AC 105-2D

Historical

Advisory circular · Sport Parachuting

A newer version is currentThis is a historical version. AC 105-2E Ed Update 2 is the version in force, approved August 9, 2023.
Approved
May 18, 2011
Last reviewed
August 5, 2024
Cancels
AC105-2C
Cancelled by
AC105-2E
Family
AC 105-2 · 5 versions
Revision
D
14 CFR parts
105, 65, 91, 119, 1

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed November 21, 2025.

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Sport Parachuting Date: 5/18/11 Initiated by: AFS-800 AC No: 105-2D Change:

1. PURPOSE. This advisory circular (AC) provides suggestions to improve sport parachuting safety and disseminates information to assist all parties associated with sport parachuting in compliance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 105. It also contains information for jumpers and riggers on parachuting equipment, on-airport parachuting operations, jump pilot training, aircraft maintenance programs, parachute rigging, and procedures for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization for flight operations with a door removed or modified.

2. CANCELLATION. This AC cancels AC 105-2C, Sport Parachute Jumping, dated 1/2/1991.

3. RELATED CFR PARTS AND PUBLICATIONS. The FAA’s primary responsibility with respect to skydiving is the protection of air traffic and persons and property on the ground. This is principally accomplished through part 105.

a. Title 14 CFR. This paragraph describes the 14 CFR parts that are of interest to skydivers, parachute riggers, and jump aircraft pilots. They may be downloaded from the FAA’s Web site at http://www.faa.gov. All FAA regulations, ACs, and other documents are also available for download from the FAA’s Web site. Since the Federal regulations and other publications may be amended at any time, skydivers, parachute riggers, and pilots should keep up with changes to comply with current requirements.

(1) Title 14 CFR Part 65, Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers.

Subpart F concerns parachute riggers, their eligibility requirements, privileges, and performance standards.

(2) Title 14 CFR Part 91, General Operating and Flight Rules. Parachute operators and jump pilots must comply with all applicable sections of part 91.

(3) Title 14 CFR Part 119, Certification: Air Carriers and Commercial Operators, Part 119, § 119.1(e)(6). When conducted within 25 statute miles of the airport of departure, the parachute operation can be conducted as a commercial operation under part 91.

(4) Part 105, Parachute Operations. This part is especially important to parachutists, to parachute riggers, and to the pilots who fly parachutists, since it contains regulations governing intentional parachute jumping.

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b. Technical Standard Order (TSO)-C23, Personnel Parachutes Assemblies. The TSO-C23 series contains the minimum performance and safety requirements for parachutes.

New approved parachutes must be designed and tested to the current TSO standards. Parachutes approved under earlier TSO standards may continue to be produced. The most current TSO-C23 document may be obtained from the FAA Web site, www.faa.gov.

c. Parachuting Symbols on Charts, Electronic Navigation Equipment, and Related Publications. Having parachuting symbols on aeronautical charts, electronic navigation equipment, and related publications helps alert pilots to the location of parachuting drop zones.

This allows pilots to be aware of drop zones and exercise caution in these areas. The FAA Aeronautical Information Management (AJV-2) collects, stores, and distributes static parachute jumping activities (PAJA) data for use in FAA publications, charts, and Navigation Databases (NDB).

(1) Operators conducting parachute operations should report any additions, deletions, or changes to static PAJA data to the FAA air traffic control (ATC) facility with jurisdiction over the effected airspace. Operators should submit changes as outlined in part 105, § 105.15.

(2) ATC facilities that have jurisdiction over the affected airspace should report any additions, deletions, or changes to static PAJA data to AJV-2. At a minimum, changes to be reported should include location; distance and radial from the nearest Very high frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) or Collocated VOR and TACAN (VORTAC); maximum altitude;

drop zone radius; day/time of use; and the ATC frequency. Submit static PAJA changes to the National Flight Data Center Web site at http://nfdc.faa.gov. Use the “Aeronautical Chart Changes” link to submit information.

4. BACKGROUND.

a. FAA-Recognized Aeronautical Activity. Sport parachuting (skydiving) continues to increase in popularity and is an FAA-recognized aeronautical activity even though parachutists are not certificated airmen. As an FAA-recognized aeronautical activity, regulations require airports that have received FAA funding to accommodate this activity unless the FAA determines that compatibility issues prohibit parachuting operations at a particular airport. See the current edition of FAA Order 5190.6, FAA Airport Compliance Manual, appendix C, paragraph 4, and appendix C, section 1, subparagraph 1.3.d.

b. Licensing, Instructor Rating, and Training. Sport parachuting has certain inherent risks for all participants. Since 1946, the United States Parachute Association (USPA) and its predecessor organizations (the National Parachute Jumpers and Riggers Association and the Parachute Club of America) have developed skydiver licensing and instructor rating programs the FAA recognizes as successful programs that have enhanced skydiver safety. The USPA has also developed safety guidelines and standard practices known as the Basic Safety Requirements (BSR). The USPA has assembled these procedures, training programs, and BSRs into their Skydiver’s Information Manual. The FAA recommends that all beginning parachutists obtain formal training conducted in accordance with the USPA BSRs or by training programs from other similar organizations. Current sport parachute student training programs offered by the USPA can be found on their Web site at http://www.uspa.org.

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c. The Parachute Industry Association (PIA). Parachute equipment and accessories must be used with care. The PIA is an international trade association founded in 1976, devoted to the advancement and safety of parachutes and parachuting activities. Its membership is comprised of equipment manufacturers, materials suppliers, parachute riggers, government and military agencies, and other industry professionals. The PIA creates, publishes, and maintains materials, technical, and certification standards relating to parachutes, located on their Web site at http://www.pia.com.

d. Safety Recommendations. In the revision process of this AC, the FAA took into consideration the safety recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and comments solicited from the parachuting industry members, the USPA, and the PIA.

5. SKYDIVER SAFETY.

a. BSRs. The USPA developed basic safety standards and information for skydiving activities called BSRs. These standards and information are for training, checking equipment, and conducting a wide variety of sport parachuting activities. While not approved by the FAA, the BSRs are considered industry best practices and are widely accepted for use by individuals and parachute centers. The BSRs may be obtained from The United States Parachute Association, 5401 Southpoint Centre Boulevard, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22407. The phone number is 540-604-9740 and the USPA Web site is http://www.uspa.org. The FAA encourages skydivers to use facilities that conduct their operations in accordance with the USPA BSRs or other similar skydiving association best practices.

b. Medical Certificates. While the regulations do not require an FAA medical certification, the FAA urges prospective skydivers to receive a physical examination prior to their first jump.

The skydiver should inform the physician of the purpose of the examination.

c. First-Jump Training Methods. The skydiving industry has developed various methods of first-jump instruction. The FAA recommends that beginning skydivers seek instruction from instructors that have met the qualifications set forth by the USPA or other similar skydiving associations.

d. Safety Devices and Equipment.

(1) Deployment Assist Device. Federal regulations require that all persons making a parachute jump, with a static line attached to the aircraft and the main parachute, use an assist device to aid the pilot chute in performing its function. An assist device is also required if no pilot chute is used in direct deployment of a round, main parachute canopy. The regulations do not require an assist device for direct deployment of a ram-air main parachute canopy.

(2) Automatic Activation Device (AAD). An AAD is a self-contained mechanical or electro-mechanical backup device attached to the parachute container that automatically releases the parachute closing system when it meets specific parameters, such as exceeding a specific vertical velocity and being at or below a specific altitude. An AAD does not physically open the parachute container or deploy the canopy, but rather initiates the container opening by pulling the ripcord pin or by cutting the container closing loop, allowing the canopy to deploy in a

Page 4 Par 5 similar manner as when pulling the ripcord manually. Generally, AADs are installed on the reserve parachute.

(a) The FAA requires that all tandem parachutes have an AAD installed on the reserve parachute. Industry associations, such as the USPA, require their affiliated skydiving schools and clubs to provide and/or require the use of an AAD for all student or unlicensed skydivers.

(b) The FAA has not established Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) or a TSO for AADs. Therefore, the FAA recommends that anyone using an AAD review manufacturer’s reports conforming to the PIA standard TS-120, AAD Design and Testing Report Format, or any independent third-party reports, in order to make an educated decision prior to the use of any particular make or model AAD. The FAA recommends that jumpers using AADs to satisfy the requirements set forth in part 105 purchase them from manufacturers that provide such reports, which provide a means to determine device airworthiness.

(c) Users of AADs should be aware of the device’s level of reliability and its operating limitations, be knowledgeable about the various parameters of the device, and be trained on the specific use and setting for the particular AAD. Users should be well informed about the use of the AAD and have access to the manufacturer’s instructions.

(d) Furthermore, users should understand that AADs are strictly backup devices and are not intended to replace training or timely manual execution of emergency procedures. AADs may or may not initiate reserve parachute deployment at a sufficient altitude, depending upon various combinations of circumstances.

(e) Jumpers should make a pre-jump check using the manufacturer’s recommended procedures for proper setting, arming, and operational status verification to ensure the proper functioning of the AAD. This pre-jump check is usually made prior to boarding the aircraft to ensure that it is set at the proper altitude and under current weather conditions to aid in accuracy.

This is especially important when using an AAD that has selectable or adjustable activation settings, or when the intended landing area is at an elevation different from that of the departure airfield.

(f) AADs may have selectable or adjustable altitude activation settings. Some AADs are preset for the intended type of operation (i.e., Tandem, Student, Expert, etc.), while others may be user-selectable. Caution should be exercised to ensure that the appropriate model, version, settings, or all three are used for the particular type of equipment and jump.

(g) Body position and other factors may cause a delay in the actual parachute opening altitude, which is another reason why such devices should be used only as a backup to manually deploying the reserve parachute. When the situation requires the use of the reserve parachute, the jumper should always manually pull the reserve ripcord using the established procedures for reserve deployment before ever reaching AAD activation altitude. The procedures for deployment of the reserve parachute are usually the same whether an AAD is installed or not.

(h) Report any malfunctions or activations of the AAD to the AAD manufacturer.

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e. Weather. Strong or gusty winds can be dangerous, especially to student jumpers. The USPA recommends that the maximum winds for students be 14 miles per hour (mph) for ram-air reserves and 10 mph for round reserves. In addition, skydivers and pilots should ensure that there is adequate ceiling and visibility to maintain the required weather minimums.

f. Parachute Landing Areas. The FAA recommends that areas used as parachute landing areas remain unobstructed, with sufficient minimum radial distances to the nearest hazard. The USPA has defined such distances and hazards in their BSRs.

g. Water Safety Equipment. Flotation gear should be worn whenever the intended exit point, or landing point, of a skydiver is within 1 mile of an open body of water.

h. Advanced Parachuting. Many of the safety suggestions presented in this AC are intended primarily for the student parachutist. All student jumps should be made in a controlled training environment. Individual experience and judgment dictate what additional training should be obtained before undertaking more advanced parachuting activities. All parachutists should acquire experience and training before using unfamiliar or high-performance equipment.

6. PARACHUTE OPERATIONS ONTO AIRPORTS.

a. Stipulations for Landing at or Flying over an Airport. Most parachute operations take place on airports, including having the parachute landing area located on the airport property.

Section 105.23 requires approval from airport management prior to skydiving onto any airport.

However, § 105.23(c) allows a parachutist to drift over an airport with an open parachute without airport management approval as long as the parachutist remains at least 2,000 feet above that airport’s traffic pattern. (Airport traffic patterns are generally 1,000–1,500 feet above ground level (AGL).)

b. Additional Aviation Activities. A large number of airports that accommodate parachute operations also have different kinds of aviation activities taking place simultaneously, including flight training, glider and helicopter operations, helicopter emergency medical services, sightseeing operations, and aerobatic practice over or in the immediate vicinity of the airport.

Many airports accommodate a large volume of transient traffic during skydiving operations.

c. Shared-Facility Airports. The FAA recommends that shared-facility airports have operating procedures so that each activity can operate safely by knowing the procedures for each of the other activities. Representatives of each type of activity can operate more effectively by knowing the procedures for each of the other activities. Representatives of each type of airport user group should develop procedures specific to their activity and share these procedures with other user groups. It is the airport management’s responsibility to ensure that airport policies and procedures are kept current. This can be accomplished via regularly scheduled meetings with all airport user groups.

(1) Traffic Patterns. With a minimum parachute opening altitude of 2,000 feet above the ground (and most parachutists open much higher), parachutes are nearly always open 800 feet or more above the traffic pattern altitude for any airport. Descending slowly and easy to visually acquire, parachutists and pilots have a shared responsibility to see and avoid each other. Often,

Page 6 Par 6 procedures can be implemented that reduce the potential for parachutists and pilots in a traffic pattern to be in proximity.

(2) Parachute Landings on Airports. Airports may designate suitable parachute landing areas. While skydivers attempt to land in such areas, at times there may be inadvertent landings in other grass or hard-surfaced areas. This could include landings on runways, taxiways, and other hard-surfaced areas. Areas such as runways, taxiways, clearways, and obstacle-free zones are not prohibited areas but should not be designated as a primary landing area and should be vacated as soon as practical. Flying a parachute over runways at low altitudes should be avoided where possible. The FAA recommends that airport management work with parachute operators to develop standard operating procedures (SOP) for activities conducted by parachutists.

d. Additional Information. For additional information, see the current editions of AC 150/5190-7, Minimum Standards for Commercial Aeronautical Activities, and FAA Order 5190.6.

7. JUMP AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AND JUMP PILOTS. Whenever flights are offered for compensation or hire, the flight is considered a commercial operation under part 91 and Federal regulations require:

a. Aircraft Inspections. Aircraft must be maintained in accordance with part 91, § 91.409.

In most applications, operators must comply with one of four inspection programs:

(1) Section 91.409(a) and (b), annual and 100-hour inspection programs;

(2) Section 91.409(d), progressive inspection program;

(3) Section 91.409(f)(3), manufacturer’s inspection program; or

(4) Section 91.409(f)(4), approved inspection program.

b. Additional Information on Acceptable Maintenance Programs. Anyone conducting parachuting operations should contact his or her local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) for additional information on acceptable maintenance programs. Reviewing aircraft maintenance records can be simplified by the use of an aircraft status sheet (Figure 1, FAA Aircraft Status Inspection List Example).

Par 7 Page 7 FIGURE 1. FAA AIRCRAFT STATUS INSPECTION LIST EXAMPLE N___________ S/N_________________ A/C M/M____________________________ Inspection/Item Pending Hours:/Date Next Due Annual or Progressive Inspection 100-Hour Inspection Static System Check Altimeter Check Transponder Check ELT Battery

AD Number Description Hours/Date Completed Next Due

8. PILOT RESPONSIBILITIES. The pilot in command (PIC) must adhere to all regulations applicable to the operation conducted. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

a. Pilot Certification Experience and Operating Requirements. The PIC is responsible for meeting the certification, proficiency, operating, and experience requirements of, but not limited to, 14 CFR parts 61, 91, and 105.

b. Jump Pilot Training and Check Out. Pilots conducting flight operations for compensation or hire are required to possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate with the appropriate ratings for the aircraft being flown and must have a current Class 2 medical certificate or equivalent. Any questions regarding these requirements should be directed to the local FAA FSDO for consideration. The FAA recommends that pilots flying aircraft for the purpose of sport parachuting have appropriate training and have received a thorough checkout in the jump aircraft to include, but not limited to:

(1) Ground Training.

(a) Aircraft limitations.

(b) Weight and Balance (W&B).

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1. Takeoff computations.

2. Weight shift in flight procedures for exiting jumpers.

3. Landing configuration.

(c) Low-speed operations for jump runs.

1. Maneuvering at minimum speed.

2. Opening and closing jump door, if applicable.

3. Stall recognition and recovery.

(d) Emergency procedures.

1. Standard aircraft emergencies.

2. Emergencies caused by jump activities.

3. Bail-out procedures.

(e) Determining aircraft airworthiness.

1. Maintenance requirements and procedures.

2. Aircraft status log (Figure 1).

3. Minimum equipment list (MEL), if applicable.

4. Logging maintenance discrepancies.

(f) Ensure that all parachutes have been packed within 180 days.

(g) Familiarity of jump area.

(2) Flight Training.

(a) Takeoffs and landings with representative loads.

(b) Center of gravity (CG) shift with unloading of jumpers.

(c) Stall-spin prevention and recovery.

(d) Tail strike prevention for jumpers.

NOTE: The potential exists for jumpers to strike the tail of many aircraft when exiting the airplane in flight. Pilots should brief the jumpers on tail strike avoidance procedures. No exits should be made from any airplane

Par 8 Page 9 unless the airplane is level flight with reduced power and airspeed and flaps, if necessary. Jumpers should not exit the airplane in a climb configuration.

c. W&B Procedures. The PIC is solely responsible for assuring that the aircraft being flown is properly loaded and operated so that it stays within gross weight and CG limitations.

The PIC must ensure that the aircraft is operated within the aircraft W&B limitations. Additional aircraft station position information (loading schedule) should be obtained by the PIC for future W&B computations. The PIC is also responsible for reviewing these records and the flight manual to be familiar with an aircraft’s W&B procedures and flight characteristics.

d. Computing W&B. The PIC must include the following factors:

(1) The maximum allowable gross weight and the CG limitations.

(2) The currently configured empty weight and CG location.

(3) The weight and CG location prior to each flight.

(4) The weight and location of jumpers during each phase of the flight in order to assure that the aircraft stays within CG limits. The PIC must remain aware of CG shifts and their effects on aircraft controllability and stability as jumpers move into position for exiting the aircraft and as they exit.

e. Operational Requirements. The PIC is solely responsible for the operational requirements of parts 91 and 105 to include the special operating limitations and placards required for flight with the door open or removed.

f. Suitable Placards. Placards should be located in the aircraft to help the pilot inform jumpers of the maximum approved loading and weight distribution. These placards should be located where they will be seen by anyone boarding the aircraft and should clearly show the maximum approved seating capacity and the load distribution. However, since many jumpers are not familiar with aircraft W&B procedures, it remains the PIC’s responsibility to ensure that proper W&B is maintained throughout all parachuting operations.

g. Seatbelts and Approved Loading. Section 91.107 permits persons aboard an aircraft for the purpose of participating in sport parachuting activities to use the floor of the aircraft for a seat. However, among jump aircraft there are a wide variety of seats, benches, troop seats, and floor seating arrangements. In all cases, seatbelts must be provided for each person and their installation must be approved. See Appendix 3 for additional information describing seat and restraint system configurations. The maximum number of skydivers is determined by that aircraft’s W&B limitations, as long as there is a seatbelt or restraint for each skydiver. The approved number of skydivers that can be carried for parachute operations will most commonly be found on an FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration (Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller, or Appliance), used for field approvals, or an aircraft Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).

h. Oxygen. Jump pilots must use oxygen when flying above 14,000 feet mean sea level (MSL). Skydivers must use oxygen when the jump plane is above 15,000 feet MSL. Above 25,000 feet MSL, pressure-demand oxygen systems should be used. High altitude jumps should

Page 10 Par 8 be made only after first becoming familiar with the problems and hazards created by low temperatures, lack of oxygen, and the various types of oxygen equipment. High altitude jumps should not be attempted without an adequate supply of breathing oxygen.

i. Altitude Reporting. Report all altitudes to ATC in feet above MSL.

9. PARACHUTE OPERATIONS IN DESIGNATED AIRSPACE. Section 105.25 contains information on the ATC authorization and notification process.

a. Parachute Operations Restrictions. No person may conduct a parachute operation, and no PIC of an aircraft may allow a parachute operation to be conducted from that aircraft:

(1) Over or within a restricted area or prohibited area, unless the controlling agency of the area concerned has authorized that parachute operation;

(2) Within or into a Class A, B, C, or D airspace area without, or in violation of the requirements of, an ATC authorization issued under § 105.25; or

(3) Except as provided in subparagraph 9c and subparagraph 9d, within or into a Class E or G airspace area, unless the ATC facility that has jurisdiction over the airspace at the first intended exit altitude is notified of the parachute operation no earlier than 24 hours before and no later than 1 hour before the parachute operation begins.

b. Request for a Parachute Operation Authorization or Notification. Each request for a parachute operation authorization or notification required under this section must be submitted to the ATC facility that has jurisdiction over the airspace at the first intended exit altitude and must include the information prescribed by § 105.15(a).

c. Notification of Parachute Operations. For the purposes of subparagraph 9a(3), ATC facilities may accept a written notification from an organization that conducts parachute operations and lists the scheduled series of parachute operations to be conducted over a stated period of time not longer than 12 calendar-months. The notification must contain the information prescribed by § 105.15(a); identify the responsible persons associated with that parachute operation; and be submitted at least 15 days, but not more than 30 days, before the parachute operation begins. The FAA may revoke the acceptance of the notification for any failure of the organization conducting the parachute operations to comply with its requirements.

d. Armed Force. Subaragraph 9a(3) does not apply to a parachute operation conducted by a member of a Department of Defense (DOD) Armed Force within a restricted area that extends upward from the surface when that area is under the control of the DOD Armed Force.

10. JUMPS OVER AND INTO CONGESTED AREAS AND OPEN-AIR ASSEMBLIES OF PERSONS.

a. Off-Airport Jumps. A skydiver may make parachute jumps away from the usual on-airport parachute school, club, or center location, as long as landowner permission is obtained for the off-airport location.

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b. Certificate of Authorization (COA). Section 105.21(b) requires an FAA COA to conduct a parachute operation over or into a congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or an open-air assembly of persons. This COA must be obtained from the FAA FSDO that has jurisdiction over the site where the jump is proposed by submitting an application, FAA Form 7711-2, Certificate of Waiver or Authorization Application. FAA Form 7711-2 and information on filling out this form can be obtained from your local FSDO or downloaded from the following Web site: http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/airshow. An application for a COA should be submitted at least 10 working-days in advance of the intended jump date to allow time for processing. Approval or denial of the application must be completed within 5 working-days of receipt by the FSDO.

11. REQUIRED INFORMATION.

a. COA-Required Information. A person submitting a request for a COA is required to submit the information found in § 105.15:

(1) The date and time the parachute operation will begin.

(2) The radius of the drop zone around the target expressed in nautical miles (NM).

(3) The location of the center of the drop zone in relation to:

(a) The nearest VOR facility in terms of the VOR radial of its location and its distance in NM from the VOR facility when that facility is 30 NM or less from the drop zone target; or

(b) The nearest airport, town, or city depicted on the appropriate Coast and Geodetic Survey World Aeronautical Chart or Sectional Aeronautical Chart, when the nearest VOR facility is more than 30 NM from the drop zone target.

(4) Each altitude above MSL at which the aircraft will be operated when parachutists or objects exit the aircraft.

(5) The duration of the intended parachute operation.

(6) The name, address, and telephone number of the person who requests the authorization or gives notice of the parachute operation.

(7) The registration number of the aircraft to be used.

(8) The name of the ATC facility with jurisdiction over the airspace at the first intended exit altitude to be used for the parachute operation.

b. Available on Request. Each holder of a COA issued under § 105.21(b) must present that certificate for inspection upon the request of the Administrator or any Federal, State, or local official.

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c. Postponed or Canceled Operation. Each person requesting an authorization under § 105.21(b) must promptly notify the ATC facility that has jurisdiction over the affected airspace if the proposed or scheduled parachute operation is canceled or postponed.

d. Authorization and Notification Requirements. Whether regulations require verbal or written authorization, or a COA (FAA Form 7711-1), for a parachute operation depends upon the type of airspace involved and the area where the parachutist intends to land. The airspace and landing area will determine the requirements. Parachutists and pilots can use Appendix 1 to determine what authorization or notification requirements are necessary for various types of jumps. The FAA recommends that anyone establishing a permanent drop zone or a temporary jump site contact the ATC facilities nearest the site as early as possible. ATC personnel are in the best position to provide information on arrival and departure routes, airspace classifications, and other airspace operations that may affect the safe and efficient flow of a parachuting operation. If you are uncertain of the requirements after looking at Appendix 1, contact your local FSDO and/or ATC facility for additional information.

12. PARACHUTE EXHIBITION LANDING AREAS. The FAA requires the following size areas when issuing a COA for parachuting demonstrations into off-airport locations:

a. Open Field. No less than 500,000 square feet that will accommodate landing no closer than 100 feet from spectators.

b. Level I. An open area that will accommodate a landing area no smaller than 250,000 square feet and which will accommodate landing no closer than 50 feet from spectators.

c. Level II. The level II landing area must be large enough in any direction to accommodate jumpers landing no closer than 15 feet from spectators.

d. Stadium. A level II landing area smaller than 150 yards in length by 80 yards in width and bounded on two sides or more by bleachers, walls, or buildings in excess of 50 feet high.

NOTE: In addition to landing area size requirements, the FAA also imposes qualification and currency requirements found in the Parachuting Special Provisions listed in FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS), located at http://fsims.faa.gov. Parachuting demonstrations that seek relief from any requirement listed in these special provisions must have a letter of approval from the FAA General Aviation and Commercial Division (AFS-800), Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Standards Service, Room 821, 800 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20591 (e.g., airborne reenactment by civilians for reduced experience or lower opening altitudes).