2023 Tandem Skydiving Safety Report
How does Skydive Midwest work toward safer skydiving?
Though it is not required, Skydive Midwest hosts annual retraining and evaluations for contracted tandem instructors. We invite a representative from United Parachute Technologies, manufacturer of the tandem skydiving equipment system, to audit our operation and provide supplemental education for instructors annually. Below you will find our Tandem Skydiving Safety Report from the 2023 audit.
In 2023 the auditor was Noah Watts. Noah is the Tandem Program Director for UPT. During his 3-day visit, Noah provided safety seminars and continuing education for instructors. He also did several tandem skydives as a passenger to assess harnessing procedures, emergency procedures, freefall, canopy piloting, landing procedure, and other aspects of the tandem skydiving process. At the conclusion of his visit, he provided the following report:
“Skydive Midwest has been found to be within the standards held by Uninsured United Parachute Technologies (UPT). Regarding operations, safety, communication and upholding doctrine, Skydive Midwest has gone far beyond upholding the standard, paving the way for how other drop zones should operate.
Their work ethics from the topmost experienced down to the newest team member is unparalleled. Everyone shows nothing but true professionalism in order to give the best possible experience to their customer.
From a safety standpoint, they take nothing else more seriously! The communication matched with the protocols in place leave no question to what needs to happen on day-to-day operations.
All the instructors are well trained in Tandem Doctrine. Keeping themselves up to date on the most current information through quarterly meetings and yearly training. They are eager to learn and always wanting to improve themselves.
During my visit, I was constantly approached by the staff for questions or just a friendly introduction. Both were welcomed with a follow-up conversation. I could have left after the first day of a three-day visit with full confidence based on what had been observed.”
NOAH WATTS
Noah Watts is a USPA rated Tandem Instructor, Accelerated Freefall Instructor, Coach, Tandem Examiner, Examiner Course Director, Safety and Training Advisor, Senior Parachute Rigger, and Commercial Pilot. He is also retired from the military where he was a jumpmaster and a member of the US Army Golden Knights. Noah is a highly qualified educator and resource for skydiving safety. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from him.
Though this kind of supplemental training is not required by governing agencies, we believe in making an investment in safety through continued training. We are proud to uphold the highest of safety standards and strive to continue to improve our operation at every opportunity. Skydiving is an extreme sport and inherent risks exist. We believe the efforts required to mitigate those risks go well beyond the minimum regulation requirements.
Click HERE for more information on regulations for safety in skydiving and additional safety practices employed by Skydive Midwest.