USPA B-License Study Guide
Last Updated: January 2026 | By Christina Arango, USPA Coach Examiner
Everything you need to master the USPA B-License requirements, pass your exam, and progress confidently in your skydiving journey.
B-License Requirements at a Glance
- 50 jumps total
- 30 minutes controlled freefall
- 10 accuracy landings (33 ft)
- 10 formation jumps (5 with 3+ people)
- Water training + Canopy course
- Pass written exam
Start working on accuracy and formation jumps from jump #26 forward. Don't wait until you're at 48 jumps to start thinking about requirements—make every jump count toward your B-License.
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1. Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs)
BSRs represent commonly accepted standards necessary to promote safety in average conditions. USPA grants waivers to some BSRs when an exception is needed. However, they can only be waived by the full Board of Directors, unless designated in the SIM by an [S] (S&TA or Examiner only) or an [E] (Executive Committee of the USPA Board).
1.1. Compliance with Federal Regulations
For skydives made within the U.S. and its territories and possessions, no skydive may be made in violation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. FAA regulations include the use of restraint systems/seatbelts in the aircraft by all skydivers during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
1.2. Medical Requirements
All persons engaging in skydiving must possess at least a current FAA Third-Class Medical Certificate or carry a certificate of physical fitness for skydiving from a registered physician or agree with the USPA recommended medical statement in Section 4-3.
1.3. Age Requirements
For skydives made within the U.S. and its territories and possessions, skydivers must be at least 18 years of age [E]. For skydives made outside the U.S. and its territories and possessions, the minimum age is specified by the country's requirements.
1.4. USPA Membership
USPA membership is required of any skydiver cleared for self-supervision at a USPA Group Member drop zone, with an exception for non-resident foreigners.
1.5. Alcohol and Drugs
No person may make a parachute jump if under the influence of alcohol or any drug that affects faculties contrary to safety. 8-hour rule: No jumping within 8 hours after consuming any alcoholic beverage. This also applies to pilots.
1.6. Wind Limits
For licensed skydivers (including B-License holders), ground winds are unlimited. However, use good judgment and consider your experience level, canopy size, and landing area conditions.
1.7. Minimum Opening Altitudes
Minimum container opening altitude of 2,500 feet AGL for B-License holders [E].
1.8. Drop Zone Requirements
Areas used for skydiving should be unobstructed, with a minimum radial distance of 165 feet for B-License holders to the nearest obstacles [S].
Obstacles include:
- Telephone and power lines
- Towers and buildings
- Bodies of water
- Highways and vehicles
- Trees (that would interfere with landings)
Manned ground-to-air communications (radios, panels, smoke, lights) must be present during skydiving operations.
1.9. Pre-Jump Requirements
The appropriate altitude and surface winds must be determined prior to conducting any skydive.
1.10. Extraordinary Skydives
- Night, water, and demonstration jumps: Perform only with advice of appropriate USPA S&TA, Examiner, or Regional Director
- Pre-planned breakaway jumps: Cannot be made by B-License skydivers
- Wingsuit jumps: Minimum 200 skydives + current license required
[E] - Freefall proximity: Stay 500 feet away from any skydiver under parachute (excluding videographer)
2. Equipment & Maintenance
2.1. Aircraft Requirements
- Jumper or pilot must notify ATC at least 1 hour (but no more than 24 hours) prior to jumping in most airspace
- Many DZs have written notification renewed annually
- Skydives must be within 25-statute-mile radius of takeoff airport
- Jump aircraft must have operating radio and pilot must contact ATC before jumping
2.2. Skydive Equipment Best Practices
Parachutes should not be rented or loaned to persons unqualified or of unknown ability. Unfamiliar equipment without sufficient preparation has been a factor in many fatalities.
- Equipment changes: Require adequate transition training
- AADs and RSLs: Encouraged for all jumpers
- Altimeter awareness: Critical on every jump, but can fail or lag
- Visual altitude: Combine altimeter readings with visual ground reference
Protective Clothing Requirements
- Helmet (rigid, lightweight, non-restrictive)
- Gloves (essential below 40°F)
- Goggles or eye protection
- Appropriate footwear
- Protected but accessible knife
Flotation Gear
All jumpers are advised to wear flotation gear when exit, opening, or landing point is within one mile of open water (water where a skydiver could drown).
Emergency Procedure Practice
Review all emergency procedures at least annually in a training harness. Practice during every reserve repack by simulating a malfunction, cutting away, and deploying the reserve on the ground.
2.3. Maintenance Requirements
Parachute System Maintenance
- Reserve assembly: Must be FAA-approved (harness, container, canopy, risers, pilot chute, deployment device, ripcord)
- Main packing: Can be packed by FAA rigger, person under rigger supervision, or person intending to use it
- Repairs: Require at least FAA senior rigger; major repairs need master rigger or manufacturer
- AAD maintenance: Must follow manufacturer instructions
High-Wear Items Requiring Rigger Maintenance
| Component | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Pilot Chute | Broken stitching at apex and fabric/mesh seam, bridle attachment security |
| Bridle Velcro | Replace every 100-250 uses; clean, dry, debris-free |
| Deployment Bag | Grommet distortion, fabric damage, line stow band loops |
| Closing Pin | Security of loop, nicks or corrosion on pin |
| Canopy | Top center skin, end cells, stabilizers, broken stitching |
| Slider | Grommet distortion, wear around inside edges |
| Lines | Wear at slider grommets/links; shrinkage over time |
| Risers | Three-ring loops, white retaining loop, cable housings, grommets |
Equipment Storage
Store equipment in cool, dry, dark place. Heat weakens AAD batteries and elastic stow bands. UV rays degrade nylon. Moisture corrodes hardware and promotes mildew.
Three-Ring Release System Maintenance
- Disassemble the system
- Clean cables per manufacturer instructions
- Twist and massage riser ends (nylon develops memory when dirty)
- Reassemble system
Main Closing Loop
Replace if: Damage greater than 10% OR insufficient tension to keep container closed in freefall.
Correct tension: 8-11 pounds required to extract closing pin. Adjust by moving overhand knot or replacing loop.
Feeling Overwhelmed by All These Details?
Our B-License Roadmap breaks down exactly what to focus on—requirement by requirement—so you can progress efficiently without wasting jumps.
3. Emergency Procedures
3.1. Malfunction Types & Response
Recommended minimum cutaway decision and execution altitude for B-License skydivers: 1,800 feet AGL
All malfunctions can be classified as one of two types:
- Total malfunction: Parachute not activated, or activated but not deploying
- Partial malfunction: Parachute deployed but not landable
Primary causes of malfunctions:
- Poor or unstable body position during deployment
- Faulty equipment
- Improper or careless packing
3.2. Reserve Deployment Technique
After pulling reserve ripcord, look over your right shoulder while twisting upper body upwards to the right, OR sit up in slightly head-high orientation. This changes airflow to help reserve pilot chute launch into clean air (it can stay in your burble for several seconds during stable belly-to-earth deployment).
Reserve toggle release: Most manufacturers secure toggles to reserve risers using Velcro. Peel the Velcro before attempting to pull toggles free.
3.3. Off-Field Landing Procedures
Decision point: If you're more than halfway down but not yet halfway back to desired landing area, locate an alternate landing area.
Planning steps:
- Locate new area based on wind speed/direction (check behind you too)
- Plan descent strategy and landing pattern
- Identify areas of possible turbulence
- Scan area every 500 feet
- Below 500 feet: constant scanning for obstacles
- Anticipate power line locations (difficult to see)
Power lines, fences, and hills can be difficult to see from higher altitudes. Anticipate their locations and scan constantly below 500 feet.
4. Freefall & Canopy Control
4.1. Currency Requirements
- Staying current: Make a jump every 90 days
- Regaining currency: After inactivity, make recurrency jump with instructional rating holder (coach or instructor)
4.2. Supplementary Oxygen
Supplementary oxygen is mandatory on skydives made from higher than 15,000 feet MSL. Also mandatory for pilots above 14,000 feet MSL.
4.3. Group Freefall Safety
When recovering altitude from below formation level, turn 90 degrees relative to formation to keep it in view, then slow down fall rate to avoid collision.
4.4. Cloud Clearance Requirements
Horizontal distance from cloud is always the greatest distance.
| Altitude | Horizontal | Vertical Above | Vertical Below | Visibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Above 10,000 MSL | 1 mile | 1,000 feet | 1,000 feet | 5 miles |
| Below 10,000 MSL | 2,000 feet | 1,000 feet | 500 feet | 3 miles |
4.5. Freeflying Requirements
Qualifications before freeflying:
- Hold USPA A-License OR receive instruction from USPA rating holder with extensive freeflying experience
- Demonstrate sufficient air skills and altitude awareness
- Basic formation skydiving skills
- Ability to track for horizontal separation
- Understanding of jump run line of flight
- Proficiency in backfly position (movement in all directions)
Before attempting head-down: Demonstrate proficiency in sit position with movement in all directions.
Equipment for Freeflying
- Bottom-of-container mounted throw-out, pull-out, or ripcord system
- Completely covered pilot chute bridle
- Well-maintained closing loops, pin protection flaps, riser covers
- Tuck-tab recommended for high-speed security
- Leg straps connected with seat strap
- Audible altimeter (two recommended)
- Visual altimeter
- Hard helmet
- Secure clothing/jumpsuit
Freeflying Hazards
Inadvertent transition from fast-falling position (175 mph) to face-to-earth (120 mph) causes rapid deceleration. Freeflyers must remain clear of airspace above other freeflyers and maintain fast-falling position at all times during group jumps.
Safety rule: Faster-falling groups should leave after slower-falling groups, especially when jump run is flown against strong headwind.
5. Canopy Flight Principles
5.1. Braked Turns
Performed correctly, braked turns provide the quickest heading change with least altitude lost.
Best use cases:
- Suddenly encountering another jumper under canopy
- Someone in landing area
- Recognizing an obstacle
- Too low to recover from full-flight turn
5.2. Glide Path Adjustment
| Input | Effect |
|---|---|
| Front risers | Increase descent rate |
| Brake toggles/rear risers | Minimize descent rate |
Wind effects on glide path:
- With the wind: Brake toggles/rear risers increase glide path (cover more ground)
- Into the wind: Brake toggles steepen glide path (cover less ground)
5.3. Front Riser Turns
Front riser maneuvers are dangerous near the ground due to:
- Turbulence affecting heading/descent rate
- Potential undesirable heading towards obstacles
- Increased collision risk in landing pattern
Crowded landing pattern = NO high-speed maneuvers
Best practice: Keep both steering toggles in hand when performing front-riser maneuvers for quick heading changes if necessary.
5.4. Canopy Collision Avoidance
Most collisions occur:
- Soon after deployment (two jumpers open too close)
- Below 1,000 feet in landing pattern
Prevention strategies:
- Track away at planned altitude: Break off 1,500 feet higher than highest planned deployment (for groups of 5 or fewer). Larger/faster groups need higher break-off.
- Know where others are: During opening, steer with back risers to avoid nearby jumpers
- Lower jumper has right of way
- Performance maneuvers: Never in traffic or near ground
- Downsizing: Faster canopy requires more attention to traffic
If Collision is Imminent
- Head-on collision pending: Both jumpers turn right
- Collision inevitable: Protect face and operation handles, tuck in arms, legs, head; avoid suspension lines and other jumper
- Suspension line collision unavoidable: Spread legs and one arm while protecting handles with other arm
- Cutaway decision altitude for B-License: 1,800 feet
- Try to communicate before taking action
- Jumper above can strike jumper below during cutaway
- If altitude permits, second jumper waits until first clears area
- Below 1,000 feet: May need to deploy one or both reserves
5.5. Wing Loading
Calculation: Exit weight ÷ canopy square footage = wing loading (psf)
- Maximum wing loading: 1.0 pounds per square foot (psf)
- Any parachute 150 sq ft or smaller = high-performance canopy
- High-performance canopies only recommended for D-License holders (regardless of wing loading)
6. Extraordinary Skydives
6.1. Night Jumps
Challenges
- Opportunity for disorientation
- New appearance of earth's surface
- Lack of familiar reference points
- Impaired vision and depth perception
Physiological Effects
- Hypoxia effects evident as low as 5,000 feet
- First effect: loss of night vision
- 30 minutes to recover from hypoxia effects
- Smokers suffer effects sooner
- Night vision requires 30 minutes to fully adjust
- Carbon monoxide, Vitamin A deficiency, bright sunlight all degrade night vision
Recommended Equipment
- Lighted altimeter
- Clear goggles/visor
- Flashlight to check canopy
- Whistle (warn other jumpers, signal after landing, aid rescuers)
FAA Requirement
Light visible for at least 3 statute miles must be displayed from opening until on ground.
Best Practices
- First night jump: Exit solo
- Relative work: Full moon advised
- Fly predictably; avoid spirals
- All jumpers agree on pattern altitudes and directions
6.2. Water Jumps
Pre-Landing Planning
- Identify obstacles: trees, power lines, boats, buoys, docks, bridges, waves, currents
- Identify safe landing area close to shore or floating object
- Translate landing pattern to new area
- Scan every 500 feet and constantly below 500 feet
Pre-Splashdown Actions
- Disconnect RSL (facilitates cutting away main if necessary)
- Open chest strap as much as possible
- Open visor on full-face helmet (or remove helmet)
- Activate flotation device if wearing one
Landing Priorities
- Land with wing level and flying straight
- Land in clear, open area avoiding obstacles
- Flare to at least half-brake position
- Always be prepared for PLF
Flare Over Water
When 10 feet from water surface, flare to half-brake position only (judging altitude over water is difficult without reference points). Once feet touch water, finish the flare.
Post-Landing
- Enter water with air in lungs
- Perform PLF if needed
- Container with packed reserve is buoyant for 30-45 minutes
- Parachute remains on surface before water enters nose
- Consider cutting away main if concerned about waves/current
Getting Out of Harness in Deep Water
- Let go of toggles
- Hands to ribs with bent elbows
- Throw arms back to shrug off rig
- Loosen leg straps and chest strap more if needed
- Swim down and away to avoid line entanglement
- Swim upstream or upwind
- Come up to breathe whenever possible
- If stuck under canopy: punch up for air pocket, find seam, follow to edge
6.3. Canopy Formations
Qualifications
- Thorough knowledge of canopy flight characteristics
- Understanding of riser maneuvers
- Knowledge of relative compatibility of various canopies
- Accuracy capability: consistently land within 16 feet of target
Essential Equipment
- Hook knife: Necessary for resolving entanglements
- Ankle protection: From suspension lines
- Gloves: Hand protection
Training
Initial training should be conducted with two jumpers: beginner + canopy formation specialist. Include lessons in basic docking, break-off procedures, and emergency procedures.
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7. Exam Preparation Tips
- Start early: Don't wait until you have 50 jumps.
- Study in sections: One major topic per study session.
- Test yourself: Cover content and quiz yourself on key points.
- Practical application: Relate concepts to your actual jumps.
- Study with others: Discuss topics with fellow skydivers.
- Focus on numbers: Altitudes, distances, times, and requirements.
Key Numbers to Memorize
- 50 total jumps required.
- 30 minutes controlled freefall.
- 33 feet (10m) accuracy target distance.
- 10 formation jumps (5 with 3+ participants).
- 2,500 feet minimum opening altitude.
- 1,800 feet cutaway decision altitude.
- 165 feet minimum distance to obstacles.
- 8 hours no alcohol before jumping.
- 90 days currency requirement.
- 500 feet clearance from other jumpers under canopy.
- 1.0 psf maximum wing loading for B-License.
- 150 sq ft or smaller = high-performance canopy.
Common Exam Topics
- BSR waiver authority (Board, S&TA/Examiner, Executive Committee).
- Cloud clearance requirements (above/below 10,000 MSL).
- Equipment maintenance intervals and procedures.
- Emergency procedure decision altitudes.
- Freeflying equipment and qualification requirements.
- Night jump physiological effects and equipment.
- Water landing procedures.
- Canopy formation basics.
The B-License exam must be administered by a current USPA Instructor, S&TA, Examiner, Judge, or Board member. Check with your instructor about specific format and requirements.