What Makes an Epic Skydiving Instructor? Skills, Experience & Must-Have Traits

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28 Mar 2025 15:38

Skydiving is an awe-inspiring experience, and the instructor you jump with can make it even more life-changing – they’re your sherpa to the sky! Whether you’re taking on your first tandem skydive or working toward your skydiving certifications, having an experienced, professional skydiver by your side supports your journey to fulfillment and sets you up for success.

But what exactly makes an epic skydiving instructor? Here at Skydive Tecumseh, we know a thing or two about what it takes to become an amazing instructor. Here’s what you need to look for!

What Makes You a Professional Skydiver?

Becoming a professional skydiver is all about committing to safety and skill development – while having the time of your life with your buddies, of course! The path to becoming a professional skydiver all starts with earning your skydiving license and progressing through the different levels of training. Let’s break down the typical path to solo flight:

Earn Your Skydiving License

You’ll begin with an A-license, which requires at least 25 jumps, passing an exam, and demonstrating proficiency in the fundamental skills that are outlined on the United States Parachute Association (USPA) A License Proficiency Card.

Advance Through Certifications

After you achieve your A license, you’ll progress through your B, C, and D USPA licenses, gaining a ton of experience along the way.

Become a Coach/Instructor

To teach students, you’ll need Coach and Instructor ratings, which have their own USPA requirements.

Earn a Tandem Instructor Rating

To take students on tandem jumps, you’ll need to complete a rigorous tandem instructor course and fulfill any other USPA requirements. It is important to note that not all professional skydivers are tandem instructors; some professional skydivers are competitors, world-record setters, sponsored athletes, coaches, organizers, and even stunt doubles!

How to Be a Skydive Instructor

If you’re looking to be a skydive instructor you’ll need to go through rigorous training to fulfill the requirements needed to teach someone to skydive or take them on a tandem jump.

Before you can even attend an instructor rating course, you must meet the required prerequisites that are specific to the rating you are looking to achieve. The requirements increase as you go higher and higher in your rating. The minimum requirements for each rating, according to the USPA, are as follows:

Skydiving Coach Rating Requirements

The first instructor rating certification you can get is the Coach rating. To be a USPA Skydiving Coach and teach new (AFF graduated) jumpers how to fly with others, you must:

Be 18+ years old
Hold a USPA B License or higher
Have logged at least 100 jumps
Have assisted in the First Jump Course and exam

Accelerated Freefall Instructor (AFFI) Requirements

An AFFI is a highly skilled skydiver who has deep knowledge of the sport and is capable of teaching beginners how to skydive completely on their own. They are the ones heading the First Jump Course and are in charge of the students’ progression within the AFF program. To be an AFF instructor, you must:

Be 18+ years old
Hold a USPA Coach rating for a year or have at least 500 jumps
Accumulate a total of 6 hours of freefall time
Hold a USPA C License
Complete the USPA AFF Instructor rating certification program

Tandem Instructor (TI) Rating

Tandem instructors are skilled skydivers who can take first-time jumpers on a tandem skydive, where the student is attached to the front of the instructor’s harness. If you want to be a tandem instructor, you must:

Be 18+ years old
Have logged at least 500 jumps
Have at least 3 years of experience in the sport
Have a USPA Coach rating
Hold a USPA D License
Have an FAA Class III Flight Medical Certificate
Complete the USPA Tandem Instructor rating certification program

Becoming a skydiving instructor takes serious commitment to and passion for the sport, which is why it takes a special kind of person to tackle and pass the certification.

What Makes an Epic Skydiving Instructor?

While every skydiving instructor must meet certain qualifications, the top instructors stand out because of their passion for the sport, communication skills, and dedication to student success. Here’s what separates the best from the rest:

Strong Communication Skills: How a Skydiving Coach Teaches You to Fly

An epic skydiving instructor isn’t just an expert in the air – they’re also an excellent teacher. Whether guiding first-time tandem students or coaching experienced jumpers, an instructor must be able to communicate clearly and effectively. A strong communicator ensures that you feel confident, prepared, and excited about skydiving.

Before taking to the skies, your awesome instructor will explain safety protocols thoroughly as well as body position and what to expect. You should never feel like you don’t know what’s going on or what’s happening next.

While in freefall, a good instructor uses hand signals and clear instructions to keep you as safe as possible. A great instructor does all of that AND makes sure you’re having the time of your life! After landing, top instructors provide live feedback to help students improve for future jumps.

Safety First: How a Professional Skydiver Keeps You Secure

Safety is the number one priority in skydiving. A professional skydiver has spent years mastering emergency procedures, canopy control and risk management to ensure every jump is as safe as can be. An epic instructor inspects their gear thoroughly before every jump, has great reaction times, as well as situational awareness – always aware of changing weather conditions and student needs.

Passion for Skydiving: Why Enthusiasm Makes a Difference

Passion is contagious, and the best skydiving instructors radiate enthusiasm for the sport. Their excitement fuels their teaching, helping students push past their fear and embrace the experience. Skydiving isn’t just a job for them – it’s a way of life, and they love introducing new people to the sky. Passionate instructors not only keep a positive atmosphere, they are also constantly seeking to improve their skills and learn new techniques.

The Right Attitude: What to Look for in a Skydiving Instructor

The attitude of your skydiving instructor can make or break your experience. The best instructors are patient, supportive, and fun-loving while maintaining a strong sense of professionalism. They know how to calm nerves, adjust their teaching methods according to each student’s needs, and have a welcoming attitude that helps create an enjoyable and stress-free environment. When choosing where to skydive, look for instructors who make you feel comfortable, safe, and excited to jump!

What is it Like to Be a Skydiving Instructor?

Being a skydiving instructor is one of the most rewarding careers imaginable. Every day is an opportunity to be a part of someone’s life-changing moment, introduce people to the joy of skydiving, guide students through their first jumps, and share the sky with fellow thrill-seekers. A day in the life of an instructor often includes:

Morning gear checks and safety briefings
Teaching ground school for first-time jumpers or advanced students
Taking students skydiving for their first jump
Coaching licensed skydivers to refine their skills
Collaborating with other coaches and instructors

Ready to Jump with the Best?

At Skydive Tecumseh, our skydiving instructors are among the best in the industry. We only employ USPA-certified instructors with years of experience and evident passion for the sport. They are dedicated to making every jump phenomenal!

Book your jump today and experience the sky with the best instructors around – we’ve got your back! Blue skies.

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