Becoming a skydiving instructor?

Question

I was wondering how long and what is involved in becomeing a skydiving instructor?

Also what is involved with becomeing a fun jumper(to be able to jump completly by urself)?

And what levels of skydivers are there going from lowest to highest?

Answer 1

the first step is become a skydiver, this is done by going through a student training program such as Accelerated Free Fall training, Tandem Progression, Static Line or Instructor Assisted Deployment.

You can call your local dropzone, find out what how much and when you can start your training, which will likely be any weekend you want.

After you have completed a minimum of 25 jumps and shown certain free fall and canopy skills, along with a give knowledge base, you will be able to earn your A licenses.

at 50 jumps, more skills, more knowledge and more training you can earn your B licenses

at 200 jumps, more skills, more knowledge, more training you can earn your C license

at 500 jumps, min of two night jumps, and more skills, knowledge and training you can earn your D license, this is the highest license level.

A skydiver with 100 jumps and B license can start training for the Coach Rating.  This rating will allow the jumper to fly with new jumpers who have completed a student training method and are cleared for self supervision.  the Coach rating is required before any other instructor rating can be earned.

The AFF Instructor rating prerequisites are a minimum of 6 hours of free fall and C license.  This rating will allow you to train new jumpers in their first jumps with their own parachute system.

The Tandem Rating prerequisites include a D licenses and a minimum of three years in the sport before you can start training for the rating.

The Licenses levels are helpful to know experienced someone is, but it doesn't mean that they are good.  I was nearly killed a few months ago because of a selfish and negligent move made by a D license holder.  I have been on many jumps that have gone wonderfully with people who have less than 20 jumps and on jumps that didn't go to plan at all with people with 1000's of jumps.  

The first thing you should do, and the only thing you should worry about at first, is to get good training, get your licenses and learn how to safely fly your body and canopy.  Then you can work towards the instructor ratings.  

I waited for two years and 250 jumps before going after my coach rating.  I have completed the prereqs for the AFF rating, but I don't feel that I'm ready for that rating or responsibility for at least another year, maybe two.  Same with the Tandem rating.

Enjoy your jumps, have fun, be safe and welcome to skydiving!!!