The Canadian Sport Parachuting Association (CSPA), through affiliation with the
Aero Club of Canada (ACC), is Canada's representative to the
Fédération Aéronautique Internationale
The World Air Sports Federation (; FAI) is the world governing body for air sports, and also stewards definitions regarding human spaceflight. It was founded on 14 October 1905, and is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. It maintains worl ...
(FAI) and the
International Parachuting Commission (IPC). Thus, the CSPA is the official sport organization for sport
parachuting
Parachuting and skydiving are methods of descending from a high point in an atmosphere to the ground or ocean surface with the aid of gravity, involving the control of speed during the descent using a parachute or multiple parachutes.
For hu ...
in Canada.
Objectives
The stated objective of the CSPA is to "promote safe and enjoyable sport parachuting through cooperation, adherence to self-imposed rules, and recommendations".
Skydivers and
skydiving
Parachuting and skydiving are methods of descending from a high point in an atmosphere to the ground or ocean surface with the aid of gravity, involving the control of speed during the descent using a parachute or multiple parachutes.
For hu ...
companies that wish to be members of the CSPA must adhere to the established Basic Safety Rules throughout their parachuting career. Such rules include minimum opening altitudes for certain levels of experience, mandatory equipment, clear weather conditions for jumping, reserve repack due dates, general operational requirements, etc. These Basic Safety Rules significantly reduce the risk of accidents for individual skydivers, skydiving companies, and the sport. A Canadian Drop Zone must adhere to all of these safety rules to be a member of the CSPA.
The CSPA also has recommended procedures and instructor qualification requirements. A Canadian skydiver starts with a solo license and then progresses to the A, B, C, and D licenses. The CSPA requires that skydivers keep a log of every jump signed by another jumper and submit that logbook to acquire these qualifications.
The CSPA constantly updates all programs and initiatives to adapt to increasing incidents and changes in technology. Every member (skydiver or skydiving company) must implement all changes to remain members.
CanPara
The CSPA publishes ''CanPara'', a bimonthly bilingual publication devoted to informing the Canadian skydiving community of important activities and events in Canadian and worldwide skydiving. ''CanPara'' is produced by Annaleah McAvoy and Vic Lefrançois.
Organization
The CSPA comprises Registered Participants and Member Groups. The Board of Directors will consist of no less than three and no more than seven Directors.
National Office Staff:
*Executive Director: Michelle Matte-Stotyn
*Executive Secretary: Judy Renaud
There are several committees and officers that assist the BoD:
*Three Standing Committees:
**Technical & Safety Committee
**Coaching Working Committee
** Competition & National Teams Committee.
*Ad-hoc committees (a sampling):
**CanPara - Bi-Monthly, bilingual Magazine
**Comp./Dev - Competition Development
**GRC - Government Regulatory Committee
**IT - Information Technology
**LTAD - Long Term Athlete Development
See also
*
Parachute
A parachute is a device designed to slow an object's descent through an atmosphere by creating Drag (physics), drag or aerodynamic Lift (force), lift. It is primarily used to safely support people exiting aircraft at height, but also serves va ...
*
Parachuting
Parachuting and skydiving are methods of descending from a high point in an atmosphere to the ground or ocean surface with the aid of gravity, involving the control of speed during the descent using a parachute or multiple parachutes.
For hu ...
*
Parachute rigger
A parachute rigger is a person who is trained or licensed to pack, maintain or repair parachutes. A rigger is required to understand fabrics, hardware, webbing, regulations, sewing, packing, and other aspects related to the building, packing, repai ...
*
Canadian Airborne Forces Association
*
SkyHawks Parachute Team
*
United States Parachute Association
The United States Parachute Association (USPA) is a private sports governing body for the sport of skydiving in the United States. Its headquarters are located in Fredericksburg, Virginia
Fredericksburg is an Independent city (United States), ...
References
{{reflist
2006 Parachute Information Manual Part 1. CSPA
External links
Canadian Sport Parachuting Association (CSPA) website
Sport Parachuting Association
Parachuting organizations
Parachuting
Parachuting and skydiving are methods of descending from a high point in an atmosphere to the ground or ocean surface with the aid of gravity, involving the control of speed during the descent using a parachute or multiple parachutes.
For hu ...
Fédération Aéronautique Internationale
1956 establishments in Canada