Skydiving isn’t just a thrill-seeking hobby; it’s a sport that offers endless opportunities for skill development and progression. If you’re passionate about skydiving and eager to take your skills to the next level, earning your skydiving B-License is the perfect way to showcase your dedication and commitment to the sport. Here’s a comprehensive guide to earning your B-License:
1. Start with the Basics:
- Before pursuing your B-License, you must first obtain your A-License, which requires completing a series of training jumps and demonstrating proficiency in fundamental skydiving skills and ground training.
- Your A-License training typically covers topics such as basic body position, altitude awareness, canopy control, emergency procedures, and more.
- Here at Skydive Chicago, we start with 2 tandem skydives, then transition to our solo skydiving program called, the Advanced Freefall Program. The ground school is all online. Then you’ll follow up for the in-person practical followed by an 18-level course that helps you meet the A-license requirements and beyond.
2. Meet the Requirements:
To qualify for a B-License, you’ll need to complete a minimum of 50 jumps, including specific requirements outlined by the United States Parachute Association (USPA).
The requirements in all include:
- Having earned your A-license
- Completed a minimum of 50 jumps with a minimum of 30 minutes of freefall
- Demonstrated proficiency in canopy control:
- Having landed within 10 meters (about 33 feet) from a target 10 times
- Complete the B-License Canopy Course
- Executing various freefall maneuvers:
- Perform a left and right 360° turns, backloop, then repeat within 18 seconds
- Complete 10 group jumps
- Complete Water Training (UPCOMING TRAINING HERE)
- Pass a written exam covering skydiving theory and safety regulations
3. How to Document B-License Requirements:
According to USPA, here is a guideline of how to document all of your B-license requirements and achievements in your logbook:
- Record the Date / Location / Type of Plane / Exit Altitude / Equipment Used ( the type of container and main parachute)
- Log the Freefall Time – HERE is a resource that considers your exit altitude and type of skydive
- Log the details of what you did on the skydive such as exit, what you did in freefall, the canopy flight and the landing (stand up, slide in, PLF) and distance from target.
- Lastly, be sure to have your logbook signed by someone who witnessed your jump. That person may be another licensed jumper, instructor, Safety and Training Advisor (S&TA), Dropzone Owner (DZO), pilot, USPA judge, or even USPA Board Member.
3. Further Your Education:
- While working towards your B-License, take advantage of additional training opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge – right HERE at Skydive Chicago!
- We offer various Canopy Control courses, freefall coaching sessions, and skills camps offered by experienced coaches for many disciplines and skill levels.
- We are fortunate that Skydive Chicago has many mentors and seasoned skydivers who can provide valuable insights and advice as you progress in your skydiving journey.
4. How Much Does a B-License Cost?
By completing the Skydive Chicago AFP Program, you will have 25 skydives and have completed the USPA A-License objectives (other programs vary). All of these jumps and experience count towards earning your next USPA license, the B-license.
Note: This is a general cost outline. There are several variables to consider… such as: will you be renting gear or will you have bought your own? Will you be packing your parachute or hiring a packer, etc.
| OBJECTIVE | COST |
| Gear Rental* | $67/jump (includes a pack job) OR$165/day (includes pack jobs) |
| Pack Job | $10/jump (if you have your own gear and choose not to pack for yourself) |
| 50 Jump Tickets | $33/jump or 50 Jump Package ($1550) |
| Water Training | $45 |
| Canopy Control Course | USPA Courses: $250 + 5 Jump ticketsAlter Ego Course: $190 + 5 Jump tickets |
| B-License Exam | $0 |
| Submit to USPA | $36 |
* Note: jump packages prices for this table are calculated for the 2024 season.
Since there are a few variables to consider the cost for your B-License at Skydive Chicago may cost between $3681 – $1721.
The GOOD NEWS is that this cost is not all up front and you can pay as you go. Many skydivers will tell you that it’s an investment for self-improvement or an investment just like an athlete participates in any other sport like skiing or horseback riding – it’s a personal fulfillment that offers incredible experiences.
5. B-License Currency Requirements
Earning your B-License is a significant milestone in your skydiving journey, it shows you’re into learning and engaging in the culture and safety etiquette. With that being said, there are different B-License skydiving currency requirements and they are as follows:
| License Held | Must Have Jumped Within | Cost if not Jumped 61-365 days | Cost if not jumped in 1 year | Training Needed |
| A License | 60 Days | $165 | $215 + ground school | Jump with a USPA Coach |
| B License | 90 Days | $165 | $215 + ground school | Jump with a USPA Coach |
| C & D License | 180 Days | $165 | $215 + ground school | Jump with a USPA Coach |
Note: Currencies do not include gear rental. If it has been a significant layoff, then a different type of parachute and wing loading may be necessary.
Anyone that falls outside that threshold will need to do at least one jump with a USPA Coach and possibly an instructor in some cases at Skydive Chicago. A-license holders need to show control on all axes, altitude awareness, tracking, pulling stable, and sufficient canopy and landing skills. The other licenses are required to show they can safely exercise the privileges of said license and that they have the basic freefall skills and demonstrates canopy pattern and landing skills.
6. Continuing Education
- As you accumulate jumps towards your B-License, focus on building both your freefall and canopy skills. Skydive Chicago has a wealth of knowledge with coaches and load organizers as well as hosts events that offer an opportunity to experiment with different disciplines, including formation skydiving, freeflying, and canopy piloting work.
See our Event Calendar Here.
- Practice emergency procedures and decision-making skills to ensure you’re prepared to handle any situation that may arise during a skydive.
7. Celebrate Your Achievement:
- Earning your B-License is a significant milestone in your skydiving journey, marking your progression from novice to experienced skydiver.
- Here’s a list of things you earn a privilege for when you earn your B-license:
- Jump from novelty aircraft such as a helicopter or hot air balloon
- Do night jumps
- Jump on a beach (Skydive Chicago does an event in Puerto Rico called Castaway for licensed jumpers)
- Set new goals and continue to challenge yourself as you embark on the next chapter of your skydiving adventure… because once you achieve 100 skydives, you can become a USPA Coach!
Earning your skydiving B-License is a rewarding and fulfilling accomplishment that signifies your dedication to the sport and your commitment to advancing your skills as a skydiver. By following these steps and leveraging resources here at Skydive Chicago, you’ll be well-equipped to achieve your goal and join the ranks of licensed skydivers around the world. So, embrace the journey, stay focused on your goals, and enjoy the exhilarating ride as you soar to new heights in the world of skydiving.
