Course purpose
The Jumpmaster role involves teaching and supervising critical skills during practical skydives. It requires technical proficiency, clear instruction, sound judgement and the ability to work under pressure.
- Understand Jumpmaster responsibilities within the CSPA system.
- Control students safely during IAD operations.
- Apply spotting, exit-control and deployment procedures.
- Communicate clearly and respond to student errors and emergency scenarios.
- Demonstrate canopy control and traffic awareness in student environments.
- Apply technical knowledge of student equipment.
- Conduct structured debriefs and give corrective feedback.
- Demonstrate professionalism and leadership.
Prerequisites
- Coach 1 trained; certification is required before receiving a portfolio
- Active CSPA B Certificate of Proficiency (CoP)
- At least 200 jumps
- Observation of a Jumpmaster on two different loads
- Completion of pre-course homework in the reference manual
- Willingness to learn and professionally represent skydiving
Candidates who do not meet prerequisites cannot continue in the course.
Course format
The course runs for two to three days; some material may be delivered in advance. Daily timing depends on drop zone logistics, weather, progress and time management. Some days may run late.
Arrive prepared and on time, with equipment ready and parachutes packed where required. Complete drop zone check-in and waivers in advance where possible. Bring food, use downtime for lesson planning and preparation, and help with packing when needed.
Required materials
Bring digital or paper copies of:
- Coach 1 Reference Manual
- Jumpmaster Workbook
- Parachutist Information Manuals (PIM) 1 and 2A
Preparation
- Complete the pre-course homework in the Jumpmaster reference material.
- Review applicable IAD procedures and emergency protocols.
- Observe the Jumpmaster role on two different loads.
Candidates who arrive unprepared may not be permitted to continue.
Evaluations
Evaluation covers skydiving and instructional abilities, equipment proficiency, critical thinking and technical knowledge.
- Practical IAD instructional simulations
- In-air student control and evaluation
- Written test
- Equipment and procedural assessments
Attitude, willingness to learn, ability to follow directions, preparedness and performance under stress are also assessed.
Costs & logistics
Contact GravityWorks for course availability and current rates. Expenses may include CSPA administration, shared travel and accommodation, and drop zone charges such as packing or classroom fees. Confirm the applicable expenses when arranging your course.
Plan for 12 jump slots to 3,500 feet across three loads with three simulated students, plus student rental gear for nine jumps, payable to the drop zone.
The location must provide a safe learning environment, aircraft access and student training infrastructure suitable for IAD operations.