British Skydiving’s Safety and Technical Committee (STC) has considered a total of 20 COVID-19 Special ‘One-Off’ Permissions/Exemptions proposals from the Operations Manual requirements. The proposals were voted by 20 Chief Instructors (CIs).
The current Operations Manual requirements are in italics. The proposed one-off Permission or Exemptions are below each proposal, with the results of the STC member vote below.
Proposal 1
SECTION 2 (DESIGNATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF SKYDIVERS (SPORT PARACHUTISTS)). PARAGRAPH 6 (THE GRADING SYSTEM), Sub-para 6.12. (Coach Rating Renewal)
CURRENT REQUIREMENT
6.12.1. Coaching ratings expire on the 31st March each year but may be renewed up to six months after that date. To renew a coaching rating the coach must satisfy his/her CI that he/she is current in all aspects of skydiving coaching relevant to his/her status and has completed the following.
a. A minimum of five lessons / briefs during the preceding year.
b. For all disciplines that require in air coaching, the coach must have completed a minimum of 30 descents in the previous year, of which 5 must be coaching descents.
6.12.2. Where coaches hold more than one rating, the 5 coaching descents are a total of all their coaching descents and not per discipline.
6.12.3. A CI will require his/her coaching rating(s)countersigned for renewal by another CI other than him/herself.
PROPOSED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGES
Coaches who renew after 30 September 2020 may still be able to renew their coaching qualifications up until the 2021/2022 renewal period starts. Which means the renewal of coaching qualifications does not end on 30 September 2020 but is extended until 31 March 2021. All other requirements for coaching rating requirements remain the same. For the 2021-22 renewal period the requirement for having completed ’30 descents in the previous year’ be changed to ’30 descents in the previous 2 years’.
These changes are so that coaches can retain their qualifications. CIs have the right to require further conditions before permitting the coach to coach at their PTO.
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 2
SECTION 4 (INSTRUCTORS), PARAGRAPH 1 (CATEGORY SYSTEM BASIC INSTRUCTOR). Sub-para 1.4.
CURRENT REQUIREMENTS
1.4. The CSBI rating is valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of issue.
PROPOSED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGES
As well as CSIs the above requirement also relates to AFFBIs and TBIs (paras; 3.5. & 2.5. respectively). All BI ratings (CSI, AFFBI & TBI) be extended by 6-months from the date of expiry, including any those already approved by STC. These 6-month extensions should also apply to Basic Riggers (BRs), see Proposal 18 (below).
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 3
SECTION 4 (INSTRUCTORS), PARAGRAPH 2 (TANDEM BASIC INSTRUCTOR). Sub-para 2.1.6.
CURRENT REQUIREMENTS
2.1.6. At the start of the course the candidate must have completed 60 descents in the previous two years.
PROPOSED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGES
TBI candidates and AFFBI candidates (sub-para 3.1.9) must have completed 60 descents in the previous 3 years.
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 4
SECTION 4 (INSTRUCTORS), PARAGRAPH 5 (TANDEM INSTRUCTOR). Sub-para 5.1 (Requirements to attend), 5.1.5. & 5.1.6:
5.1.5. Has completed a minimum of 50 descents in the previous 12 months.
5.1.6. Has made a descent acting as a Student Tandem Skydiver within the Tandem Basic Instructor probationary period. CSIs or AFFIs within the previous 6 months
PROPOSED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGES
Change as below:
5.1.5. Has completed a minimum of 50 descents in the previous 2 years.
5.1.6. Has made a descent acting as a Student Tandem Skydiver within the Tandem Basic Instructor probationary period. CSIs or AFFIs within the previous 12 months
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 5
SECTION 4 (INSTRUCTORS), PARAGRAPH 5 (TANDEM INSTRUCTOR), Sub-para 5.7:
5.7. Requirements to use a hand/wrist mounted camera
Tandem Instructors wishing to jump with a hand/wrist mounted camera must have a minimum of 500 Tandem descents and have completed a minimum of 250 Tandem descents within the previous 12 months. Prior to jumping with a hand/wrist mounted camera with Tandem Students the Tandem Instructor must demonstrate the ability to perform 3 successful consecutive Tandem jumps with a ‘B’ Licence skydiver acting as a Tandem Student whilst using a hand/wrist mounted camera.
PROPOSED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGES
Change as below
Tandem Instructors wishing to jump with a hand/wrist mounted camera must have a minimum of 500 Tandem descents and have completed a minimum of 250 Tandem descents within the previous 2 years.
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 6
SECTION 4 (INSTRUCTORS), PARAGRAPH 5 (TANDEM INSTRUCTOR), Sub-para 5.8 (Tandem Instructor Currency) 5.8.1:
5.8. Tandem Instructor Currency
5.8.1. Any TI, who has not made a Tandem descent in the preceding 3 calendar months, must make one Tandem jump with a British Skydiving ‘B’ Licence skydiver before taking a Student Tandem Skydiver. The British Skydiving ‘B’ Licence skydiver must be briefed on how to respond to Tandem emergencies.
PROPOSED NO CHANGE
It is suggested that the above requirement is not changed, and a TI who has not made a Tandem descent within the previous 3 months must make one Tandem jump with a British Skydiving ‘B’ Licence skydiver before taking a Student Tandem Skydiver. In the situation we have with Coronavirus this could greatly exceed 3 months and therefore this minimum requirement is even more important.
For: 19 Against: 1 Abstentions: 0 – Carried
Proposal 7
SECTION 4 (INSTRUCTORS), PARAGRAPH 5 (TANDEM INSTRUCTOR), Sub-para 5.9 (Currency requirements to jump a hand/wrist mounted camera), 5.9.1. – 5.9.3:
5.9.1. Any TI wishing to continue jumping a hand/wrist mounted camera 12 months after first being cleared to do so must have made 100 hand/wrist mounted camera descents within the preceding 12 calendar months, otherwise they must again satisfy the initial requirements.
5.9.2. Any TI previously cleared to jump a hand/wrist mounted camera who has not made a Tandem descent within the preceding 3 months must either meet the requirements of 5.8.1. above, or be within 12 months of their initial Tandem hand/wrist mounted camera Clearance, and in each case, they must make a jump with a hand/wrist mounted camera with a ‘B’ Licence skydiver before jumping a hand/wrist mounted camera with Tandem Students. The British Skydiving ‘B’ Licence skydiver must be briefed on how to respond to Tandem emergencies.
5.9.3 Any TI who has over 500 hand/wrist mounted camera descents must do a minimum of 50 hand/wrist mounted camera descents within the previous two years to continue jumping hand/wrist mounted cameras.
PROPOSED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGES:
Changes to the above requirements as follows:
5.9.1. Any TI wishing to continue jumping a hand/wrist mounted camera 2 years after first being cleared to do so must have made 100 hand/wrist mounted camera descents within the preceding 2 years, otherwise they must again satisfy the initial requirements.
5.9.2. Any TI previously cleared to jump a hand/wrist mounted camera who has not made a Tandem descent within the preceding 12 months must either meet the requirements of 5.8.1. above, or be within 2 years of their initial Tandem hand/wrist mounted camera Clearance, and in each case, they must make a jump with a hand/wrist mounted camera with a ‘B’ Licence skydiver before jumping a hand/wrist mounted camera with Tandem Students. The British Skydiving ‘B’ Licence skydiver must be briefed on how to respond to Tandem emergencies.
5.9.3 Any TI who has over 500 hand/wrist mounted camera descents must do a minimum of 50 hand/wrist mounted camera descents within the previous 3 years to continue jumping hand/wrist mounted cameras.
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 8
SECTION 4 (INSTRUCTORS), PARAGRAPH 5 (TANDEM INSTRUCTOR), Sub-para 5.10 (Tandem Instructor Rating Renewal), 5.10.1. & 5.10.2:
In addition to normal Instructor Rating Renewal requirements (see para 12 below), a TI must also fulfil the following:
5.10.1. Has made a minimum of 20 Tandem descents in the previous 12 months. Instructors holding ratings for more than one Tandem System must have made a minimum of 10 Tandem descents on each system in that period.
5.10.2. Failure to reach the required number of descents in the preceding 12 months will require the TI to present him/herself to an IE for refresher training. Training will include the following:
PROPOSED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGES
Changes to the above requirements should read as follows:
5.10.1. Has made a minimum of 20 Tandem descents in the previous 2 years. Instructors holding ratings for more than one Tandem System must have made a minimum of 10 Tandem descents on each system in that period.
5.10.2. Failure to reach the required number of descents in the preceding 2 years will require the TI to present him/herself to an IE for refresher training. Training will include the following:
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 9
SECTION 4 (INSTRUCTORS), PARAGRAPH 6 (ACCELERATED FREE FALL INSTRUCTOR), Sub-para 6.1 (Required qualifications to attend), 6.1.6:
6.1.6. At the start of the course, the candidate must have completed 60 descents in the previous two years.
SUGGESTED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGE:
Change as suggested below:
6.1.6. At the start of the course, the candidate must have completed 60 descents in the previous 3 years.
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 10
SECTION 4 (INSTRUCTORS), PARAGRAPH 7 (ADVANCED INSTRUCTOR). Sub-para 7.3.
CURRENT REQUIREMENTS
7.3. After completing the Pre-Advanced Instructor Assessment Course, the candidate will be either advised to re-apply to attend another Pre-Advanced Instructor Assessment Course after a minimum period of time, or will be recommended to attend an Advanced Instructor Examination Course for upgrading to Advanced Instructor after a period of time specified by the Instructor Examiners, but within a maximum of 18 months.
PROPOSED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGES
Change as suggested below:
The maximum time before a Pre-Advanced must attend an Advanced Instructor course is 2 years,
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 11
SECTION 4 (INSTRUCTORS), PARAGRAPH 12 (INSTRUCTOR RATING RENEWALS). Sub-paras 12.1. & 12.2.
CURRENT REQUIREMENTS
12.1. Instructor ratings expire on the 31st March each year but may be renewed up to six months after that date.
To renew an instructor rating the instructor must satisfy his/her CI that he/she is current in all aspects of skydiving instruction relevant to his/her status. CIs should pay particular attention to the following:
12.1.1. The number of lessons from the Basic Training Syllabus taught.
12.1.2. The number of progression briefs taught.
12.1.3. The number of students talked down.
12.1.4. In the case of CSIs, the number of Static Line and Free Fall students dispatched.
12.1.5. In the case of AFFIs, the number of AFF instructional descents.
12.2. During the preceding 2-year period the instructor must have completed a minimum of 60 descents.
However, if an instructor was unable to complete the 60-jump minimum in the previous 2-year period, the following may apply:
12.2.1. CSIs that have held a CSI rating for a minimum of 3 years and hold a British Skydiving ‘D’ Licence are required to have completed a minimum of 40 descents during the preceding 2-year period.
12.2.2. CSIs that have held a CSI rating for a minimum of 10 years are required to have completed a minimum of 40 descents during the preceding 2-year period.
12.2.3. AIs and IEs are not required to have completed a minimum number of descents in the previous two years, including coaching and instructional jumps, to renew their ratings provided they have held their rating for a minimum of 3 years. In the case of IEs, they are only permitted to carry out in air evaluations on a British Skydiving Instructor Course provided they are current and only at the discretion of the course director.
12.2.4. The above (12.2.1. – 12.2.3) does not apply to AFF Instructor ratings.
12.2.5. A CI may not countersign the renewal application for him/herself. A CI will require his/her instructor rating(s)countersigned for renewal by another CI other than him/herself.
12.2.6. Once an instructor rating has expired the instructor may not exercise the privileges of that rating until the rating is renewed.
PROPOSED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGES
Instructors who renew after 30 September 2020 may still be able to renew their ratings up until the 2021/2022 renewal period starts. Which means the renewal of ratings does not end on 30 September 2020 but is extended until 31 March 2021. All other requirements for instructor rating requirements remain the same (also, see Tandem Instructor ratings, Above). If skydiving does not restart by October, it is envisaged that for the 2021-22 renewal period the requirement for having completed ’60 descents in the previous 2 years’ be changed to ’60 descents in the previous 3 years.’
In the case of sub-para 12.2.2 (above) this should change from; ‘40 descents during the preceding 2-year period to ‘40 descents during the preceding 3-year period’.
In the case of Sub-para 12.2.2 (above) this should change from; ‘40 descents during the preceding 2-year period’ to ‘40 descents during the preceding 3-year period’
In the case of Sub-para 12.2.3 (above) this should change from; ‘have held their rating for a minimum of 3 years’ to ‘have held their rating for a minimum of 4 years’
These changes are so that instructors can retain their ratings. CIs have the right to require further conditions before permitting the instructor to instruct at their PTO.
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 12
SECTION 5 (TRAINING), PARAGRAPH 3 (REVISION TRAINING)
PROPOSED NO CHANGE
It is suggested that the above paragraph is not changed, Student revision training should remain as specified in the Operations Manual.
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 13
SECTION 6 (EQUIPMENT), PARAGRAPH 2 (EQUIPMENT USED BY STUDENT SKYDIVERS), Sub-para 2.2.3:
2.2.1. Tandem equipment (excluding the Student Harness – see 2.2.5. below) must be packed and fully inspected every 6 months (Forms 112A & 112D). Also, the Tandem equipment, excluding the reserve canopy, must be inspected every 100 descents (Forms 112B & 112C).
PROPOSED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGE
Change as suggested below:
Tandem equipment that was still in date on or after 1 April 2020 may be externally inspected by an appropriately qualified AP and have the reserve repack date extended by up to 3 months, providing AAD expiry dates are adhered to or safety notice /bulletin issued prior to / or after the inspection and repack was completed. . The ROI should be endorsed by the AP.
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 14
SECTION 6 (EQUIPMENT), PARAGRAPH 8 (PARACHUTE PACKING), Sub-para 8.3 (Reserve Parachutes) 8.3.2:
8.3.2. Advanced Packer ratings expire on the 31st March each year but may be renewed up to six months after that date. To renew an AP rating the AP must satisfy an Advanced Rigger or Chief Instructor, that he/she is current in all aspects of advanced packing relevant to their status. Once an Advanced Packer rating has expired the packer may not exercise the privileges of that rating until the rating is renewed.
PROPOSED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGE
Advanced Packers who renew after 30 September 2020 may still be able to renew Advanced Packer ratings up until the 2021/2022 renewal period starts. Which means the renewal of Advanced Packer ratings does not end on 30 September 2020 but is extended until 31 March 2021. All other requirements for Advanced Packer rating requirements remain the same.
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 15
SECTION 6 (EQUIPMENT), PARAGRAPH 8 (PARACHUTE PACKING), Sub-para 8.10 (Repack Cycles):
Parachutes must be packed at least every 6 calendar months.
PROPOSED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGE
Following an external inspection by an appropriately qualified AP, it is suggested that PTO loan equipment and equipment used by Student Skydivers that was still in date on or after 1 April 2020 has its inspection and reserve repack date extended by 3 months. Equipment used by Licensed Skydivers that was still in date on or after 1 April 2020 has its inspection and reserve repack date extended by up to 6 months. If Licensed Skydivers equipment expires between 1 January to the 31 March 2020 their equipment inspection and reserve repack date is extended by 3 months. Any such extension must not exceed any AAD expiry date or safety notice /bulletin issued prior to / or after the inspection and repack was completed. The ROI should be endorsed by the AP.
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 16
SECTION 9 (FLYING), PARAGRAPH 1 (PILOT QUALIFICATIONS, Sub-para 1.1.9 (Recency):
a. A pilot shall not act as PIC of an aircraft carrying passengers, including skydivers, unless within the preceding 90 days he/she has made three take offs and three landings as the sole manipulator of the controls in an aircraft of the same type or class.
b. A pilot who has not flown skydivers for a period exceeding six months must undergo a proficiency check.
PROPOSED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGE
Any conditions or exemptions referred to below cannot override any CAA / EASA pilot licensing requirements applicable to individual pilot licences or the aircraft, type of operation or flight conditions for which they are valid.
In order to resume flying skydivers, once skydiving is permitted to continue, the following conditions must be met.
a. The pilot must have renewed his/her Approved Pilot rating.
b. Must have performed 3 take-offs and landings as the sole manipulator of the controls in an aircraft of the same type or class within the previous three months.
c. Must have flown skydivers within the previous six months.
d. If the pilot cannot meet this condition (c above) then as a temporary exemption (valid until 1 October 2020) the pilot may extend the 6-months requirement to a period which is no longer than 12 months from his/her last proficiency check.
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 17
SECTION 13 (DISPLAY SKYDIVING), PARAGRAPH 7 (CURRENCY), Sub-para 7.2:
7.2. All display skydivers must have completed a minimum of 100 descents in the 2 years prior to the display being carried out, of which 20 must have been within the 3 months prior to the display and of which 5 of the 20 must have been on the same type and size of canopy which is to be used on the display.
PROPOSED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGE
Change as suggested below:
All display skydivers must have completed a minimum of 100 descents in the 3 years prior to the display being carried out, of which 10 must have been within the 3 months prior to the display and of which 5 of the 10 must have been on the same type and size of canopy which is to be used on the display
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 18
SECTION 14 (RIGGERS), PARAGRAH 2 (BASIC RIGGER COURSE SYLLABUS), Sub-para 2.2:
2.2. To become a Basic Rigger the candidate must fulfil the requirements of the Basic Rigger Course Syllabus (Form 199). There are two methods of pursuing this course of training, as listed in the course syllabus.
Form 199:
General information
• Basic Rigger (Method one) must attend the Parachute Rigger examination course within 12 months of the Basic Rigger’s course
• Basic Rigger (Method two) must attend the Parachute Rigger examination course within 18 months of the initial registration with British Skydiving.
SUGGESTED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGE
• Basic Rigger (Method one) must attend the Parachute Rigger examination course within 18 months of the Basic Rigger’s course
• Basic Rigger (Method two) must attend the Parachute Rigger examination course within 2 years of the initial registration with British Skydiving.
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 19
SECTION 14 (RIGGERS), PARAGRAPH 8 (RIGGER RATING RENEWALS):
Rigger ratings expire on the 31 March each year but may be renewed up to six months after that date. To renew a rigger’s rating the rigger must satisfy an Advanced Rigger, or a Rigger Examiner in the case of a RE rating renewal, that he/she is current in all aspects of rigging relevant to their status.
PROPOSED ‘ONE-OFF’ CHANGE
Riggers who renew after 30 September 2020 may still be able to renew their rigger rating up until the 2021/2022 renewal period starts. Which means the renewal of rigger ratings does not end on 30 September 2020 but is extended until 31 March 2021. All other requirements for rigger rating requirements remain the same.
Carried Unanimously
Proposal 20
Covid-19 Outbreak: Consultation Document on Extension of Validity Periods for Medical Certificates of Instructors.
Over the coming months some instructors will inevitably find that their medical certificate is approaching its expiry date. Even after government restrictions on activities and distancing have been relaxed and PTOs are able to operate again, it is likely that continuing pressures in the health care system may make it very difficult to get appointments for recertification for some considerable time. In response to the exceptional circumstances caused by the Covid-19 outbreak and in line with adaptive measures in many other areas of aviation, transport and safety management, one possibility would be that STC/Council exempts all instructors operating at affiliated drop zones, wherever normal recertification facilities are not available, from the normal validity periods for instructor medical certificates that expire on or after 16 March 2020 and before the 31 October 2020. Initially this exemption would have effect from the date of approval by STC/Council until 22 November 2020, both dates inclusive, unless previously revoked or amended by STC/Council. The exemption should be subject to the following conditions and notes:
Conditions:
1. Instructors should retain their (expired) medical certificate as evidence of their eligibility for this extension.
2. Medical certificates with an expiry date that falls before 16 March 2020 are not eligible for this exemption
3. Medical certificate holders who are under additional medical surveillance (e.g. by their AME or other certifying doctor) should continue to comply with the specified requirements (e.g. provision of reports or attending physical or virtual reviews) imposed by their AME/Certifying Doctor. Failure to do so may invalidate their medical certificate and/or the applicability of this exemption to them. If difficulties arise the certificate holder should contact their AME/Certifying Doctor who may need to discuss with the Association’s medical adviser.
4. All instructors remain subject to the obligations of the declaration that they signed on the front of their medical certificate (whether that certificate is expired or current).
5. All instructors benefiting from this extension will complete a Covid19 medical declaration (British Skydiving Form 116X).
Notes:
a. The exemption applies only to instructor medical certificate holders.
b. Student Tandem, Solo Student and Solo Parachutist medical certificates are not included in the terms of the exemption. They are normally used when there is a specific medical problem present that needs medical certification.
c. In the exemption period, instructors who might benefit from the exemption, do not have to defer their medical examination. This means that medical certificate holders can (and indeed should) still choose to have a medical if they and their certifying doctor are both able and safe to do so whilst following Government and Public Health Guidance. If your usual certifying doctor is unable to perform medicals, ask if there are colleagues in the area who may be able to help. Alternatively, check the CAA web site https://www.caa.co.uk/medical for links to identify approved medical examiners.
d. Medical certificates with an expiry date that falls before 16th March 2020 are not eligible for this exemption. In the middle of the current health care crisis it will not be possible to distinguish between certificates that expired earlier and were not renewed due to oversight and those that expired earlier and were not renewed due to medical problems or illness. Certificates that expired before 16th March will need to be renewed through the normal medical process and instructors will be unable to exercise the privileges of their rating until the medical is renewed.
e. The exemption ends on 22nd November 2020 and at present it is expected that no certificate validities will be extended by the exemption beyond this date. This means that medical certificate holders who use this exemption must have a renewal medical before 22nd November 2020 to exercise rating privileges after 22nd November 2020. Instructors whose medical certificate expires on or after 31st October do not benefit from any extension and should plan appointments for their future medicals well in advance.
f. In this period (and possibly beyond), there will be a few medical certificate holders who need to provide specialist reports to their certifying doctor in the normal way to maintain their certification status. These actions should continue and medical certificate holders should make best endeavours to provide the reports as required. There are advantages for the instructor in planning ahead to procure these early to avoid subsequent difficulties. If there are difficulties which cannot be overcome, early discussion with the certifying doctor may sometimes result in special arrangements or deadline extensions. However, because safety assurance is a primary concern, some individuals could lose certification under these circumstances.
g. No PTO will be required to accept this medical certificate exemption for their instructors if they do not wish to do so. If, following a risk assessment, you decide to operate only with instructors whose medicals are still in date, you are entitled to do so.
h. Having an extension period for medical certificates does NOT mean that it is immediately safe, or in the public interest, to be running a skydiving operation. All Government and Public Health guidelines on travel, meeting, distancing and unnecessary contact should still be followed.
Dr John Carter
British Skydiving Medical Adviser 31 March 2020
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION
Instructors will be required to complete a medical extension declaration:
Form 116X – Skydiving Instructor Medical Extension Declaration
Flowchart for Instructors with Self-Suspected or Medically Diagnosed Covid-19 Infection