Aptitude test
A.-“Traditional method” option (TRAD) of the BP JEPS “Parachuting” option
The aim of the aptitude test is to verify the candidate’s ability to supervise safely in the “traditional method” option.
1. Test to verify theoretical and practical safety knowledge
This takes place on the ground and is designed to test four types of knowledge, in the following chronological order:
a) Knowledge relating to traditional progression exit techniques and canopy manoeuvring instructions.
This part of the test consists of the candidate giving the assessors all the information they need to enable them to :
– exit the aircraft safely ;
– progress from opening to landing.
b) Knowledge of the conformity of the equipment fitted to two evaluators equipped with parachutes with an automatic opening strap.
This part of the test consists of the candidate checking that the two evaluators are fully and correctly equipped for the jump.
This part of the test consists of the candidate demonstrating that he/she has the necessary automatisms for hooking up the automatic opening straps.
d) Knowledge of the organisation of parachuting in France and regulatory obligations.
Each part a, b and c of the test is eliminatory.
2. Technical safety test
This takes place in flight at a minimum height of 1,000 metres and is designed to check that the candidate is able to handle the automatic opening straps.
It consists of a parachute drop by the two assessors, including :
– the corrections requested from the pilot regarding the aircraft’s axis;
– the instructions given during the installation;
– the correct routing of the automatic opening straps before and during the release;
– the two evaluators parachute into the optimum zone.
At the end of the jump, the candidate must be able to describe in French how each evaluator exited the aircraft, using the appropriate technical terms.
B.-Option “accompanied progression in freefall” (PAC) of the BP JEPS “parachuting” option
The aim of the aptitude test is to verify the candidate’s ability to supervise safely in the “accompanied progression in freefall” option.
1. Test to verify theoretical and practical safety knowledge
This test takes place on the ground and aims to verify three types of knowledge, in the following chronological order:
a) Knowledge relating to exit techniques in accompanied progression in freefall and the instructions for manoeuvres under canopy.
This part of the test consists of the candidate giving the assessors all the information they need to enable them to :
– exit the aircraft safely ;
– progress from opening to landing.
b) Knowledge of the conformity of the equipment fitted to two evaluators equipped with parachutes fitted with hand extractors.
This part of the test consists of the candidate checking that the two evaluators are fully and properly equipped for the jump.
c) Knowledge of the organisation of parachuting in France and regulatory obligations.
Each part a and b of the test is eliminatory.
2. Technical safety test
This takes place in flight at a minimum height of 3,500 metres and is designed to check that the candidate is able to:
– stabilise a hooked exit;
– fly without a contact grip and with a grip without tension;
– block any manoeuvres or evolutions not controlled by an assessor in freefall;
– fictitiously trigger the opening of the evaluator’s parachute at the appropriate moment.
It comprises three jumps, each assessed by two assessors, one in the air, the other on the ground. These jumps take place in the following chronological order:
a) Jump 1:
– hooked exit;
– released, flying in front of and close to the assessor in order to communicate using conventional signs adapted according to the assessor’s position or attitude;
– return to the assessor at 2,200 metres in order to control an unstable position adopted by the assessor up to 1,500 metres;
– at 1,500 metres, the candidate must indicate the end of the exercises to the assessor, by means of an agreed sign;
b) Jump 2 :
– back exit performed by the assessor, followed by the candidate in the vicinity;
– face down return performed by the assessor, autorotation start, blocking by the candidate, stability check;
– recovery before 2,000 metres and position check up to 1,500 metres;
– at 1,500 metres, the candidate must indicate the end of the exercises to the assessor, by means of an agreed sign;
c) Jump 3 :
– ball exit executed by the assessor, followed by the candidate in the vicinity;
– failure by the assessor to return to face the ground, interception and turning of the assessor by the candidate before 2,200 metres;
– flight in the vicinity of the assessor up to 1,500 metres;
– at 1,500 metres, the candidate must indicate the end of the exercises to the assessor, using an agreed sign.
At the end of the jump, the candidate must be able to describe in French the progress of the evaluator’s exit from the plane, using the appropriate technical terms.
C.-Option “tandem jumping” (TANDEM) of the “parachuting” option of the BP JEPS
The aim of the aptitude test is to check the candidate’s ability to supervise safely in the tandem option.
1. Test to verify theoretical and practical safety knowledge
This test takes place on the ground and aims to verify four types of knowledge, in the following chronological order:
a) Knowledge relating to the specific features of the tandem parachute and its safety release.
This part of the test consists of the candidate packing and checking the safety points of the equipment (tandem parachute and passenger harness).
b) Knowledge of incidents, remedies and rescue procedures in freefall and under open canopy(s).
This part of the test consists of the candidate :
– stating the different types of incidents;
– giving solutions;
– demonstrating the appropriate rescue procedures.
c) Knowledge of the safety instructions that must be assimilated by the parachutists being taken into the skydive.
This part of the test consists of the candidate checking whether the person being taken into the skydive knows the rules and postures that ensure the safety of the pair, as well as the instructions specific to the progress of the jump and canopy evolutions.
d) Knowledge of the organisation of parachuting in France and regulatory obligations.
Each part a, b and c of the test is eliminatory.
2. Technical safety test
The aim of this test is to check that the candidate :
– has control of the pair in freefall;
– performs the opening actions correctly;
– controls the canopy and makes a safe landing.
It consists of two jumps of increasing difficulty, each assessed by two assessors, one in the air and the other on the ground. The candidate may only make the second jump if he has successfully completed the first.
a) Jump 1:
This takes place at a minimum height of 4,000 metres.
Falling exercises:
– exit the aircraft, the assessor is in a neutral position;
– the pair must regain their stability facing the ground within 5 seconds;
– the candidate must make the pair perform two alternate rolls, before launching and checking the stabiliser-extractor retarder (RSE);
– the candidate performs a simulated opening on the main canopy opening control (CDO);
– the candidate provides solutions adapted to the disturbances caused by the assessor. During this part of the freefall, the candidate will perform a simulated opening on the CDO at a height of between 1,900 and 2,100 metres;
– the opening height must be between 1,500 and 1,700 metres.
Canopy exercises:
– Implementation and control of the canopy: the assessor has the dual controls in hand. He/she is neutral, except in an emergency;
– piloting: depending on the wind conditions, the assessor may request a U-shaped landing (PTU) or an S-shaped landing (PTS). The landing perimeter is 50 metres in diameter;
– approach to final with 30 to 50% brake: short final with arms up;
– Safe landing within the designated landing perimeter;
b) Jump 2:
This takes place at a minimum height of 4,000 metres.
Falling exercises:
– leaving the aircraft, the assessor causes disturbances without RSE;
– the candidate must ensure stability as long as the assessor keeps “his hands out”;
– the candidate starts the RSE as soon as the assessor puts “his hands in the harness” at a minimum of 2,500 metres;
– the candidate carries out a simulated opening on the main canopy opening control (CDO);
– the candidate provides solutions adapted to the disturbances caused by the assessor. During this part of the freefall, the candidate will perform an opening simulation on the CDO at a height of between 1,900 and 2,100 metres;
– the opening height must be between 1,700 and 1,900 metres.
Canopy exercises:
– implementation and control of the canopy: the assessor does not have the dual controls in hand. He/she does not give instructions, except in an emergency;
– the candidate must be able to pilot his/her canopy until landing, the assessor being in the position of a passenger if the aerology allows it;
– choice of circuit in PTU or PTS, at the candidate’s convenience;
– safe landing within the designated landing perimeter.
At the end of the jump, the candidate must be able to describe in French the progress of each assessor’s exit from the aircraft, using the appropriate technical terms.
D.- DE JEPS “Parachuting activities” option
The aim of the aptitude test is to verify the candidate’s ability to supervise the activity of a parachuting school in safety.
1. Test to verify theoretical knowledge of safety matters
This takes place on the ground during an oral interview lasting a maximum of one hour and is designed to test the following types of knowledge:
– regulatory provisions relating to the creation of a school, in particular those concerning civil aviation and establishments for physical and sporting activities;
– the different possible statuses of a school (associative and commercial);
– insurance (physical and sporting activities and aviation);
– role, missions, regulations and operation of a delegated federation;
– advantages and disadvantages of the different types of aircraft used in France;
– tasks and constraints of the pilot in parachuting;
– regulatory obligations of pilots;
– aviation regulations relating to parachuting;
– aviation regulations relating to aircraft incidents and accidents.
2. Technical safety test
This takes place on the ground during a one-day skydiving session and is designed to check whether the candidate is able to :
– organise and monitor the progress of learners;
– supervise the assessments linked to the progress of learners in a learning or improvement situation;
– be familiar with the administrative registration procedure for the delegated federation’s teaching method certificates;
– coordinate and monitor the progress of learners under canopy;
– set up the appropriate equipment for the session;
– obtain and read WIN TEM and TEMSI charts;
– be aware of the problems associated with dropping;
– give appropriate instructions to the pilot;
– use aeronautical radio phraseology;
– work as part of a team with the pilot;
– give appropriate instructions to the instructors;
– use a means of communication to give instructions or information to students progressing under canopy;
– give canopy circuit instructions adapted to the level of the participants;
– organise and anticipate the landing;
– take decisions to start, stop and adapt the jumping session according to the weather and the level of the participants;
– know the procedures relating to rescue in the event of a serious or fatal accident;
– take into account the safety of third parties;
– know the regulations relating to jump equipment;
– keep parachute documents up to date;
– use parachutes and safety releases;
– manage a fleet of parachutes and safety releases.