USPA A LICENSE PRACTICE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2025
1. What is the minimum number of jumps required to apply for a USPA A
license?
a) 10
b) 25
c) 50
d) 30
A minimum of 25 jumps is required to apply for a USPA A license,
along with successful completion of other requirements such as
accuracy and knowledge tests.
2. What is the minimum deployment altitude for a student skydiver?
a) 1,500 feet AGL
b) 2,000 feet AGL
, c) 3,000 feet AGL
d) 3,500 feet AGL
USPA requires student skydivers to deploy no lower than 3,000 feet
above ground level.
3. What is the hard deck for a student skydiver?
a) 2,000 feet AGL
b) 2,500 feet AGL
c) 3,500 feet AGL
d) 1,500 feet AGL
The hard deck is the minimum altitude for attempting main
deployment. Below 2,500 feet AGL, students must initiate emergency
procedures.
4. If a skydiver experiences a total malfunction, what is the correct
response?
a) Cut away and deploy the reserve parachute
b) Try to fix the main
c) Wait until 1,000 feet AGL
d) Pull the reserve without cutting away
For a total malfunction (no main deployed), the skydiver should cut
away and immediately deploy the reserve.
5. When should a skydiver begin their break-off from a group jump?
a) 2,000 feet AGL
b) 3,500 feet AGL
, c) 4,500 feet AGL
d) 1,500 feet AGL
Break-off should occur at about 4,500 feet AGL to allow time for
separation and safe deployment.
6. What is the recommended deployment altitude for a licensed
skydiver?
a) 2,000 feet AGL
b) 2,500 feet AGL
c) 3,000 feet AGL
d) 1,800 feet AGL
Licensed skydivers should deploy no lower than 2,500 feet AGL.
7. What is the purpose of the "three-ring release system"?
a) Stabilize freefall
b) Allow quick disconnection of the main parachute
c) Attach the reserve
d) Connect the AAD
The three-ring release system allows a skydiver to cut away the main
parachute quickly in an emergency.
8. What is the minimum recommended horizontal separation between
groups in freefall?
a) 1,000 feet
b) 500 feet
c) 200 feet
, d) 750 feet
1,000 feet horizontal separation is recommended between groups to
prevent collisions.
9. What is the purpose of an AAD (Automatic Activation Device)?
a) Automatically deploy the main parachute
b) Automatically deploy the reserve parachute at a preset altitude
c) Alert the pilot
d) Prevent canopy collisions
An AAD is a safety device that deploys the reserve at a certain
altitude if the skydiver has not deployed a canopy.
10. If a skydiver cannot locate the pilot chute after two attempts,
what should they do?
a) Wait until a lower altitude
b) Initiate emergency procedures
c) Signal another jumper
d) Try a third time
Failing to locate the pilot chute quickly is a malfunction. Emergency
procedures must be followed.
11. What is the minimum visibility required for student jumps under
FAA regulations?
a) 1 statute mile
b) 3 statute miles
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2025
1. What is the minimum number of jumps required to apply for a USPA A
license?
a) 10
b) 25
c) 50
d) 30
A minimum of 25 jumps is required to apply for a USPA A license,
along with successful completion of other requirements such as
accuracy and knowledge tests.
2. What is the minimum deployment altitude for a student skydiver?
a) 1,500 feet AGL
b) 2,000 feet AGL
, c) 3,000 feet AGL
d) 3,500 feet AGL
USPA requires student skydivers to deploy no lower than 3,000 feet
above ground level.
3. What is the hard deck for a student skydiver?
a) 2,000 feet AGL
b) 2,500 feet AGL
c) 3,500 feet AGL
d) 1,500 feet AGL
The hard deck is the minimum altitude for attempting main
deployment. Below 2,500 feet AGL, students must initiate emergency
procedures.
4. If a skydiver experiences a total malfunction, what is the correct
response?
a) Cut away and deploy the reserve parachute
b) Try to fix the main
c) Wait until 1,000 feet AGL
d) Pull the reserve without cutting away
For a total malfunction (no main deployed), the skydiver should cut
away and immediately deploy the reserve.
5. When should a skydiver begin their break-off from a group jump?
a) 2,000 feet AGL
b) 3,500 feet AGL
, c) 4,500 feet AGL
d) 1,500 feet AGL
Break-off should occur at about 4,500 feet AGL to allow time for
separation and safe deployment.
6. What is the recommended deployment altitude for a licensed
skydiver?
a) 2,000 feet AGL
b) 2,500 feet AGL
c) 3,000 feet AGL
d) 1,800 feet AGL
Licensed skydivers should deploy no lower than 2,500 feet AGL.
7. What is the purpose of the "three-ring release system"?
a) Stabilize freefall
b) Allow quick disconnection of the main parachute
c) Attach the reserve
d) Connect the AAD
The three-ring release system allows a skydiver to cut away the main
parachute quickly in an emergency.
8. What is the minimum recommended horizontal separation between
groups in freefall?
a) 1,000 feet
b) 500 feet
c) 200 feet
, d) 750 feet
1,000 feet horizontal separation is recommended between groups to
prevent collisions.
9. What is the purpose of an AAD (Automatic Activation Device)?
a) Automatically deploy the main parachute
b) Automatically deploy the reserve parachute at a preset altitude
c) Alert the pilot
d) Prevent canopy collisions
An AAD is a safety device that deploys the reserve at a certain
altitude if the skydiver has not deployed a canopy.
10. If a skydiver cannot locate the pilot chute after two attempts,
what should they do?
a) Wait until a lower altitude
b) Initiate emergency procedures
c) Signal another jumper
d) Try a third time
Failing to locate the pilot chute quickly is a malfunction. Emergency
procedures must be followed.
11. What is the minimum visibility required for student jumps under
FAA regulations?
a) 1 statute mile
b) 3 statute miles
