Course Information

Welcome to the Canadian Sport Parachuting Association Skydiving School Instructor program!

The aim of this course is to prepare the Instructor candidate to give first jump training to parachuting students. This course is not a flying course. There are no skydiving skills to be demonstrated and little time will be spent on the mechanics of skydiving.

Instructors play a crucial role in teaching life-saving skills to individuals who have never skydived before, carrying a great deal of responsibility. As a result, the expectations for candidates are high. 

In this course, the candidate will:

• learn basic information on how groups and individuals learn

• learn how to promote learning

• learn how to guide and handle both students and more experienced skydivers and how to apply these new ideas and skills in skydiving situations

• review the progression sequence as outlined on the skydiving skills grids

• practice and develop various strategies in a positive learning environment

• prepare a classroom area and ensure that the environment is conducive to productive learning

• prepare material, and present it in a group situation

Please read this page in its entirety and complete the Pre-Course tasks. If you have any questions, concerns or issues prior to the start of the course, please reach out.

Costs

• $425 Course Fee

• $45 CSPA Administation Fee

• Deposit: A $200 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot (goes towards the final cost). Your spot is NOT secured unless your deposit is paid

• Extra fees if charged by the DZ (packing, classroom fee etc.) This will be divided among the candidates.

Logistics

Plan for the course to take three full days, the duration of the days will depend on DZ logistics/ weather, progress of the candidates and the ability of the candidates to use time effectively/ multitask. Ideally the course will finish at a reasonable time each day but sometimes plans need to be flexible so expect that you may have to work late. Time management is an essential skill for an instructor, as such, you are expected to be diligent in meeting any timings given and being prepared to start each day at the time specified.

Bring food with you and expect to make use of down time for multitasking for things such as eating, preparing lesson plans, preparing for practical evaluations etc.

Course Preparation

Prerequisites

1. Coach 1 trained

2. CSPA B CoP (AND ACTIVE)

3. 200 jumps

4. Complete the SSI pre-course journal:

   • Observe 2 full first jump courses within the previous year

   • Taught 2 modules of a first jump course within the previous year, under the direct supervision of a certified/ experienced SSI

   • Completed the course preparation review

5. Willingness to learn and professionally represent skydiving

Reference Material Required for Course (Available on CSPA website) - Digital or Paper Copy

1. SSI Reference Manual

2. SSI Pre-Course Journal and Learning Guide

3. CSPA PIM 1

Pre-Course Tasks

1. Complete the Pre-Course Journal, which includes the practical requirements mentioned above and to review/ complete the following:

   • The CSPA ratings model

   • SSI prerequisites, privledges and certification requirements

   • Coach 1 review quiz

   • Basic Safety Rules/ Technical Recommendations

   • First Jump Course review

   • Solo certificate test

Evaluations

During this course, you will be evaluated on your ability to perform as an SSI. Specifically, you will be evaluated on:

• Several assigned teaching tasks, simulating a first jump course following the CSPA format

• Written exam

• BSR exam (100% required)

• Attitude, professionalism, coachability and teamwork

Location Information

I am happy to be flexible with regards to location to conduct the course, however, it must be in a location that is appropriate for a learning environment with adequate training aids expected in a first jump course.