USPA SKYDIVING A LICENSE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW GUIDE
◉ Who is responsible for seat belt use in the aircraft? Answer: The
pilot and each jumper.
◉ When must seat belts be fastened? Answer: During movement on
the surface (taxi), takeoff, and landing.
◉ From whom do you take directions in the event of an aircraft
problem? Answer: My instructor.
◉ Why is it important to exit on 'Go!' (or 'Arch!')? Answer: 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? Answer: Ahead
◉ Why do skydivers first learn to fall stable face to earth (think in
terms of the equipment)? Answer: It is the best position for
deployment.
,◉ What does a canopy do immediately following a turn? Answer: It
dives.
◉ What are the landing priorities? Answer: Land with the wing level
and flying in a straight line; Land in a clear and open area, avoiding
obstacles; Flare to at least the half-brake position.
◉ What is the purpose of the landing flare? Answer: To convert
forward speed to lift.
◉ Solo students: Describe the procedure for a hard landing
(parachute landing fall or PLF).? Answer: Student should
demonstrate: feet and knees together, hands and elbows in, roll on
landing.
◉ Who must directly supervise your student training jumps?
Answer: USPA Instructor rated for my discipline.
◉ What is your most important task when in freefall? Answer:
Altitude awareness to recognize and act at the assigned pull altitude.
◉ What are the maximum winds in which any student may jump?
Answer: 10 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? Answer: 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? Answer:
2,500 feet
◉ How would you address the following routine opening problem:
Twisted lines? Answer: 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.
◉ How would you address the following routine opening problem:
Slider stops halfway down? Answer: Pump rear risers or steering
controls at the bottom of the stroke while watching altitude to 2,500
feet.
◉ How would you address the following routine opening problem:
Closed end cells? Answer: Pull toggles to flare position and hold (or
pull down rear risers and hold) and watch altitude. If stubborn,
determine controllability with turn and flare by 2,500 feet.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW GUIDE
◉ Who is responsible for seat belt use in the aircraft? Answer: The
pilot and each jumper.
◉ When must seat belts be fastened? Answer: During movement on
the surface (taxi), takeoff, and landing.
◉ From whom do you take directions in the event of an aircraft
problem? Answer: My instructor.
◉ Why is it important to exit on 'Go!' (or 'Arch!')? Answer: 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? Answer: Ahead
◉ Why do skydivers first learn to fall stable face to earth (think in
terms of the equipment)? Answer: It is the best position for
deployment.
,◉ What does a canopy do immediately following a turn? Answer: It
dives.
◉ What are the landing priorities? Answer: Land with the wing level
and flying in a straight line; Land in a clear and open area, avoiding
obstacles; Flare to at least the half-brake position.
◉ What is the purpose of the landing flare? Answer: To convert
forward speed to lift.
◉ Solo students: Describe the procedure for a hard landing
(parachute landing fall or PLF).? Answer: Student should
demonstrate: feet and knees together, hands and elbows in, roll on
landing.
◉ Who must directly supervise your student training jumps?
Answer: USPA Instructor rated for my discipline.
◉ What is your most important task when in freefall? Answer:
Altitude awareness to recognize and act at the assigned pull altitude.
◉ What are the maximum winds in which any student may jump?
Answer: 10 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? Answer: 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? Answer:
2,500 feet
◉ How would you address the following routine opening problem:
Twisted lines? Answer: 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.
◉ How would you address the following routine opening problem:
Slider stops halfway down? Answer: Pump rear risers or steering
controls at the bottom of the stroke while watching altitude to 2,500
feet.
◉ How would you address the following routine opening problem:
Closed end cells? Answer: Pull toggles to flare position and hold (or
pull down rear risers and hold) and watch altitude. If stubborn,
determine controllability with turn and flare by 2,500 feet.
