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2.FAI (BRITISH STANDARD) CERTIFICATE (RED)
2.1.FAI 'A' CERTIFICATE:Category 8 and at least 'CH-Grade 1'.
2.2.FAI 'B' CERTIFICATE:FAI 'A' Certificate, 50 descents and at least 'CH-Grade 2 and JM-Grade 1'.
2.3.FAI 'C' CERTIFICATE:FAI 'B' Certificate, 200 descents and at least one further 'Grade 1'.
2.4.FAI 'D' CERTIFICATE:FAI 'C' Certificate, and 1000 descents.
N.B.(1)FAI 'A' & 'B' Certificate (Red) applications must be endorsed by an Advanced Instructor.
N.B.(2)Military static line descents using round/conical parachutes will not qualify in respect of jump numbers.
N.B.(3)FAI Certificates (Dark Blue) issued prior to 1st April 1998 remain valid
N.B.(4)Parachutists are required to hold the appropriate FAI Certificate(British Standard) in order to have the privileges associated with that Certificate. A one-month 'grace' period will be allowed between qualifying for a Certificate and the receipt of the Certificate from the BPA.
N.B.(5)Parachutists jumping at BPA Affiliated Clubs who were trained, or jump outside the BPA system, e.g. in a foreign country, may be integrated into the appropriate FAI Certificate category as deemed suitable by a CCI.
N.B.(6) Applications for FAI Certificates (Red) can be found on BPA Forms190A-D.
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6.THE GRADING SYSTEM
Once a parachutist has obtained Category 8 (or, prior to obtaining Category in some cases. e.g CH1), that parachutist's continuation training will continue via a choice of various disciplines:
6.1.Jump Master (JM)
6.1.1.To obtain Grade 1 in Jump Master (JM1) the parachutist must be introduced to JM by a CCI/Advanced Instructor nominated Category System Basic Instructor (CSBI), a Category System Instructor (CSI), an Accelerated Free Fall Basic Instructor (AFFBI), or an Accelerated Free Fall Instructor (AFFI) of proven JM instructional ability.
6.1.2.The parachutist must also:
a)Demonstrate the ability to 'Spot' correctly from at least 10,000 ft AGL.
b)Receive a full safety brief (given by an instructor) on, be familiar with and be able to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a Jumpmaster and has received an introduction to the BPA Operations Manual.
c)Receive a full safety brief (given by an instructor) on, be familiar with and be able to carry out flight line checking on other parachutists of FAI 'A' Certificate (Red) and above.
d)Receive a full brief (given by a CCI/Advanced Instructor nominated JM1 Grade parachutist) on, and be able to undertake, packing, inspection and basic fault finding on a ram air canopy.
N.B.(1)Formal training lessons/briefs for JM1 may be carried out prior to the parachutist obtaining FAI 'A' Certificate (Red), at the discretion of the CCI. However, before a JM1 is awarded, the instructor concerned must ensure that the lessons/briefs have been completed and signed for in the applicant's log book.
N.B.(2)Holders of JM1 may not act as jumpmaster until an FAI 'B' Certificate has been obtained.
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6.2.Canopy Handling (CH)
6.2.1.To obtain Grade 1 in Canopy Handling (CH1), the parachutist must be introduced to CH by a CCI/Advanced Instructor nominated Category System Basic Instructor (CSBI), a Category System Instructor (CSI), an Accelerated Free Fall Basic Instructor (AFFBI) or an Accelerated Free Fall Instructor (AFFI) of proven CH instructional ability, received a full safety brief and been instructed, both theoretically and practically on canopy handling relevant to CH1, and has successfully achieved the following:
a)Flat turns on at least 3 descents.
b)Increased the range of the canopy using the toggles on at least 3 descents.
c)Displayed a reasonable level of canopy handling.
d)A CH1 written examination.
N.B.(1)Student Parachutists must have successfully completed CH1 before applying for an FAI 'A' Certificate (Red).
N.B.(2)Training programmes other than those contained in the BPA Canopy Handling Manual are acceptable for training for CH1, provided all the requirements of sub-para 6.2.1. (above) are met.
N.B.(3)It is permissible to complete both flat turns and increasing the range of the canopy using the toggles, exercises on the same descent.
N.B.(4)CH1 written examination can be found on BPA Form 240.
6.2.2.To obtain Grade 2 in Canopy Handling (CH2) the parachutist must be Grade 1 in CH (CH1) and be introduced to CH2 by a CCI/Advanced Instructor nominated FAI 'C' Certificate (Red) or above CH2 Grade parachutist or equivalent of proven CH instructional ability, have received a full safety brief and been instructed, both theoretically and practically in canopy handling relevant to CH2, and has successfully achieved the following:
a)Completed 5 of 10 pre-declared safe landings, within an area of 30 metres diameter.
b)Increased the range of the canopy in straight flight, using front and rear risers, on at least 3 descents.
c)Rear riser turns, as an avoidance manoeuvre, on at least 3 descents.
e)A CH2 written examination.
N.B.(1)Parachutists must have successfully completed CH2 before applying for an FAI 'B' Certificate (Red).
N.B.(2)Training programmes other than those contained in the BPA Canopy Handling Manual are acceptable for training for CH2, provided all the requirements of sub-para 6.2.2. (above) are met.
N.B.(3)It is permissible to complete riser exercises and a pre-declared landing on the same descent. However, risers are not to be used as part of the landing pattern.
N.B.(4)CH2 written examination can be found on BPA Form 241
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6.3.Canopy Piloting (CP)
6.3.1.To obtain Grade 1 in Canopy Piloting (CP1) the parachutist must hold an FAI 'C' Certificate (Red) and a Grade 2 in CH (CH2) and be introduced to CP1 by a CCI/Advanced Instructor nominated FAI 'D' Certificate (Red) or above CP1 Grade parachutist or equivalent of proven CP instructional ability, have received a full safety brief and been instructed, both theoretically and practically in canopy piloting relevant to CP1, and has successfully achieved the following:
a)Proficiency at conducting canopy drills (360 degrees, 180 degrees, 90 degrees turns and straight approaches) at altitudes above 3,000ft AGL.
b)Safe, high performance landings, using front risers during a straight on approach, on at least 5 consecutive descents.
c)Safe, high performance landings, using a front riser to create a final approach turn of between 45 degrees and 90 degrees, on at least 5 consecutive descents.
d)Safe, high performance landings, using a front riser to create a final approach turn of between 90 degrees and 180 degrees, on at least 5 consecutive descents.
e)A CP1 written examination.
N.B.(1)All in air drills and high performance landings must be supervised by a CP coach or equivalent.
N.B.(2)All successful high performance landings must be validated by a CP coach or equivalent in the candidates log book. The candidate must also countersign the coach's log book validation.
N.B.(3)Upon successful completion of CP1 the candidate must not attempt final approach turns of more than 180 degrees before gaining a requisite amount of experience as dictated by a CP coach or equivalent, who has evaluated the candidate over a reasonable period of time.
N.B.(4)Subject to N.B. (3) above, before attempting an approach turn of more than 180 degrees the candidate must have received an in depth briefing given by the same CP coach or equivalent. The briefing must be validated in the candidate's log book. The candidate must also countersign the coach's log book validation.
N.B.(5)Training programmes other than those contained in the BPA Canopy Piloting Manual are acceptable for training for CP1, provided all the requirements of sub-para 6.3.1. (above) are met..
N.B.(6)Parachutists who have not been awarded CP1 must not attempt unsupervised high performance/swoop landings.
N.B.(7)FAI 'C' Certificate (Red) CH2 Grade parachutists who hold Official 'Pro Swooping Tour' 'Advanced' qualification are deemed to have qualified as CP1.
N.B.(8)CP1 written examination can be found on BPA Form 249.
6.3.2.To obtain Grade 2 in Canopy Piloting (CP2) the parachutist must hold an FAI 'D' Certificate (Red), a Grade 1 in CP (CP1) and have logged 500 high performance swoop landings, including 100 in the previous 12 months, and has successfully achieved the following:
a)Safe, high performance runs, over a minimum 185ft long, 30ft wide carving course, that consists of 10ft vertical markers with a defined entry and exit gate, on at least 3 pre-declared consecutive descents.
N.B.(1)During the above (a) run the candidate must, in a controlled manner, negotiate the course by scoring the entry gate and then flying to the exit gate without making any physical contact with the surface or vertical markers that define the course. “Scoring” is defined as some part of the candidate's physical body below the tops of the vertical markers that form the entry and exit gates.
N.B.(2)Parachutists must be CP2 holders before being permitted to take part in a BPA Canopy Piloting competition.
N.B.(3)FAI 'D' Certificate (Red) CP1 Grade parachutists who hold Official 'Pro Swooping Tour' 'Pro' qualification are deemed to have qualified as CP2
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6.4.Formation Skydiving (FS)
6.4.1.To obtain Grade 1 in Formation Skydiving (FS1) the parachutist must, be introduced to FS by a CCI/Advanced Instructor nominated FS1 Grade parachutist or equivalent of proven FS instructional ability, have received a full safety brief and demonstrated the ability to:
a)Control fall rate.
b)Control horizontal movement, (forwards, backwards and sideways).
c)Achieve 'docking' techniques.
d)Turn in place.
e)Dive and approach a target.
f)Complete four points of 4-way FS.
N.B.(1)No more than one Category 8 jumper per group, all other jumpers in any group must be FS1 parachutists.
N.B.(2)Training programmes other than those contained in the BPA Formation Skydiving (FS) Manuals are acceptable for training for FS1, provided all the requirements of sub-para 6.4.1. (above) are met.
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6.5.Canopy Formations (CF)
6.5.1.To obtain Grade 1 in Canopy Formation (CF1) the parachutist must be a Grade 1 in Canopy Handling (CH1), be introduced to CF by a CCI/Advanced Instructor nominated CF1 Grade parachutist or equivalent of proven CF instructional ability, have received a full safety brief and demonstrated the ability to:
a)Approach a target canopy.
b)Control 3D movement, in relation to other canopies (up, down, forwards, backwards and sideslip).
c)Achieve 'docking' techniques.
d)Pilot a 4-stack/plane.
e)Dock 4th on a 4-stack/plane.
f)Spot for CF from at least 8,000 ft AGL.
N.B.Training programmes such as those contained in the BPA Canopy Formation Coaching Manual are acceptable for training for CF1, provided all the requirements of sub-para 6.5.1. (above) are met.
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6.6.Individual Style (IS)
6.6.1.To obtain Grade 1 in Individual Style (IS1) the parachutist must, be introduced to IS by a CCI/Advanced Instructor nominated IS1 Grade parachutist or equivalent of proven IS instructional ability, have received a full safety brief and demonstrated the ability to:
a)Complete a 'Full Series' with precision within 16 seconds.
N.B.Guidelines for obtaining IS1 can be found on BPA Form 187.
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6.7.Freestyle/Freeflying (FF)
6.7.1.To obtain Grade 1 in Freestyle/Freeflying (FF1) the parachutist must first demonstrate (in a belly to earth position, as in 6.4.1. above) the ability to:
a)Control fall rate.
b)Control horizontal movement, (forwards, backwards and sideways).
c)Achieve 'docking' techniques.
d)Turn in place.
e)Dive and approach a target.
6.7.2.The parachutist may then be introduced to FF (for FF1 training) by a CCI/Advanced Instructor nominated FF2 Grade parachutist or equivalent of proven FF instructional ability, have received a full safety brief and demonstrated the ability to:
a)Fly in a controlled sit/stand position.
b)Control fall rate in a sit/stand position.
c)Control forward and backward movement in a sit/stand position.
d)Control turns in both directions in a sit/stand position.
e)Fly relative to others in a sit/stand position.
6.7.3.Once FF1 has been obtained, the parachutist must not make FF descents with others without CCI approval, (a log book endorsement will suffice) and initially only small groups (e.g. 2-3 ways).
6.7.4.To obtain Grade 2 in Freestyle/Freeflying (FF2) the parachutist must be Grade 1 in FF (FF1) and be introduced to FF2 by a CCI/Advanced Instructor nominated FF2 Grade parachutist or equivalent of proven FF instructional ability, have received a full safety brief and demonstrated the ability to:
a)Fly in a controlled head down position.
b)Control fall rate in a head down position.
c)Control turns in both directions in a head down position.
d)Fly relative to others in a head down position.
e)Display independent body movement in a head down position, e.g. hand claps.
N.B.Training programmes such as those contained in the BPA Freefly Progression Manual are acceptable for training for FF1 & FF2, provided all the requirements of sub-para 6.7. (above) are met.
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6.8.Skysurfing (SS)
6.8.1.To obtain Grade 1 in Skysurfing (SS1) the parachutists must first be an FAI 'C' Certificate (Red) holder and demonstrate the ability to:
a)Control fall rate.
b)Control horizontal movement, (forwards, backwards and sideways).
c)Achieve 'docking' techniques.
d)Turn in place.
e)Dive and approach a target.
f)Maintain a 'stand up' position for 15 consecutive seconds.
g)Perform a controlled 360 degree turn in both directions whilst in a 'stand up' position.
h)Perform a straight body position forward and backward loop starting and returning back to a 'stand up' position.
i)Return back to a stable (belly to earth) position within 3-5 seconds from a fast side or back spin of at least 2 revolutions per second.
6.8.2.The parachutist may then be introduced to SS (for SS1 training) by a CCI/Advanced Instructor nominated SS2 Grade parachutist or equivalent of proven SS instructional ability, have received a full safety brief and demonstrated the ability to:
a)Jump a board of at least 3 feet in length and deploy in a 'stand up' position
b)Perform a stable 'surfing down the slipstream' type exit.
c)Perform a controlled 360 degree turn in both directions whilst upright on the board.
d)Perform a controlled back or front loop on the board.
e)Demonstrate forward movement by tracking whilst upright on the board.
6.8.3.Once SS1 has been obtained, the parachutist must not make SS descents with others without CCI approval, (a log book endorsement will suffice) and initially only small groups (e.g. 2-3 ways).
6.8.4.To obtain Grade 2 in Skysurfing (SS2) the parachutist must be Grade 1 in SS (SS1) and be introduced to SS2 by a CCI/Advanced Instructor nominated SS2 Grade parachutist or equivalent of proven SS instructional ability, have received a full safety brief and demonstrated the ability to:
a)Perform a controlled seated turn of 720 degrees (sit spin), starting and stopping on heading.
b)Perform a controlled 'helicopter' spin, rotating a minimum of 3 x 360 degrees but not exceeding 6 complete revolutions.
c)Perform a full 360 degree backloop or frontloop with a half twist from a standing position, under control.
N.B.Guidelines for obtaining SS1 and SS2 can be found on BPA Form 189.
6.9.Note:
6.9.1.The award of a Grade in any of the disciplines may only be made by an Advanced Instructor.
6.9.2.Grades are awarded by the placement of a discipline specific stamp in the parachutist's FAI Certificate.
6.9.3.FAI 'D' Certificate (Red) parachutists wishing to take part in the above disciplines (except Skysurfing and Canopy Piloting competitions) may do so without first taking part in the various Grading System training requirements, though they are recommended to do so.
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