USPA A-License Written Exam (2026) Questions and
Answers
Q1. Safety in skydiving is primarily accomplished by:
A. Eliminating all risks
B. Reducing risk factors
C. Ignoring minor hazards
D. Relying on luck
Rationale: Skydiving involves inherent risk; safety comes from minimizing hazards
through training and procedures.
Q2. Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs) apply to:
A. All jumps
B. Only student jumps
C. Tandem jumps only
D. Military orders and emergencies
Rationale: BSRs apply universally, except for military orders or in-flight emergencies.
Q3. Minimum breakoff altitude for groups of 3+ skydivers:
A. 1,000 ft above deployment
B. 1,500 ft above deployment
C. 2,000 ft above deployment
D. 500 ft above deployment
Rationale: Provides safe separation before canopy deployment.
Q4. FAA cloud clearance requirements:
A. 200 ft below, 500 ft above
B. 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal
C. 1,000 ft below, 500 ft above
D. No clearance required
Rationale: Ensures visibility and separation from aircraft.
Q5. A “skydive” is defined as:
A. Any intentional jump with a parachute system
B. Any fall from an aircraft
C. Tandem jumps only
D. Military jumps only
Rationale: Clarifies scope of USPA regulations.
Q6. Minimum opening altitude for students:
A. 2,500 ft
B. 3,000 ft
C. 2,000 ft
D. 1,500 ft
Rationale: Students must deploy higher to allow margin for error.
, Q7. Minimum opening altitude for licensed jumpers:
A. 2,000 ft
B. 2,500 ft
C. 1,500 ft
D. 3,000 ft
Rationale: Experienced jumpers may deploy lower but within safe limits.
Q8. Who is responsible for ensuring gear is airworthy?
A. Instructor
B. Jumper
C. Drop zone owner
D. FAA
Rationale: Each jumper is responsible for their own equipment.
Q9. What is the minimum reserve parachute repack cycle (FAA)?
A. 90 days
B. 180 days
C. 365 days
D. 60 days
Rationale: FAA requires reserves to be inspected/repacked every 180 days.
Q10. What is the minimum age for USPA membership and solo jumps?
A. 16
B. 18
C. 21
D. 15
Rationale: USPA requires jumpers to be at least 18.
Q11. What is the maximum wind limit for student jumps?
A. 10 mph
B. 14 mph
C. 20 mph
D. No limit
Rationale: Students must jump in controlled wind conditions.
Q12. What is the minimum visibility required for skydiving?
A. 1 mile
B. 3 miles
C. 5 miles
D. Unlimited
Rationale: FAA requires at least 3 miles visibility.
Q13. Who may supervise student jumps?
A. Any licensed jumper
Answers
Q1. Safety in skydiving is primarily accomplished by:
A. Eliminating all risks
B. Reducing risk factors
C. Ignoring minor hazards
D. Relying on luck
Rationale: Skydiving involves inherent risk; safety comes from minimizing hazards
through training and procedures.
Q2. Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs) apply to:
A. All jumps
B. Only student jumps
C. Tandem jumps only
D. Military orders and emergencies
Rationale: BSRs apply universally, except for military orders or in-flight emergencies.
Q3. Minimum breakoff altitude for groups of 3+ skydivers:
A. 1,000 ft above deployment
B. 1,500 ft above deployment
C. 2,000 ft above deployment
D. 500 ft above deployment
Rationale: Provides safe separation before canopy deployment.
Q4. FAA cloud clearance requirements:
A. 200 ft below, 500 ft above
B. 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal
C. 1,000 ft below, 500 ft above
D. No clearance required
Rationale: Ensures visibility and separation from aircraft.
Q5. A “skydive” is defined as:
A. Any intentional jump with a parachute system
B. Any fall from an aircraft
C. Tandem jumps only
D. Military jumps only
Rationale: Clarifies scope of USPA regulations.
Q6. Minimum opening altitude for students:
A. 2,500 ft
B. 3,000 ft
C. 2,000 ft
D. 1,500 ft
Rationale: Students must deploy higher to allow margin for error.
, Q7. Minimum opening altitude for licensed jumpers:
A. 2,000 ft
B. 2,500 ft
C. 1,500 ft
D. 3,000 ft
Rationale: Experienced jumpers may deploy lower but within safe limits.
Q8. Who is responsible for ensuring gear is airworthy?
A. Instructor
B. Jumper
C. Drop zone owner
D. FAA
Rationale: Each jumper is responsible for their own equipment.
Q9. What is the minimum reserve parachute repack cycle (FAA)?
A. 90 days
B. 180 days
C. 365 days
D. 60 days
Rationale: FAA requires reserves to be inspected/repacked every 180 days.
Q10. What is the minimum age for USPA membership and solo jumps?
A. 16
B. 18
C. 21
D. 15
Rationale: USPA requires jumpers to be at least 18.
Q11. What is the maximum wind limit for student jumps?
A. 10 mph
B. 14 mph
C. 20 mph
D. No limit
Rationale: Students must jump in controlled wind conditions.
Q12. What is the minimum visibility required for skydiving?
A. 1 mile
B. 3 miles
C. 5 miles
D. Unlimited
Rationale: FAA requires at least 3 miles visibility.
Q13. Who may supervise student jumps?
A. Any licensed jumper
