Skydiving Safety Resources
Safety isn't just a checklist—it's a mindset. At Skydive Fundamentals, we believe that understanding the "why" behind safety procedures makes you a more confident and capable skydiver. These resources cover emergency procedures, equipment maintenance, and situational awareness skills that every skydiver should master.
We're Christina and Juan Arango, USPA examiners with 20+ years of experience. The guides below represent the knowledge we wish every student had—and the topics we see experienced jumpers need to revisit.
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Off-Landing Procedures
Not every landing happens where you planned. These guides cover what to do when you're heading somewhere unexpected.
🌊 Water Landings
Intentional water jumps for D-License requirements and emergency procedures for unplanned water landings. Covers gear prep, in-water procedures, and cold water survival.
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🦵 Parachute Landing Fall (PLF)
The technique that turns hard landings into safe ones. Learn the five points of contact, common mistakes, and how to practice on the ground.
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⚡ Stay Current
USPA recommends reviewing all cutaway and reserve deployment procedures at least annually in a training harness—and practicing at every reserve repack. When was your last review?
Equipment Safety
Your gear keeps you alive. Understanding how to inspect and maintain it is non-negotiable.
✅ Pre-Jump Gear Check
Every jump, every time:
- Three-ring assembly seated correctly
- RSL routed properly (if equipped)
- Handles in place and accessible
- Chest strap and leg straps secure
- AAD on and set correctly
- Pin check—closing loop tension appropriate
Situational Awareness
The best skydivers aren't just skilled—they're aware. These guides help you read your environment and make smarter decisions.
🎯 Freefall Drift & Selecting a Spot
How to read winds aloft, calculate freefall drift, and select the right exit point. Essential for consistent landings on the DZ.
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🧭 Runway Headings
Instantly orient yourself at any airport using runway numbers. Understand wind direction, plan landing patterns, and communicate like a pro.
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🔊 Why You Cannot Rely on Your Audible Altimeter in an Emergency
Your audible is a backup, not a primary. Learn why the brain stops processing auditory alerts under stress, and why your visual altimeter is your first line of altitude awareness.
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Training Resources
Build your knowledge systematically with our comprehensive study materials.
📊 2025 USPA Fatality Report Breakdown
Every year the USPA publishes a fatality summary. Every year the same patterns appear. We go through every category in the 2025 report: what happened, what the conditions were, and what every skydiver can honestly take from it.
📖 A-License Student Resources
Complete category-by-category guides (A through H) covering everything from your first jump through A-License certification.
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📖 B-License Study Guide
Everything you need to pass the B-License written exam. BSRs, FARs, and the knowledge that makes you a safer skydiver.
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🪪 USPA License Requirements
Complete breakdown of A, B, C, and D license requirements: jumps, skills, exams, and what each license unlocks.
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Stay Current, Stay Safe
Safety knowledge isn't something you learn once and forget. The best skydivers revisit these fundamentals regularly, especially before trying something new or returning after time away from the sport.
📬 Want More Resources?
Download our free AFF Preparedness Guide or B-License Progression Guide to support your training journey.
Questions about safety procedures or training? Contact us, we're happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
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USPA recommends reviewing cutaway and reserve deployment procedures at least annually in a training harness. Many experienced skydivers also practice at every reserve repack. If you haven't jumped in several months, a full review before returning is essential.
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The three landing priorities, in order: (1) Land with wings level, (2) Land in a clear area, (3) Flare and PLF (if necessary). These priorities apply to every landing—routine or emergency.
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Replace your closing loop when you see any visible wear. The USPA SIM specifies 10% maximum allowable wear. When in doubt, ask your rigger—closing loops are inexpensive and easy to replace.
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Parachute Landing Fall (PLF) is a technique that distributes landing forces across your body through five points of contact: feet, calf, thigh, hip, and back (lats). It transforms potentially injurious hard landings into safe ones. Learn the full technique here.
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USPA recommends flotation devices when jumping within one mile of an open body of water. For intentional water jumps (B-License and above), a pre-inflated or automatically inflating device is required. Check your DZ's specific policies.