Journey Toward Excellence: Become a C-Licensed Skydiver!

 Journey Toward Excellence: Become a C-Licensed Skydiver!

Embark on the thrilling journey of becoming a C-licensed skydiver, the next exciting step in this sport. With this license, a world of new and captivating opportunities awaits, surpassing even the B-license experience. Progressing in skydiving can feel overwhelming due to the abundance of information, but fear not! We break down the process into a clear and understandable format, empowering you to plan and embrace the next phase of your skydiving adventure confidently.

C-License Eligibility Criteria

To earn the C-license under the United States Parachute Association, aspiring skydivers must meet the following qualifications:

General Requirements:

  • Maintain current USPA membership;
  • Hold a valid B-license;
  • Successfully pass a written exam.

Freefall Requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 200 jumps;
  • Accumulate at least 60 minutes of logged freefall time;
  • Demonstrate proficiency in in-air turns and barrel rolls;
  • Successfully complete fifty formation skydives or fifty formation freefly skydives, with at least ten involving a minimum of four participants in either discipline.

Canopy Requirements:

  • Land within 7 feet of a target center on 25 jumps.

The Power of a C-License in Skydiving

skydiver jumping out of an airplane over the land

Skydiving licenses come with distinct privileges, but the C-license stands out as the ultimate aspiration for many, particularly those eager to wingsuit. This coveted license serves as the gateway to wingsuiting adventures. Here’s a glimpse of the remarkable privileges that accompany this esteemed skydiving license:

  • First Flight Course for Wingsuit Jumping: C-license holders gain the exciting opportunity to attend a First Flight Course, enabling them to take thrilling wingsuit jumps;
  • Freefall Camera Usage: After receiving proper briefings, C-license holders are granted the privilege of using cameras during their freefalls, capturing mesmerizing moments from the sky;
  • USPA Instructor Rating Eligibility: C-license holders become eligible to pursue a USPA Instructor Rating, providing avenues to share their skydiving expertise. While not applicable for Tandem Instructional ratings, this opens doors to instructing others in the sport they love.

Currency Requirements for C-License Holders

Safety and preparedness are paramount in skydiving, necessitating constant vigilance over emergency procedures and staying updated on the latest techniques and technology. Skydiving licenses come with specific currency requirements, and for C-license holders, the following guidelines apply:

Not Jumped In6 months – 1 year1-3 Years1-3 Years
RequirementsDigital Recurrency CourseFull Ground Refresher Course in-personFirst Jump Course (digital or in-person)
Emergency Procedure ReviewEmergency Procedure PracticalEmergency Procedure Practical
Review Flight Plan & LandingRecurrency TestRecurrency Test
Coach JumpCoach JumpCoach Jump

Cost Breakdown: Earning a C-License in Skydiving

person jump with a colorful parachute over the lands

Before delving into the breakdown of costs for obtaining a C-license in skydiving, it’s important to note that this is not an all upfront payment. Instead, the journey to achieve this certification follows a pay-as-you-go approach. Throughout your skydiving career, there are often attractive package deals available for discounted prices. Moreover, if you happen to own your own gear, the expenses can be significantly reduced. Nonetheless, the following provides a rough estimate of the expenses involved in earning your C-license, based on 150 jumps completed after obtaining your B-license:

CostWith Gear RentalWithout Gear Rental
Jump Ticket to 9,000′$7,650$3,900
Pack Job*$1,200$0
C-License Exam$0$0
C-License Submission to USPA$36$36

Jump tickets at Ultimate Skydiving Adventures cost $25 for a jump to 9,000 feet, while gear rental incurs an additional $25 per jump. It’s worth noting that prices may differ between various skydiving centers. For those who own their own gear and are capable of packing it themselves, the estimated total cost to obtain a C-license is approximately $3,936. However, for individuals who opt to rent gear and hire a packer, the approximate total cost for earning the C-license increases to around $8,886.

Conclusion

Becoming a C-licensed skydiver is an exhilarating achievement that opens the door to a world of extraordinary privileges and opportunities. By meeting the specific requirements set by the United States Parachute Association, skydiving enthusiasts can progress from a B-license to the coveted C-license. From experiencing the thrill of wingsuit jumps and capturing mesmerizing moments with freefall cameras to potentially becoming a USPA Instructor, the C-license is the ultimate aspiration for those seeking to master the skies.