USPA strives to make sure all skydivers who are instructional rating holders are highly skilled and receive thorough training. A high-degree of competence from our instructors ensures that new students feel safe and confident to take that first leap, be it a tandem, AFF, IAD or static-line jump. Proper training and appropriate encouragement is imperative to the continuation of our sport. To find out more about becoming a skydiver, follow the link. To find out more about instructional ratings go here.

USPA represents the interests of skydivers before all levels of government—local, state, and federal. USPA is constantly battling for skydivers' best interests, from helping members start DZs at reluctant airports, to persuading security officials to allow rigs as both carry-on and checked items on the airlines.

Check out some of the past successful efforts that have been worked out in skydivers' favor: USPA Wins

USPA skydiving members are a tight-knit community. Nowhere else will you find so many people from different walks of life enjoying the same sport. People skydive for many different reasons, and everyone has a story to share. Hear how skydiving changed the lives of everyday people in our series, How Skydiving Changed My Life, or see where skydivers have been traveling in our Parachutist Around the World feature. Find people like you and meet others who will inevitably change your life. Check out our MySpace page, view our blog or just send us a question if something’s on your mind. Be an active part of our community.

Check us out at the 2009 PIA Symposium!