

There is no law in the US regarding the minimum age to skydive, so it would be legal to take a four year old on a tandem skydive. Realistically though, the United States Parachute Association issues the licenses to skydivers, and if a USPA instructor is found to have taken a child on a skydive then he's subject to disciplinary action. Additionally, the fact that we are a litigious society requires all skydiving businesses to operate under a waiver system, where the participant is required to sign a Participation Agreement, essentially forfeiting his right to sue, and waiving all liability. That being the case you must be of Legal Age of Majority in order to enter into that contract, that age is 18 in most states, but 19 in a few. Also, legal precedent has held that a parent or guardian can not waive liability on behalf of a minor.

Answer 2

That depends on which country you are trying to skydive at, but for the most part, the answer is yes. The FAI (Federation Aeronautique International) controls the licensing of all skydivers and is able to issue A, B, C and D licenses.

When you arrive at a parachute centre, they will ask to see your kit and docs. This means you will be asked to present:

• You parachute for inspection.
• The record of inspection (for the reserve parachute) to show that it is in date.
• Your FAI license.
• Your logbook.
• Your medical form even if this one you have signed yourself because you are under the age of 40.

Answer 3

The answer is no. You can do an introductory tandem skydiving jump without having any license at all.

If you want to do regular skydives, then it is recommended to take an accelerated freefall course and become qualified with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. The FAI are recognised world-wide and allow you to qualify for A,B,C and D licenses. Find your local dropzone and register for a course.

Answer 4

Yes you do need a skydiving license. In the UK, you can wear a wingsuit after 250 jumps (those jumps to be done within 18 months & with an instructor). Or if you have 500 jumps (no time timeframe), you can go up and do a solo wingsuit jump after receiving instruction on the ground.

I jump at Skydive Hibaldstow and at our centre, we do not recommend a solo for your first jump. It gives you confidence when you have someone experienced next to you in freefall to guide you and look after navigation.