The Static Line Training Program:

This method has evolved over the last 30 years from its military origins into a successful method for training sport parachutists. The student gets 5-6 hours of ground training and is then taken to an altitude of about 3500 feet for the jump. The jump itself consists of a simple "poised" exit from the strut of a small single engine Cessna aircraft, or the side door of a larger aircraft. As the student falls away from the plane, the main canopy is deployed by a "static line" attached to the aircraft. The student will experience about two to three seconds of falling as the parachute opens.

Subsequent S/L jumps require about 15 minutes of preparation. After 2 good static line jumps, Level 1 and 2, the student will be trained to pull their ripcord for themselves. The student then does 3 more static line jumps, Levels 3 thru 5, where they demonstrate this ability by pulling a dummy ripcord as they leave the plane (the static line is still initiating the deployment). The student is then cleared to do their first actual freefall.

Level 6, the first freefall, is a "clear & pull", where the student initiates the pull sequence immediately upon leaving the aircraft. Next is a 10 second delay jump. Subsequent jumps go to progressively higher altitudes with longer delays. These jumps may also require a USPA certificed Coach to jump with the student to help the student perform certain skills. After meeting other basic requirements, the student receives their A license and is cleared off student status. The minimum amount of skydive you'll need to get your "A" lincense is 25.