Group Formation Skydiving
The Group Formation (FS) endorsement certifies that a novice skydiver can safely exit, approach, dock, maneuver, break off, track, and deploy as part of a small freefall formation.
Overview
The Group Formation (FS) endorsement allows a novice skydiver to safely participate in basic freefall formation skydives with other jumpers. This endorsement is required to obtain a B Certificate of Proficiency (B CoP).
The endorsement focuses on developing the skills required to fly safely and predictably in a group environment, including controlled exits, proximity awareness, docking skills, turns and side-slides, altitude awareness, and correct break-off procedures.
Training and evaluation for this endorsement must be conducted by a CSPA Coach 2 or higher, using a combination of coached training jumps and evaluation jumps.
Training Objectives
The Group FS endorsement is not intended to teach advanced formation skydiving.
The objective of this training is for the novice skydiver to acquire the skills necessary to safely participate in small group formations, up to and including four-way skydives before moving onto larger formations.
By the end of the training, the novice skydiver must demonstrate that they:
- Understand the fundamentals of group freefall
- Can safely approach and dock with another jumper using turns, side-slides, radials and level adjustments
- Maintain altitude awareness, visual awareness, and safe separation
- Can break off, track, and deploy safely in a group environment
Coaches may adapt the training flow based on aircraft type, weather, or individual progression; however, the performance standard for endorsement remains unchanged.
Recommended Dive Flow
The following dive flow represents a recommended progression for training and evaluation. Equivalent variations may be used, provided the novice skydiver demonstrates the required skills.
JUMP ONE: PARTNER SEQUENTIAL
Objective: Introduce controlled proximity, approach techniques, and basic docking skills.
Skills to be demonstrated:
- ½ second delay with short delta dive
- Stable box position (“box man”)
- Open-handed docking
- Catching techniques
- Turns (three different turn types)
- Communication with partner
- Proximity control
Break-off: Allowing adequate time for a 5-second track, ensuring sufficient horizontal separation appropriate for a four-way skydive, with deployment by the minimum activation altitude.
Pass Criteria:
- Smooth, controlled and safe execution of the movements
- Flying the formation rather than reaching
- A proficient track creating adequate horizontal separation at the designated altitude, completed without coaching reminders
JUMP TWO: SIDEWAYS MOVEMENT
Objective: Develop lateral movement control and orbit awareness while maintaining proximity.
Skills to be demonstrated:
- 1 second delay with delta dive
- Stable box position
- Open-handed docking
- Side-sliding
- Orbit control
- Communication
- Proximity management
Break-off: Allowing adequate time for a 5-second track, ensuring sufficient separation for a four-way skydive, with deployment by the minimum activation altitude.
Pass Criteria:
- Smooth, controlled, and safe execution of movement
- Maintaining formation integrity through controlled movement rather than reaching
- A proficient track creating adequate horizontal separation at the designated altitude, completed without coaching reminders
JUMP THREE: EVALUATION JUMP
Objective: Evaluate independent execution of basic Group FS skills.
Skills to be demonstrated:
- 2 second delay with delta dive
- Stable box position
- Controlled docking
- Catching
- Turning and side-sliding as required
Break-off: A flat track initiated at the designated break-off altitude, allowing adequate time for a 5-second track and sufficient horizontal separation for a four-way skydive. The novice skydiver must initiate break-off without prompting from the Coach.
Pass Criteria:
- Completion of 3–4 points from a minimum of 9,500 feet, or additional points with increased altitude
- Demonstration of correct techniques, including controlled approaches and docks
- A proficient track creating adequate horizontal separation at the designated altitude, completed without coaching reminders
Technical Knowledge Requirements
Before endorsement, the novice skydiver must demonstrate understanding of the following concepts and scenarios. This knowledge may be assessed through discussion before or after jumps.
The novice skydiver must be able to answer:
- Define the following terms: Initiate, Coast, Recover, Stop, Final Approach Zone
- Describe the correct sequence of the break-off procedure and the recommended break-off altitude
- Name four common exit positions from a Cessna 182/206 aircraft or a large cargo door
- After a FS jump, is it safe to perform unplanned CFS? Why or why not?
- Is participating in FS without being FS-endorsed a violation of a BSR?
- During a FS jump, the formation begins to funnel. What actions should you take?
- While beginning your final approach, you notice the approach and target area is congested. What should you do to ensure safety?
- To close a long vertical distance, where should you dive to minimize the risk of a mid-air collision?
- On a five-way jump, you find yourself low and beginning to slide underneath the formation. What are your immediate actions?
- As a B CoP holder, are you permitted to perform FS jumps with an A CoP holder? Explain.
- While tracking at break-off, another jumper is tracking directly toward you. What actions can you take to prevent an incident?
- During a four-way FS jump, your altimeter reads below break-off altitude. What are your immediate actions?
- After canopy deployment, another canopy is about to collide with yours horizontally. What is your immediate response?
- When learning basic FS skills, why are large formations not necessarily better?
- What procedures can you perform during the ride to altitude to enhance FS performance?
Endorsement Standard
The Group Formation (FS) endorsement may be signed when the Coach is satisfied that the novice skydiver:
- Can safely and predictably participate in small group formation skydives
- Demonstrates consistent control, awareness, and judgment
- Requires no direct in-air coaching to perform the required skills
