Training overseas

New page loaded 29 September 2009

By 'training overseas' we mean training at a Centre that is not Affiliated to the BPA.  Centres at JSPC (L)/RAPA Bad Lippspringe, Germany, and Cyprus Parachute Centre are Affiliated to the BPA and their training is carried out within the BPA system.  

The following applies to training taken at overseas non-affiliated centres.

Arrangements for the integration of training taken outside the BPA system

1    The BPA recognises only courses of training offered under the requirements of the BPA Operations Manual by those holding an appropriate BPA Instructor rating where such training is at, or using the facilities of, a BPA Affiliated Centre.

2.   It is important to recognise that even where a BPA Instructor runs a course outside the UK at or in association with a non-affiliated centre, this does not guarantee recognition of the course at a BPA Affiliated Centre, because non-affiliated centres do not operate under the requirements of the BPA Operations Manual.

3.   There is therefore no set BPA UK national accreditation or credit transfer system to recognise courses and training, for example in a foreign country, that are not run under the requirements of the BPA Operations Manual.

4.   However, parachutists jumping at BPA Affiliated Centres who were trained, or jump outside the BPA system, eg in a foreign country, may be integrated into the appropriate Category / Level / Grade as deemed suitable by the Club/Centre Chief Instructor (CCI) at a BPA Affiliated Centre.

The BPA therefore recommends that jumpers who are considering training outside the BPA system should discuss their plans with the CCI of their chosen BPA Affiliated Centre (click here for centres' contact details) before they make arrangements to train outside the BPA system.  This should help to ensure that the jumper finds a BPA Centre that will be prepared to integrate them with the BPA system in the appropriate Category / Level / Grade, and thereby avoid any possible disappointment.