Share the Sky with New Adventurers

UPT/Sigma Tandem Instructor

Ratings Courses

Ready to share the incredible thrill of freefall with others? Join us to become a vital part of the next generation of skydiving professionals.

3-4 daysTypical course length

$400Full course, UPT certification fee included

$250Crossover from another manufacturer, UPT fee included

10 jumpsRequired training jumps

Palatka, FLOr your USPA Group Member DZ

Candidate Requirements

The path to becoming a UPT Sigma Tandem Instructor is rigorous, reflecting the significant responsibility and expertise required for this rating. Candidates must meet the following requirements, in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 105.45, which governs the use of tandem parachute systems. You can review the full text of this regulation here.

18+ years old
3 years of skydiving experience, in accordance with FAR 105.45
Hold a current USPA D license
Currently possess, or at one time been issued, a USPA Coach, USPA static-line instructor, or USPA AFF Instructor rating
Have logged at least 500 ram-air jumps and accumulated at least 6 hours of freefall time
Have logged at least 100 ram-air jumps in the past 12 months
Hold a current FAA Class I, II or III or a DOT (Department of Transportation) medical certificate
Read the current Sigma Operations Manual and complete the multiple-choice Sigma Tandem Instructor written exam before the course begins (details in the next section)

How to Prepare for the Course

There is real work to do before you arrive, and the more of it you finish ahead of time, the more you get out of the course. Watch this video for the overview, then use the steps below.

1. Get and read the Sigma Operations Manual

Go to the UPT website, open the tandem section, and look under the certification tab for the latest Sigma Operations Manual. You need to read it to attend the course, and it's where you'll find most of the answers for your exam.

2. Take the Sigma Tandem exam

The exam is in the same place as the manual on the UPT website. It's multiple choice and open book, so you can go back and review your answers. Read the manual first, and finish the exam before the course starts if you can. The final score has to be 100%. If any answers are wrong, we go over them together during the course until you reach 100% and every question is clear.

3. Learn to pack a tandem system

This isn't required, but it helps a lot. Packing a tandem shows you the complexity of the system and the inspection points you need to know to complete your gear inspections satisfactorily during the course.

4. If you're adding the USPA rating, start early

Download the current IRM and review the ISP, and become very familiar with Category A and Category B. You'll also take the USPA online exam, which is open book, on the USPA website. Upload your medical there as well, so you can apply for your USPA rating when your UPT course is complete. The USPA Tandem Instructor Rating page has the full details.

Plan on at least a week to get through all of this, a little at a time. If there's anything we can do to help before the course, email or text us.

Course Outline

Our intensive UPT Sigma Tandem Course is designed to transform experienced skydivers into exceptional tandem instructors. Expect a blend of academic sessions, emergency procedure training, and practical training jumps, all built to give you the expertise and confidence to safely guide your future students. The course typically runs 3 to 4 days.

Introductions, Exam Review & Theory

Introductions & ExpectationsConnect with your instructors and fellow candidates, and establish clear learning objectives for the course.

Paperwork & Written Exam ReviewNext comes the paperwork: we verify all necessary candidate documents and complete the initial UPT Tandem Instructor forms. Then we review your multiple-choice exam together before moving on to anything else. If any answers were missed, we talk them through until your score is 100% and every question is clear.

UPT Tandem Instructor PresentationA deep dive into the core principles of tandem instruction. Topics include:

A comprehensive overview of the tandem system (Sigma)
Proper techniques for fitting the harness on both instructor and student
Detailed emergency procedures specific to tandem operations
Effective tandem student briefings and ground preparation, such as jumpsuit selection and gear checks
Crucial in-aircraft procedures and exits
Understanding drogue fall mechanics and control
Mastering canopy control techniques with a tandem system
Advanced landing strategies for smooth, safe arrivals

Scenario AnalysisLearn from real-world experience by analyzing challenging tandem scenarios and applying critical skill analysis.

Emergency Preparedness & Training Jumps Begin

Emergency Procedure PracticeIntensive, hands-on emergency procedure drills and scenarios, with at least 3 hours dedicated to practical application. This is where theory meets reality in a controlled environment.

Training Jumps BeginYou start the 10 required training jumps and apply your academic knowledge in real tandem scenarios. You have up to 15 attempts to complete all 10. The full breakdown is in the next section.

Completing Practical Skills & Certification Readiness

Training Jumps ContinueKeep building proficiency as you work through the remaining jumps with your examiner or evaluator. If the jumps aren't finished by the end of Day 3, training continues into Day 4.

Final Paperwork & SubmissionMake sure all paperwork is completed accurately and submitted to UPT and/or USPA for official processing.

End of Course Critique, Interviews & FeedbackWe conclude with a comprehensive review, individual interviews, and personalized feedback. This consolidates your learning and leaves you with clear guidance for your professional development.

The 10 Training Jumps

You complete 10 required jumps, and you're allowed up to 15 attempts to get through them. Jumps 3 through 10 are proficiency jumps, where you act as the tandem instructor and pilot in command of the Sigma system. Here is what each one covers:

Jump 1 or 2

Solo jumpYou jump the tandem system alone to practice the full system handles check, drogue release pulls, and the reserve ripcord motion at altitude, then land close to the target.

Jump 1 or 2

Candidate as student passengerYou ride as the student while an examiner or evaluator models perfect tandem procedures. This jump is mandatory because it sets the standard you'll be held to in the field. Jumps 1 and 2 can be done in either order.

Jumps 3 and 4

First proficiency jumpsYou take the instructor role for the first time, with stable exits, drogue deployment, handle checks, and practice emergency pulls. Jump 4 adds heading control with alternating 360 degree turns and a tighter landing target.

Jumps 5 and 6

Tandem terminal jumpsYou make longer drogueless freefalls before setting the drogue, with a minimum of 2,000 feet on jump 5 and 3,000 feet on jump 6. Jump 6 starts with an unstable exit that you must recover from quickly. The passenger is a current examiner, evaluator, or instructor.

Jumps 7 and 8

USPA Category A and B jumpsIf you're pursuing the USPA Tandem Instructor rating, these two jumps double as your USPA Category A and Category B evaluation jumps. If you aren't, they serve as continuation training jumps with an experienced passenger.

Jump 9

Simulated emergency exitYou practice the differences between a normal tandem exit and an aircraft emergency. This jump is strongly recommended but not required, since it depends on dropzone airspace. If it can't be done, a modified version takes its place.

Jump 10

Good student exampleYou make a standard tandem jump with a cooperative passenger, the last practice before you jump with first-time students.

Crossover Training from Another Manufacturer

Already rated on another tandem system? Crossover training to the UPT Sigma needs a minimum of 3 jumps. We keep going for as many jumps as it takes for you to feel comfortable on the Sigma and to meet UPT requirements, and USPA requirements too if you're adding the USPA Tandem Instructor rating.

Crossover training is $250, including the UPT certification fee.

Adding the USPA Tandem Instructor Rating

For those pursuing the USPA Tandem Instructor rating, the USPA tandem exam is a separate online written exam. It becomes available after you've registered for the course and completed your UPT training.

Looking to earn your USPA Tandem Instructor rating at the same time? Read about the UPT/Sigma and USPA Tandem course combination.

Investment

The UPT Sigma course is $400, and that includes the UPT certification fee.

If you already hold a tandem rating from another manufacturer, crossover training to the UPT Sigma is $250, and that also includes the UPT certification fee.

Rig rental and jump tickets are not included in these fees. You train on our tandem rig, which rents for $45 per jump and includes the pack job. The full course has 10 required jumps, so plan on at least $450 in rental. Crossover training has a minimum of 3 jumps, so plan on at least $135, and more if you need extra jumps. Jump ticket prices vary by dropzone.

Adding the USPA Tandem Instructor rating? Its fee is separate: $100 when you take it with this course. See the USPA rating details.

Train at your dropzone

Want to become a tandem instructor at your own dropzone? We travel to any USPA Group Member dropzone to run the course on location. There is no minimum number of candidates, so we can teach one person or a group.

Who you'll train with

Juan Arango

USPA/UPT Tandem Examiner · AFF Instructor · FAA Senior Rigger · 11,000+ jumps

Juan brings his rigging and tandem instruction background to the tandem system, emergency procedure, and gear portions of the course.

Ready to become a tandem instructor?

If you meet the requirements and you're ready to start, reach out and we'll walk you through scheduling, registration, and next steps. Want the course at your dropzone? Contact us for dates and details.