What is Skydiving Currency?
Currency in skydiving means being actively practiced enough to jump safely. It's not about your licence level — it's about recency. A B licence holder who hasn't jumped in eight months is less current than an A licence holder who jumped last weekend.
Both British Skydiving and USPA have formal currency requirements that determine what you need to do before getting back in the air after a break. The rules differ by governing body and licence level — which is exactly what this calculator is for.
Why Currency Rules Exist
Emergency procedures are the obvious one. The muscle memory required to correctly identify and respond to a malfunction takes regular practice to maintain. But currency isn't just about emergencies.
Most serious incidents involving returning jumpers happen not because they forgot everything — but because they overestimated how much they retained. Currency requirements are a structured check on that overestimation.
How to Read Your Results
You're current
No additional requirements. Manifest as normal. This doesn't mean skip your own mental checks — but formally, you're good to go.
Daily drills required
Ground-based revision with an instructor before you manifest. Usually arrangeable on the day, subject to availability. Don't assume — call ahead.
Refresher course required
A structured training programme including ground training and coached jumps. Needs to be booked in advance — you can't walk in on a Saturday morning.
Full currency review required
Attend your dropzone with all your documentation. An instructor will assess and advise the path back. Contact the DZ before you turn up.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can I go without jumping before I need a refresher?
- It depends on your licence. British Skydiving A licence holders need daily drills after 1 month, a refresher course after 3 months, and a full currency review after 12 months. B licence and above holders have more leeway — up to 6 months before drills are required.
- What are daily drills?
- Ground-based checks completed with an instructor before you manifest — typically emergency procedures, pin checks, and body position reviews. Most dropzones can arrange these on the day, subject to instructor availability.
- What does a refresher course involve?
- Ground training covering emergency procedures, canopy control, and landing patterns, followed by one or more coached jumps. Contact your dropzone in advance — refresher courses aren't usually walk-in on the day.
- What happens if I've been out for more than 12 months?
- For British Skydiving A licence holders, more than 12 months requires a full currency review. Attend your dropzone with all your documentation. Don't just show up — contact the DZ in advance.
- Is this calculator official British Skydiving guidance?
- This calculator is based on published British Skydiving and USPA currency guidelines and is intended as a guide only. Individual dropzones may apply requirements differently. Always confirm with your dropzone before travelling.
- Do USPA and British Skydiving have different rules?
- Yes. USPA uses a 60-day threshold for current status, with a coach or S&TA sign-off required after 60 days and a full recurrency programme after 6 months. British Skydiving rules vary by licence level. The calculator handles both separately.
Ready to Get Back in the Air?
Once you've sorted your currency, find a British Skydiving affiliated dropzone near you.
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