USPA SKYDIVING A LICENSE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026 UPDATED
EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
◉ How does the three-ring main canopy release system disconnect
the main parachute from the harness? Answer: Pulls the cables to
release the cloth loop.
◉ How do you know if a reserve parachute has been packed by an
FAA rigger within the last 180 days? Answer: Information found on
the reserve packing data card.
◉ How do you know the reserve container has not been opened
since the FAA rigger last closed it? Answer: Rigger's packing seal on
the reserve ripcord.
◉ If the surface winds are blowing from west to east, which
direction will you face to fly the downwind leg of the landing pattern
instructor's illustration? Answer: East
◉ How is wing loading calculated? Answer: Divide the exit weight by
the square footage.
,◉ Which canopy size (same model design) will exhibit quicker
control response? Answer: 170 square feet with a 170-pound
jumper (geared up).
◉ When is it OK to attempt a stand-up landing?? Answer: When the
jumper has control of all the variables and has executed a good flare
at the appropriate altitude.
◉ For planned deployment initiation at 3,000 feet, approximately
how long should an average-sized jumper fall after exiting at 5,000
feet? Answer: 15 seconds
◉ What is the most appropriate response to loss of heading control
in freefall? Answer: Altitude, arch, legs, relax.
◉ What is the best way to avoid a canopy collision when turning?
Answer: Look first in the direction of the turn.
◉ What is the quickest and safest way to change heading
immediately after opening? Answer: Rear riser turn with the brakes
still set.
◉ How would you steer a parachute that has a broken brake line?
Answer: If familiar with rear-riser flares on that canopy, release both
brakes and use the back risers to steer.
, ◉ How would you prepare to land a canopy using the rear risers to
flare? Answer: Practice with rear-riser flares at altitude with that
canopy during a routine jump.
◉ What is the procedure for landing on a building? Answer:
Disconnect the RSL (if time), contact the building feet first, PLF, cut
away after landing on top of a building, wait for competent help.
◉ What is the purpose of the automatic activation device? Answer:
To back up the jumper's emergency procedures.
◉ What is the 'check of threes'? Answer: Check three-ring release
system for correct assembly and RSL; three points of harness
attachment for snap assembly or correct routing and adjustment;
three operation handles-main activation, cutaway, reserve.
◉ What must the spotter do to determine what is directly
underneath the aircraft while on jump run? Answer: Place head
completely outside the aircraft and look straight down.
◉ How far horizontally must jumpers be from any cloud BELOW
10,000 feet MSL? Answer: 2,000 feet
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026 UPDATED
EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
◉ How does the three-ring main canopy release system disconnect
the main parachute from the harness? Answer: Pulls the cables to
release the cloth loop.
◉ How do you know if a reserve parachute has been packed by an
FAA rigger within the last 180 days? Answer: Information found on
the reserve packing data card.
◉ How do you know the reserve container has not been opened
since the FAA rigger last closed it? Answer: Rigger's packing seal on
the reserve ripcord.
◉ If the surface winds are blowing from west to east, which
direction will you face to fly the downwind leg of the landing pattern
instructor's illustration? Answer: East
◉ How is wing loading calculated? Answer: Divide the exit weight by
the square footage.
,◉ Which canopy size (same model design) will exhibit quicker
control response? Answer: 170 square feet with a 170-pound
jumper (geared up).
◉ When is it OK to attempt a stand-up landing?? Answer: When the
jumper has control of all the variables and has executed a good flare
at the appropriate altitude.
◉ For planned deployment initiation at 3,000 feet, approximately
how long should an average-sized jumper fall after exiting at 5,000
feet? Answer: 15 seconds
◉ What is the most appropriate response to loss of heading control
in freefall? Answer: Altitude, arch, legs, relax.
◉ What is the best way to avoid a canopy collision when turning?
Answer: Look first in the direction of the turn.
◉ What is the quickest and safest way to change heading
immediately after opening? Answer: Rear riser turn with the brakes
still set.
◉ How would you steer a parachute that has a broken brake line?
Answer: If familiar with rear-riser flares on that canopy, release both
brakes and use the back risers to steer.
, ◉ How would you prepare to land a canopy using the rear risers to
flare? Answer: Practice with rear-riser flares at altitude with that
canopy during a routine jump.
◉ What is the procedure for landing on a building? Answer:
Disconnect the RSL (if time), contact the building feet first, PLF, cut
away after landing on top of a building, wait for competent help.
◉ What is the purpose of the automatic activation device? Answer:
To back up the jumper's emergency procedures.
◉ What is the 'check of threes'? Answer: Check three-ring release
system for correct assembly and RSL; three points of harness
attachment for snap assembly or correct routing and adjustment;
three operation handles-main activation, cutaway, reserve.
◉ What must the spotter do to determine what is directly
underneath the aircraft while on jump run? Answer: Place head
completely outside the aircraft and look straight down.
◉ How far horizontally must jumpers be from any cloud BELOW
10,000 feet MSL? Answer: 2,000 feet
