A self-regulated sport

Rules established by the Federal Aviation Administration address skydiving aircraft and crewmembers, and the FAA oversees parachute manufacturing standards, parachute technicians (FAA riggers), and the packing of reserve parachutes.

Otherwise, skydiving regulates itself. Through USPA, skydivers voluntarily establish and follow the Basic Safety Requirements, which address skydiving practices, training and ratings. On rare occasions, USPA Regional Directors may investigate when USPA individual members or Group Member drop zones deviate from the BSRs. USPA may insist on corrective action or may suspend or revoke the membership or credentials of the offender.

FAA Skydiving Rules

The FAA regulates skydiving activity under Part 105 "Parachute Operations" of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 105 (14 CFR 105). Flight operations for skydiving are conducted under Part 91 "General Operating and Flight Rules" (14 CFR 91). FAA Advisory Circulars provide additional guidance about aspects of skydiving operations.

Part 105
Part 91
FAA Advisory Circular 105-2, "Sport Parachute Jumping"
FAA Advisory Circular 90-66, "Recommended Standard Traffic Patterns for Aeronautical Operations at Airports Without Operating Control Towers"

FAA interpretations

Over the years, the FAA has issued various bulletins and memos that clarify certain areas of the regulations that were not clear.

“Parachutists Regulatory Status”
In 1994, the FAA issued issued a combined bulletin that clarified that many of the regulations that refer to “passengers” should not be applied to skydivers (though skydivers must wear a seat belt). It also clarified that jump planes can carry a number of skydivers that may exceed the number of seats or passengers than that stated by the aircraft’s type design certificate. Though the bulletins carry an expiration date, technically the information does not expire. These bulletins were FSAW 93-09 (Flight Standards Information Bulletin for Airworthiness) and FSGA 93-02 (Flight Standards Information Bulletin for General Aviation). Copies may be obtained by contacting USPA’s Government Relations Department.

“Formation Flight”
In 1992, USPA succeeded in gaining a letter from the office of FAA’s Chief Counsel which reversed a previous finding that skydiving aircraft could not fly in formation when dropping jumpers. As a result, FAA policy is that jump pilots can fly in formation without violating Section 91.111(c) that prohibits formation flights when carrying passengers for hire. Copies may be obtained by e-mailing USPA’s Government Relations Department.

FAA air traffic control

Depending on the type of airspace where skydiving is to occur, Part 105 requires that the jump operation either provide prior notification to the requisite air traffic control facility or receive authorization from the air traffic control facility. For ongoing operations in busy airspace, the FAA suggests the establishment of a Letter of Agreement.

FAA 7110.64, Air Traffic Control Handbook, Chapter 9, Section 8
FAA 7210.3, Facility Operation and Administration, Chapter 18, Section 5

More information is in the following document: Air Traffic Bulletin.

This 1995 bulletin from FAA Headquarters provides guidance to air traffic controllers that "Controllers are not authorized to impose restrictions (for example, to deny or approve a jump) on parachute operations in Class E airspace…" It emphasizes the "special need…for both pilots and controllers to plan ahead, communicate clearly, and utilize extra vigilance in areas where jump zones are close to airways or approach corridors." (The bulletin wrongly describes the ceiling of Class E airspace as 14,500 feet MSL, instead of 18,000 MSL.)

FAA and airports

Part 105 requires permission from airport management prior to jumping onto that airport. Public airports that have received federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds consent to operate the airport in conformance with standard grant assurance agreements. In so doing, the airport operator consents to operating the airport in a fair and reasonable manner, and not discriminating among types, kinds, and classes of aeronautical activity. The FAA affirms that skydiving is a legitimate aeronautical activity. FAA's Airports Compliance Handbook (Order 5190.6) details an airport's obligations with respect to skydiving and other activities.

FAA Order 5190.6

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