Solo Certificate
Introduction
The Solo Certificate is the first step in becoming a licensed skydiver. It allows the skydiver to jump by themself without direct supervision of an Instructor. The skydiver will have demonstrated an ability to plan and conduct a safe skydive through the tasks completed below.
It is a national certification that is not recognized internationally.
The holder of a Solo Certificate may:
- Participate in solo skydives
- Participate in 1:1 RW training with a Coach 2 for the 2-way RW endorsement.
- Participate at Provincial and National Competitions (in qualified disciplines).
Prerequisites
| TASK | SIGNING OFFICER |
|---|---|
| Freefall Proficiency | |
| Performed one solo freefall delay greater than 30 seconds |
JM, PFFI
|
| Performed one 5 second solo freefall delay from 4000 feet |
JM, PFFI
|
| Demonstrated in freefall, belly to earth, a figure 8 turn (360 degree turns in both directions) |
JM, PFFI
|
| Perform an intentional unstable exit (such as`Ride the slide` exit) and recover within 5 seconds. |
JM, PFFI
|
| Canopy Solo Endorsement | |
| Completed three self-spotted (unassisted) jumps with controlled self-guided, stand-up, safe, canopy landings to within 50 meters of the target | JM, PFFI |
| Under canopy, demonstrate a 180 flat turn in both directions |
C1
|
| Under canopy, demonstrated a rear riser turn (above 2000 ft) | JM, PFFI |
| Technical Knowledge | |
| Completed the Solo Checkout Jump Endorsement |
JM, PFFI
|
| Completed the Emergency Procedures Review - Solo |
JM, SSI
|
| Accumulated 10 jumps and a minimum of 3 minutes of freefall with stable activation at the prescribed altitude on the last five jumps |
JM, PFFI
|
| Correctly answer all Solo test questions |
JM, SSI
|
Evaluations
The evaluations for this CoP are completed by the Signing Officer listed for the appropriate task. These requirements must be witnessed and signed in the logbook by the Coach/Instructor who has the proper rating. During processing of the application, the logbook entries are reviewed with special attention being paid to the specific practical qualifications for this certificate.
Practical Skills
The practical skills required for this certificate will demonstrate that a skydiver can control their body in flight. Whether from an intentionally unstable exit like the "Ride the Slide" or doing turns such as the Figure 8. In all cases this must be done with control and altitude awareness.
The purpose of doing the canopy stall and recovery is the skydiver to learn the feeling and solution to a canopy stall. At this early in their skydiving career, it is not unheard of for a skydiver to flare early. And it would be wise to know how to recover safely.
All practical skills for this certificate must be achieved prior to answering the Solo test questions.
Endorsements
The endorsements required for this certificate are:
- Reserve Procedures - covered during the First Jump Course.
- Emergency Procedures Review "Solo"
- Solo Checkout Jump
These endorsements will be tested by either written testing, verbal questioning and/or practical testing, or a combination of these.
All endorsements for this certificate must be obtained prior to answering the Solo test questions.
If your log book does not have an endorsement card, a stick-in page can be obtained from your member group or the CSPA office.
Technical Knowledge
The technical knowledge for this certificate is evaluated by answering the Solo test questions. These may be given verbally or written. Preparation for these questions can be made by reviewing PIM 2A.
How to Apply
Contact a Certificate Administrator (CA), so as to determine if requirements and qualifications have been met, prior to applying. Each member group normally has at least one CA.