2 Way Formation Skydiving
The 2-Way Formation (FS) endorsement certifies that a novice skydiver can safely perform controlled two-way formation skydives, demonstrating stable exits, controlled proximity and level, safe contact, proper separation, and safe deployment.
Overview
The 2-Way Formation Skydiving (FS) endorsement allows an A CoP holder to participate in controlled two-way freefall formation skydives with another skydiver holding a B CoP or higher.
This endorsement is intended to introduce the fundamentals of formation skydiving in a highly controlled environment, emphasizing body control, relative movement, proximity awareness, and safe separation procedures.
Training and evaluation for this endorsement must be conducted by a CSPA Coach 2 or higher using a series of coached training jumps.
The 2-way FS endorsement certifies that a novice skydiver has mastered all the essential skills of relative work between two skydivers:
- exiting the aircraft in a controlled manner
- approaching and maintaining proximity to another skydiver
- making a controlled contact
- separating safely
- successfully deploying their parachute
Training Objectives
The 2-Way FS endorsement is not intended to teach group formation skydiving or multi-way FS.
The objective of this training is to provide the novice skydiver with the foundational skills required before progressing to Group FS, including controlled approaches, relative movement, and safe separation.
By the end of the training, the Novice must demonstrate that they:
- Understand the fundamentals of relative work in freefall
- Can safely approach and maintain levels and proximity with the coach
- Can perform controlled contact with a coach
- Maintain altitude awareness and visual awareness
- Can safely separate and deploy in a two-way environment
Coaches may adapt the training flow to suit aircraft type, conditions, or individual learning pace; however, the performance standard for endorsement remains unchanged.
Recommended Dive Flow
The following dive flow represents a recommended progression for training and evaluation. Equivalent variations may be used, provided the Novice demonstrates the required skills.
JUMP ONE & TWO: PROXIMITY
Objective: Develop controlled horizontal proximity and approach skills.
Skills to be demonstrated:
- Perform a table free-flown exit
- Maintain a neutral body position
- Controlled horizontal movement toward the coach
- Use of Initiate–Coast–Recover (or Start–Coast–Stop) sequencing
- Ability to stop forward movement before contact
- Visual awareness of the coach
- Altitude awareness
The coach provides a stable reference point while minimizing level changes so the novice skydiver can focus on horizontal proximity control.
Break-off Track: A flat, forward horizontal movement initiated using the legs only. Arms remain in the box position throughout. The novice skydiver should focus on an external target toward the horizon and maintain the movement for a three-second count.
Pass Criteria:
- Perform a smooth, controlled approach without charging
- Demonstrated the ability to stop and hold position
- Maintain a stable body position throughout the skydive
- Heading control on break-off track
- Perform 3 pins from 9500’ (or more if altitude permits)
JUMP THREE & FOUR: LEVELS
Objective: Develop controlled vertical movement and level matching.
Skills to be demonstrated:
- Perform a stable free-flown exit
- Coach establishes a vertical offset
- Perform a controlled fall-rate adjustment to match level
- Maintain a neutral body position while adjusting level
- Combining level control with basic proximity awareness
- Visual and altitude awareness
- The novice skydiver must demonstrate the ability to close or open vertical separation without excessive horizontal movement.
Break-off Track: Controlled turn away, forward movement for separation, stop, wave-off, and deployment at the agreed-upon altitude. As performance permits, the coach may progressively introduce arm extension and de-arching to refine tracking technique while maintaining stability and heading control.
Pass Criteria:
- Smooth and deliberate level correction
- No over-correction or instability
- Consistent altitude awareness throughout the skydive
- Heading control on track
- Perform 3 pins from 9500’ (or more if altitude permits)
JUMP FIVE: EVALUATION JUMP
Objective: Evaluate independent execution of 2-Way FS skills.
Skills to be demonstrated:
- Perform a stable free-flown exit
- Maintain controlled horizontal proximity
- Perform controlled vertical level matching
- Perform palm-to-palm contact with light pressure (no grips)
- Perform a clean release from contact
- Independent altitude management
- Perform proper separation and deployment
Separation: A break-off track initiated at the designated break-off altitude, allowing adequate time for a 5-second track and sufficient horizontal separation for a two-way skydive. The novice skydiver must initiate break-off without prompting from the Coach.
Pass Criteria:
- Demonstration of correct techniques throughout the jump
- Perform controlled and predictable movement
- Perform safe and deliberate separation and deployment
- Altitude awareness
- Perform 3 points from 9500’ ft (or more if altitude permits)
Technical Knowledge Requirements
Before endorsement, the novice skydiver must demonstrate understanding of the following concepts and scenarios. This knowledge may be assessed through discussion before or after jumps.
The novice skydiver must be able to answer:
- Define the following terms: Dive-out/ Poised exit
- Describe the correct sequence of the break-off procedure and the recommended break-off altitude
- Name four common exit positions from a Cessna 182/206 aircraft or a large cargo door
- Is participating in FS without being FS-endorsed a violation of a BSR?
- During a FS jump, the formation begins to funnel. What actions should you take?
- While beginning your final canopy approach, you notice the approach and target area is congested. What should you do to ensure safety?
- To close a long vertical distance, where should you dive to minimize the risk of a mid-air collision?
- As an A CoP holder, are you permitted to perform FS jumps with another A CoP holder? Explain.
- While tracking at break-off, another jumper is tracking directly toward you. What actions can you take to prevent an incident?
- After canopy deployment, another canopy is about to collide with yours horizontally. What is your immediate response?
- When learning basic FS skills, why are large formations not necessarily better?
Endorsement Standard
The 2-Way Formation (FS) endorsement may be signed when the Coach 2 is satisfied that the Novice:
- Can safely perform two-way formation skydives with a coach
- Demonstrates consistent control of proximity and level
- Maintains awareness and sound judgment
- Requires no direct in-air coaching to perform the required skills
