Parachute Operations and Skydiving Safety Checklist

This parachute operations and skydiving safety checklist ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 105 (Parachute Operations), FAA Advisory Circular AC 105-2 (Sport Parachute Jumping), USPA (United States Parachute Association) Group Member requirements, and FAA notice to ATC requirements for parachute drop zones. Designed for drop zone operators and jump pilots to verify safe and compliant parachute operations.

  • Industry: Aviation
  • Frequency: Per Event
  • Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Role: Drop Zone Operator / Jump Pilot
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: FAA 14 CFR Part 105 Parachute Operations, FAA AC 105-2 Sport Parachute Jumping, USPA Group Member Safety Requirements, FAA 14 CFR 91.307 Parachute Equipment and Packing, TSO-C23 Parachute Equipment Technical Standard

Jump Pilot and Aircraft

Pilot qualifications and jump aircraft.

  • Jump pilot holding commercial or ATP certificate?
  • Jump door modification on STC or FAA approval?
  • Jump door secured or removed and accounted for?
  • All jumpers have seatbelt/restraint for taxi and takeoff?
  • Jump aircraft airworthy with current maintenance?

ATC and Airspace

ATC notification requirements.

  • ATC notified of parachute operations area per FAA 105.25?
  • NOTAM filed for drop zone area?
  • Airspace above DZ reviewed for other aircraft activity?
  • Wind drift calculated for exit point?
  • ATC clearance obtained if DZ in controlled airspace?

Jumper Equipment

Parachute and jumper equipment check.

  • All parachute rigs packed by FAA certificated parachute rigger?
  • Reserve parachute repacked within 180 days?
  • Automatic Activation Device (AAD) armed correctly?
  • Cutaway and reserve handles correctly positioned and accessible?
  • All jumpers wearing helmet and altimeter?

Student and Tandem Operations

First-jump and tandem requirements.

  • Tandem instructors USPA Tandem Instructor rated?
  • All students completed liability waiver?
  • Student health screening completed (weight limits, conditions)?
  • First-jump course training completed before boarding?
  • Minimum age (18) verified for solo or tandem jumps?

Drop Zone Safety

DZ ground safety.

  • Landing area clear of obstacles and bystanders?
  • Wind socks and streamers visible for jumpers?
  • Radio communication between pilot and DZ manifest operational?
  • Cloud clearance sufficient for legal operations?
  • Emergency medical access to DZ possible?

Drop Zone Records

Parachute operations documentation.

  • Load manifest completed with all jumper names and jump numbers?
  • Pilot jump run logged in aircraft logbook?
  • Any hard landings or incidents documented?
  • Serious incidents reported to USPA per Group Member requirements?
  • Drop Zone Operation Notes

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Why Use This Parachute Operations and Skydiving Safety Checklist?

This parachute operations and skydiving safety checklist helps aviation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for drop zone operator / jump pilot professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 105 Parachute Operations, FAA AC 105-2 Sport Parachute Jumping, USPA Group Member Safety Requirements, FAA 14 CFR 91.307 Parachute Equipment and Packing, TSO-C23 Parachute Equipment Technical Standard. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Parachute Operations and Skydiving Safety Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Jump Pilot and Aircraft, ATC and Airspace, Jumper Equipment, Student and Tandem Operations, Drop Zone Safety, Drop Zone Records. It is designed for aviation operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Who should use this Parachute Operations and Skydiving Safety Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Drop Zone Operator / Jump Pilot professionals in the aviation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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