Firebirds Tandem Instructor Course Syllabus

Complete your application, course agreements, written examination, practical jumps and final acknowledgements online. Your assigned Firebird examiner assesses and signs your work, and the completed records stay with your certification.

Practical training may be completed after or alongside the written examination. Certification requires both, plus the signed agreements, waiver and final examiner verification.

Start or resume your online course ↗

Examiner assessments and scorecards ↗

Source reference · pages 1–3

Certification of Tandem Instructor Qualifications (United States) The examiner verifies the candidate’s logbooks and supporting credentials, signs the completed qualification review, and ensures the course documents are submitted to Firebird within 10 days of completion.

• The examiner certifies that the candidate’s original documentation has been reviewed and that the candidate meets all Instructor Course prerequisites and course requirements.

Prerequisite documents: Review each item and sign to confirm that you have verified the supporting evidence:

• At least 3 years of skydiving experience
• At least 500 ram-air canopy jumps
• At least 100 freefall jumps within the preceding year.
• At least 6 hours of freefall time
• At least 18 years of age.

Instructor Course Documents: Please submit these documents to Firebird USA LLC and ensure that you have kept copies for your records.

• Tandem passenger parachutist Assumption of Risk Agreement (signature witnessed by Examiner).
• Parachutist in Command Letter of Agreement
• Firebird Tandem Instructor Code of Conduct Agreement
• Tandem Instructor Application, Stage 1 form completed.

• Stage 2 form completed with additional 3 tandem jumps logged.
• Instructor Course written test completed, corrected to 100% and signed by Instructor Course candidate and Examiner.
• At least 18 years of age (driver’s license or other photo ID).
• USPA “D” license or national equivalent.
• Parachuting Instructor, Jumpmaster rating, Coach rating.
• Current Class III Flight Physical or Parachuting Physical approved by a national association or the military.
• Any Tandem Instructor Certifications from other Manufacturers. (for Crossover ratings)
• Code of Conduct Agreement

Complete your candidate application ↗

Source reference · pages 4–5

Certification of Tandem Instructor Qualifications (Outside the United States) The examiner verifies the candidate’s logbooks and supporting credentials, signs the completed qualification review, and ensures the course documents are submitted to Firebird within 10 days of completion.

• I certify that I have reviewed the logbooks and other original documentation of:

and that they have met all Instructor Course prerequisites and course requirements listed below. Original documents reviewed:

Instructor Course prerequisites:

• At least 18 years of age.
• National expert parachutist license
• National parachuting instructor, jumpmaster or coach rating.

• Current Flight Physical or Parachuting Physical approved by a national association or the military.
• At least 3 years of skydiving experience or national requirement
• At least 500 ram-air canopy jumps or national requirement

• At least 100 freefall jumps within the preceding year.
• At least 6 hours of freefall time

Instructor Course documents:

• Instructor Course written test reviewed, corrected to 100%, and signed by the examiner and Instructor Course candidate.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SENT TO FIREBIRD USA LLC Please submit these documents to Firebird and ensure that you have kept copies for your records.

• Tandem passenger parachutist Assumption of Risk Agreement (signature witnessed by Examiner).
• Tandem Instructor Application, Stage 1 form completed
• Code of Conduct Agreement
• Stage 2 form completed with additional 3 tandem jumps logged.
• Copy of any Tandem Instructor Certifications from other Manufacturers (for Crossover ratings).
• Copy of Photo identification

• The administrative fee is $80.00 per Instructor Course candidate. Firebird will provide payment arrangements separately.

Complete your candidate application ↗

Source reference · pages 6–7

Before the course begins, verify your Firebird examiner’s credentials and expiration date. A valid medical certificate is required. Enter your personal information, experience and credentials in your private online course record.

The jump log is recorded online by your examiner. Each scorecard retains the date, location, passenger, exit altitude, delay, licensed witness, performance assessment, notes and examiner signature.

Open your online application and agreements ↗

Source reference · pages 9–10

The applicant acknowledges receiving tandem training in all of the following subjects:

• FAR 105.45
• USPA Basic Safety Requirements pertaining to tandem jumps
• Equipment functions and handle operation
• Emergencies and malfunctions
• Side-spin recovery technique
• Gear checks
• Putting on and wearing the equipment
• Student harnessing per the manufacturer's standards
• Hookup procedures per the manufacturer's standards
• Aircraft procedures
• Exits
• Freefall procedures
• Drogue fall procedures
• Handle checks
• Canopy procedures
• Canopy flight and landing
• Maintenance/Service Bulletins
• Recommended components
• Packing the main
• Handcam requirements
• Recommendations for progression

After the required written and practical assessments pass, review your saved scorecards and acknowledge all completed training topics in your private course record. Your typed name and confirmation record your electronic signature.

Open your course record ↗

Source reference · page 11

The written examination opens directly online. It contains 95 questions with the original question numbers retained. Question 55 was an empty continuation in the source, so it is not a separate question.

A Pass requires 100% correct answers and examiner assessment. After an unsuccessful submission, review the questions with your examiner and re-submit. Three unsuccessful submissions require a 90-day wait before restarting the entire exam. Previous attempts remain on the course record.

Read the written examination ↗

Start or resume your exam ↗

Source reference · pages 12–22

All tandem skydiving is performed under Federal Aviation Regulation 14 CFR Part

• 45. Therefore, I understand and agree to be bound by the following:
• I have read completely and understand FAR 105.45 and Firebird USA LLC Tandem Standard Operating Procedures (see the most current Instructor Course Syllabus).
• I agree to be bound by all conditions and requirements of FAR 105.45 and all conditions, requirements and recommendations, as may be imposed by Firebird USA LLC, including:
• I promise to submit a written record to Firebird USA LLC, within 48 hours of all Tandem-jumping incidents requiring a reserve activation or resulting in injury or death to the parachutist in command or the passenger parachutist.
• I understand that as a parachutist in command, certified by Firebird USA LLC, I am responsible for the control and supervision of tandem jumping as described in FAR
• 45.
• I understand that my parachutist in command certification can be suspended or revoked by Firebird USA LLC for cause. I agree to return my certification certificate and card to Firebird USA LLC upon written request within ten days.
• While Tandem jumping is performed pursuant to FAR 105.45, under Firebird USA LLC certification:
• I understand that the equipment must be used in a training environment.
• A prepared Tandem jump briefing must be used (see “First Tandem Jump passenger parachutist Training”, in the most current Instructor Course Syllabus) during which the passenger parachutist shall be briefed on the operation of dual harness, dual parachute assemblies and procedures to be used during all emergencies, an exit from the aircraft, freefall and subsequent landing.
• The Tandem passenger parachutist must sign a Firebird USA LLC approved Waiver and Assumption of Risk Agreement.
• The Tandem passenger parachutist must wear proper equipment including altimeter, helmet, goggles and have access to a main parachute release handles.
• I understand that all passenger parachutists must be 18 years old or have reached the age majority stipulated in the state the Tandem jump is being performed in, whichever is higher.
• I further understand that the ramifications of noncompliance are:
• Revocation of my parachutist in command Certification from Firebird USA LLC.
• Possible suspension of all Firebird USA LLC tandem operations at the drop zone.
• Revocation of privileges to operate a tandem jumping business under Firebird USA LLC certification or approval from the FAA.
• Possible disqualification of other FAA approved tandem ratings.

Read and sign your course agreements ↗

Source reference · pages 23–25

The purpose of this Code of Ethics Agreement is to ensure that our Firebird Rated Tandem Instructors have a clear understanding of the ethical obligation that our Tandem Instructor rating carries with it. By signing this document, the instructor consents to abide by the terms of this agreement and understands that non- compliance may result in the suspension and/or revocation of their Firebird Tandem Rating.

By signing below, the Firebird Rated Tandem Instructor agrees to:

• Maintain a current FAA Class III Medical or equivalent Certificate.
• Only allow Tandem passenger parachutist that are 18 years old, or have reached the legal age of majority whichever is higher. (USA)
• Securely fasten passenger harness in accordance with manufacturer recommendations without deviation.
• Provide the tandem passenger parachutist with 3 independent passenger harness inspections: First – At the conclusion of the gear up process. Second – Prior to boarding the aircraft. Third – Prior to exit of the aircraft.
• Perform stable exits into the relative wind.
• Fly in a belly to earth orientation. (No freeflying)
• Submit a Firebird Tandem Incident Report to Firebird USA LLC within 48 hours on any jump with a reserve parachute activation or caused injury or death to either an instructor or passenger parachutist jumper.
• Follow Firebird USA LLC re-currency requirements.
• Refrain from any form of sexual harassment.

Read and sign your course agreements ↗

Source reference · pages 26–27

Complete and retain the course documents with your Firebird record. The examiner verifies the supporting credentials and signs the assessments and final course verification.

• Candidate application and verified qualification evidence
• Written exam passed at 100%, with candidate and examiner signatures
• Parachutist in Command agreement
• Instructor Code of Conduct agreement
• Tandem waiver with an independent witness signature
• Stage 1 and Stage 2 jump scorecards
• All 15 probation jump records
• Candidate acknowledgement of the completed training
• Final examiner verification

United States credential evidence includes age/photo identification, an expert parachutist license, applicable instructional ratings, and a current accepted medical. For candidates outside the United States, retain the applicable national credentials and photo identification. Include existing manufacturer tandem credentials for crossover ratings.

Firebird USA LLC · 1405 Flightline Boulevard, DeLand, FL 32724, USA · ratings@flyfirebird.com

Complete the online tandem waiver ↗

Open your course record ↗

Source reference · pages 28–29

Congratulations on your successful completion of Stage 1 of the Firebird Tandem Instructor Course.

Stage 2 is designed to help Instructor Course candidates transition from the examiner-supervised learning environment of the course, to the practical reality of assuming the responsibility of making safe Tandem Jumps with first jump passenger parachutists.

Stage 2 jumps may be made with or without an Instructor Course examiner present.

During Stage 2, you must make three tandem jumps. These are in addition to the qualifying Tandem Jumps that you made in Stage 1.

If the Examiner has required you to make additional jumps in Stage 1, then those may not be counted towards your Stage 2 jumps.

I. Operating Rules for Stage 2

• All jumps must be made in accordance with 14 CFR 105.45.
• The Instructor Course candidate must be trained in deployment of the drogue, use of his main release, and use of “Safety Handles” are optional.
• The passenger on a Stage 2 training jump must have at least 100 parachute jumps.
• Appropriate safety equipment must be worn: Head protection, altimeter, foot gear, etc.
• An experienced videographer can accompany the tandem pair so long they meet the minimum requirements for tandem video.
• No relative work.
• Record all Stage 2 jumps in your online course record for examiner assessment.
• Your Tandem Instructor documents will be forwarded to you, and you will be placed on our email list to receive all notices of equipment updates, and safety bulletins. It is the tandem instructor's responsibility to follow all updates and address any safety bulletins.

The online Stage 2 log records the three required jumps individually. Additional Stage 1 attempts do not count toward Stage 2. The candidate signs the completed record, and the examiner records the final endorsement.

Before making jumps with a first-time passenger, complete both Stage 1 and Stage 2. Certification requires the complete 25-jump course and probation record.

Open the practical course and scorecards ↗

Source reference · pages 30–32

Plan the exit altitude and training tasks so main deployment occurs by 7,000 ft AGL during the course and probation. Older lower main-deployment values in the original course packet are superseded. The corrected Jump 5 example is 10,500 ft exit minus a 2,000-ft delay = 8,500 ft drogue deployment.

Your examiner records Pass or Not yet satisfactory for each assessment, signs it in their own name and retains every attempt. Jumps 1 and 2 may be completed in either order. Each required jump must pass; repeated attempts do not replace a different jump.

Read all 25 jump briefings and scorecards ↗

Examiner scorecards ↗

Source reference · pages 33–42

An applicant remains on probation until they have completed 25 jumps, 15 of which are made after the initial training course and familiarization tandem skydives.

Requirements for next fifteen (11-25) post course probationary jumps:

Owner clarification: Main deployment is by 7,000 ft AGL throughout probation. The lower source fully-open altitude below is retained as a separate source requirement; it does not replace the approved deployment altitude.

• Minimum exit altitude: 9000 ft
• Minimum open and flying main canopy altitude: 4500 ft
• The passenger should be of SIMILAR OR LESSER SIZE THAN TANDEM INSTRUCTOR
• The MAX body weight for passenger is 200lbs
• The MAX height for passenger is 6’0” tall
• No relative work
• An experienced videographer may accompany the tandem pair, provided they can exit the aircraft and skydive without interfering with the tandem
• The passenger may be a first-time student
• Candidate must log these 15 jumps

RECOMMENDATION FOR PROGRESSION

• Passenger size, weight and wing loading should not be increased (per probationary standards) until the tandem instructor has demonstrated consistent stable exits, stability and heading control during drogue fall, and soft on-target landings.

• If the tandem instructor is having difficulty, they should obtain videos of their tandem jumps and send them to their Examiner for viewing and discussion on how to improve.

• Tandem instructor should not change procedures from those taught by their examiner.

• Jumping in high winds is not recommended until the tandem instructor has demonstrated on-target landings. An increase in wind limits should be done at a pace that allows for the proper development of canopy skills. It is recommended that new tandem instructors observe a maximum of 15 mph until they have demonstrated good accuracy.

• Tandem Instructors should be limited to 5 jumps per day AND 40 minutes between loads until they have demonstrated good routine and pace.

Open probation briefings and scorecards ↗

Source reference · pages 42–43

Firebird Tandem Instructor CrossOver (FTIC) is a separate course with its own 79-question written exam and two qualification jumps. It uses the same certificate and diploma. The current approved crossover course replaces the earlier one-jump crossover description in the 2024 syllabus.

Open the FTIC CrossOver course ↗

CrossOver application, agreements and scorecards ↗

Source reference · pages 44–45

Historical reference only: the following examiner crossover material is retained from the 2024 syllabus, including its original altitudes. It is not the controlling curriculum for the current Instructor Course or FTIC CrossOver course. Use the approved course scorecards linked above; current course and probation main deployment must occur by 7,000 ft AGL.

Examiner Crossover Training from SIGMA 2 jumps

Examiner Crossover Training Jump 1 (as passenger) FREEFALL: Unstable Exit with a 2,000-foot Drogue Delay

• Unstable exit from above 10,500 feet to include a back-to-belly transition
• Regain control within 10 seconds and demonstrate stable freefall
• Set drogue 2,000 feet after exiting the aircraft (i.e. 11,000 exit, 9,000 drogue throw)
• Set drogue, check drogue, and perform handles checks
• Maintain heading within 45-degree tolerance
• Pull drogue release handle by 5,500 feet

CANOPY - Flight Cycle & ½ Braked Flares

• Conduct routine opening procedures
• With both sets of toggles in hand, slowly and symmetrically apply full brakes, fly straight for at least 8 to 10 seconds to establish a constant descent rate, then symmetrically return to full flight observing the flight cycle (approx. 10 seconds)
• With both sets of toggles in hand go to the half-braked position, hold for 3-4 seconds and finish with an aggressive flare, observe pitch
• Stop all maneuvers by 3,000 feet
• Identify areas where you expect to encounter turbulence, including areas where you can expect to find lift & sink
• Identify the distance and height in which you can expect to encounter turbulence in various wind and temperature conditions

Evaluator Notes Candidates must have completed ground training in the following topics: Harnessing, student hookup procedures, harness adjustments under canopy, flare technique, and scored 100% in a live (in-person) malfunction review with a stand-in student in the passenger position. Designate target landing area. Freefall: If candidate has not set the drogue within 10 seconds then evaluator must do so. If the candidate has not pulled the drogue release by 5,000 feet then evaluator must do so. Allow the candidate a 500-foot tolerance to set the drogue, the same applies to pulling the drogue release. Decision altitude for a no-drogue emergency is 3,000 feet. Canopy: During sink drill, encourage the candidate to make full use of toggles in deep brakes. Explain effects on tandem canopy from all factors that induce turbulence.

Examiner Crossover Training Jump 2 (as instructor) FREEFALL: Unstable Exit with a 2,000-foot Drogue Delay

• Unstable exit from above 10,500 feet to include a back-to-belly transition
• Regain control within 10 seconds and demonstrate stable freefall
• Set drogue 2,000 feet after exiting the aircraft (i.e. 11,000 exit, 9,000 drogue throw)
• Set drogue, check drogue, and perform handles checks
• Maintain heading within 45-degree tolerance
• Pull drogue release handle by 5,500 feet CANOPY - Flight Cycle & ½ Braked Flares
• Conduct routine opening procedures
• With both sets of toggles in hand, slowly and symmetrically apply full brakes, fly straight for at least 8 to 10 seconds to establish a constant descent rate then symmetrically return to full flight observing the flight cycle (approx. 10 seconds)
• With both sets of toggles in hand go to the half-braked position, hold for 3-4 seconds and finish with an aggressive flare, observe pitch
• Stop all maneuvers by 3,000 feet
• Identify areas where you expect to encounter turbulence, including areas where you can expect to find lift & sink
• Identify the distance and height in which you can expect to encounter turbulence in various wind and temperature conditions

Evaluator Notes Candidates must have completed ground training in the following topics: Harnessing, student hookup procedures, harness adjustments under canopy, flare technique, and scored 100% in a live (in-person) malfunction review with a stand-in student in the passenger position. Designate target landing area. Freefall: If candidate has not set the drogue within 10 seconds, then evaluator must do so. If the candidate has not pulled the drogue release by 5,000 feet then evaluator must do so. Allow the candidate a 500-foot tolerance to set the drogue, the same applies to pulling the drogue release. Decision altitude for a no-drogue emergency is 3,000 feet.

Canopy: During sink drill, encourage the candidate to make full use of toggles in deep brakes. Explain effects on tandem canopy from all factors that induce turbulence.

Source reference · pages 46–48