USPA A License Written Test – Questions/Answers
Describe how to avoid the propeller(s) when approaching an aircraft. +
Correct Ans - Approach fixed-wing aircraft from the rear.
Who is responsible for seat belt use in the aircraft? + Correct Ans -
pilot and jumper
When must seat belts be fastened? + Correct Ans - movement on
the surface (taxi), takeoff, and landing
From whom do you take direction in the event of an aircraft problem? +
Correct Ans - my instructor
Why is it important to exit on "Go!"? Correct Ans - AFF and tandem
students: helps student and instructors to leave at the same time all
students: to leave at the right place over the ground
Where does the wind come from initially upon exit from the aircraft?
Correct Ans - ahead
Why do skydivers first learn to fall stable face to earth (think in terms of
the equipment)? + Correct Ans - best position for deployment
What does a canopy do immediately following a turn? Correct Ans -
dives
What are the landing priorities? Correct Ans - a. Land with the
wing level and flying in a straight line. b. Land in a clear and open area,
avoiding obstacles. c. Flare to at least the half-brake position. d. Perform a
parachute landing fall
What is the purpose of the landing flare? Correct Ans - convert
forward speed to lift
Describe the procedure for a hard landing (PLF). Correct Ans -
Student should demonstrate: feet and knees together, hands and elbows in,
roll on landing.
,Category B: Who must directly supervise your student training jumps?
Correct Ans - USPA Instructor rated for my discipline
What is your most important task when in freefall? Correct Ans -
altitude awareness to recognize and act at the assigned pull altitude
What are the maximum winds in which any student may jump? Correct
Ans - ten mph for a round reserve canopy; 14 mph for a ram-air
reserve, waiverable by an S&TA
How would you clear a pilot chute hesitation? + Correct Ans -
Change body position to modify the air flow over my back
In the event of a canopy problem, students should decide and act about
executing emergency procedures by what altitude? Correct Ans -
2,500 feet
How would you address the following routine opening problems?
Correct Ans - a. Before releasing the brakes, spread risers or twist
risers to transfer line twist to risers, kick in opposite direction, watch
altitude to 2,500 feet.
b. Pump rear risers or steering controls at the bottom of the stroke while
watching altitude to 2,500 feet.
c. Pull toggles to flare position and hold (or pull down rear ris- ers and
hold) and watch altitude. If stubborn, determine controllability with turn
and flare by 2,500 feet.
d. Determine controllability and ability to flare by 2,500 feet.
e. Be sure both brakes are released.
What is the appropriate action if below 1,000 ft without a landable
parachute? Correct Ans - Immediately deploy the reserve
parachute, but not below 1,000 feet with an SOS system.
If the pilot chute goes over the front of the canopy after it has opened, how
can you tell if it's a malfunction? Correct Ans - If the canopy flares
and turns correctly, it is probably safe to land.
What is the correct response to an open container in freefall using a hand-
deployed system? Correct Ans - no more than two tries or two
, seconds to locate and deploy the main pilot chute; if no success, cut away
and deploy the reserve
If part of the deployed parachute is caught on the jumper or the equipment
(horseshoe), what is the correct response? + Correct Ans - Cut
away and deploy the reserve.
If the pilot chute extracts the deployment bag from the parachute container
(backpack) but the deployment bag fails to release the parachute canopy
for inflation, what is the correct response? Correct Ans - Cut away
and deploy the reserve.
What are the compass headings of the runway nearest the DZ at your
airport? Correct Ans - ...
What compass directions do the runway heading numbers represent
(northeast-southwest, north-south, etc)? Correct Ans - ...
How long is the runway at your airport? Correct Ans - ...
Describe the three legs of the canopy landing pattern with relation to the
wind direction. Correct Ans - downwind (with the wind), base
(across the wind but downwind of the target), and final (into the wind)
At what altitude over the ground do aircraft enter the traffic pattern at your
airport? Correct Ans - ...
Why is it undesirable to land off the end of a runway? Correct Ans -
approaching and departing aircraft
Category C: In flat and stable freefall at terminal velocity, how long does it
take an average jumper to fall 1,000 feet? Correct Ans - 5.5 seconds
What is the correct procedure for recovering from instability to the belly to
earth position? Correct Ans - altitude, arch, legs, relax
Which is better, to pull at the planned altitude or to fall lower to get stable
before pulling? + Correct Ans - Pull at the planned altitude,
regardless of stability.
Describe how to avoid the propeller(s) when approaching an aircraft. +
Correct Ans - Approach fixed-wing aircraft from the rear.
Who is responsible for seat belt use in the aircraft? + Correct Ans -
pilot and jumper
When must seat belts be fastened? + Correct Ans - movement on
the surface (taxi), takeoff, and landing
From whom do you take direction in the event of an aircraft problem? +
Correct Ans - my instructor
Why is it important to exit on "Go!"? Correct Ans - AFF and tandem
students: helps student and instructors to leave at the same time all
students: to leave at the right place over the ground
Where does the wind come from initially upon exit from the aircraft?
Correct Ans - ahead
Why do skydivers first learn to fall stable face to earth (think in terms of
the equipment)? + Correct Ans - best position for deployment
What does a canopy do immediately following a turn? Correct Ans -
dives
What are the landing priorities? Correct Ans - a. Land with the
wing level and flying in a straight line. b. Land in a clear and open area,
avoiding obstacles. c. Flare to at least the half-brake position. d. Perform a
parachute landing fall
What is the purpose of the landing flare? Correct Ans - convert
forward speed to lift
Describe the procedure for a hard landing (PLF). Correct Ans -
Student should demonstrate: feet and knees together, hands and elbows in,
roll on landing.
,Category B: Who must directly supervise your student training jumps?
Correct Ans - USPA Instructor rated for my discipline
What is your most important task when in freefall? Correct Ans -
altitude awareness to recognize and act at the assigned pull altitude
What are the maximum winds in which any student may jump? Correct
Ans - ten mph for a round reserve canopy; 14 mph for a ram-air
reserve, waiverable by an S&TA
How would you clear a pilot chute hesitation? + Correct Ans -
Change body position to modify the air flow over my back
In the event of a canopy problem, students should decide and act about
executing emergency procedures by what altitude? Correct Ans -
2,500 feet
How would you address the following routine opening problems?
Correct Ans - a. Before releasing the brakes, spread risers or twist
risers to transfer line twist to risers, kick in opposite direction, watch
altitude to 2,500 feet.
b. Pump rear risers or steering controls at the bottom of the stroke while
watching altitude to 2,500 feet.
c. Pull toggles to flare position and hold (or pull down rear ris- ers and
hold) and watch altitude. If stubborn, determine controllability with turn
and flare by 2,500 feet.
d. Determine controllability and ability to flare by 2,500 feet.
e. Be sure both brakes are released.
What is the appropriate action if below 1,000 ft without a landable
parachute? Correct Ans - Immediately deploy the reserve
parachute, but not below 1,000 feet with an SOS system.
If the pilot chute goes over the front of the canopy after it has opened, how
can you tell if it's a malfunction? Correct Ans - If the canopy flares
and turns correctly, it is probably safe to land.
What is the correct response to an open container in freefall using a hand-
deployed system? Correct Ans - no more than two tries or two
, seconds to locate and deploy the main pilot chute; if no success, cut away
and deploy the reserve
If part of the deployed parachute is caught on the jumper or the equipment
(horseshoe), what is the correct response? + Correct Ans - Cut
away and deploy the reserve.
If the pilot chute extracts the deployment bag from the parachute container
(backpack) but the deployment bag fails to release the parachute canopy
for inflation, what is the correct response? Correct Ans - Cut away
and deploy the reserve.
What are the compass headings of the runway nearest the DZ at your
airport? Correct Ans - ...
What compass directions do the runway heading numbers represent
(northeast-southwest, north-south, etc)? Correct Ans - ...
How long is the runway at your airport? Correct Ans - ...
Describe the three legs of the canopy landing pattern with relation to the
wind direction. Correct Ans - downwind (with the wind), base
(across the wind but downwind of the target), and final (into the wind)
At what altitude over the ground do aircraft enter the traffic pattern at your
airport? Correct Ans - ...
Why is it undesirable to land off the end of a runway? Correct Ans -
approaching and departing aircraft
Category C: In flat and stable freefall at terminal velocity, how long does it
take an average jumper to fall 1,000 feet? Correct Ans - 5.5 seconds
What is the correct procedure for recovering from instability to the belly to
earth position? Correct Ans - altitude, arch, legs, relax
Which is better, to pull at the planned altitude or to fall lower to get stable
before pulling? + Correct Ans - Pull at the planned altitude,
regardless of stability.
