Tandem Instructor Training

• Tandem Endorsement Guide (A Tandem Instructor's Handbook)
• Tandem Skydiving with Wheelchair Dependent Persons
• Tandem Master Training Record

Recommended Tandem Water Landing Procedure

If a water landing seems imminent, remain calm, inform your passenger and follow these steps; ( listed in order of priority )

• Fit and inflate passenger’s life vest.  Ask your passenger to fully inflate the life vest by pulling the tab firmly downwards.
  If the life vest does not inflate , ask the passenger to fully inflate the life vest manually with the mouth tube.

• Brief your passenger for water landing.
  This should include;

• Legs up in front , feet together.
• Holding the lifejacket with both hands and pulling downwards to prevent the jacket popping off their head upon entry into the water.
• A countdown to landing including taking a deep breath and holding it just before entering the water.

• Disconnect side adjusters and stow hooks to prevent entanglement with lines etc. once in the water
• Disconnect RSL
• Undo Tandem Masters chest strap. Leave passengers harness as is.
• Ensure helmet visor is open
• Face into wind for landing
• Aim to land as close as safely possible to boats
• Land well away from breaking waves
• Remind passenger to lift legs , hold vest and countdown to entry , hold breath.
• Flare as for a normal landing , aiming to enter the water vertically and with minimal forward speed.

• Once in the water;

• Cutaway main canopy , if under reserve collapse reserve by hauling in one brake line
• If covered by the canopy , remain calm , stay connected and follow the seams on the canopy for the quickest route to freedom. Ask the passenger to assist.
• Disconnect the passenger once clear of the equipment.
• Fit and inflate your life vest.

• Remain with your passenger and if possible stay close to the equipment as a floating canopy is a great signal for rescuers.
• Conserve energy and stay warm until help arrives.

Download PDF with detailed background

REQUIREMENTS FOR TANDEM MASTER MEDICALS - UPDATED FEBRUARY 2020

Background

It is standard practice that Tandem Masters (TM’s) across the world are required to pass a medical test in order to hold a valid tandem rating or endorsement. The reason is obvious: A TM is responsible for the tandem student. The TM is the “pilot in command” or the “parachutist in command” and any serious health issue may put the student at risk. The fact that most tandems are done for commercial purposes with tandem students being paying customers, accentuates the need for a medical.

The international standard is for TM’s to hold a civil aviation agency medical (e.g. CASA Class 2, US FAA Class 3, Brazilian ANAC Class 3, etc.). Some time ago APF introduced the "GP Tandem Medical" as an alternative to the CASA Class 2 in order to make it easier for TM’s to get the medical done from a practical point of view. The intention was never to lower the standard of the medical or examination and was supposed to be done by the TM’s regular GP who has known the TM and his/her medical background for a period of time.   

As per RS 53 par 6.3, the APF requirement is still (and has always been) a CASA "private pilot/Class 2" medical, with an alternative that may be accepted.

The GP medical became problematic: GP’s have reported TM’s to CASA who refuse to accept unfavourable results and simply visit another GP; False or forged GP medicals have been submitted; Some examinations have proven to be grossly inadequate; Numerous TM’s visit a new GP simply for the sake of obtaining the TM medical, which defeats the purpose of this alternative. As a result of the numerous problems and challenges, the GP Tandem medical is not accepted by APF anymore. 

Current APF alternative: CASA Basic Class 2 Medical Certificate

The APF requirement will still be a CASA Class 2 medical. However, TM’s will have the alternative to obtain a CASA Basic Class 2 medical certificate, which may be accepted by the APF (See RS 53, par  6.5 and 7.1.2).    

What is this?

The Basic Class 2 is an alternative CASA medical for pilots of private day operations flying under VFR. It allows for fewer privileges than a standard Class 2 medical certificate but is simpler to obtain, as the examination can be done by a GP.

The medical standard is exactly the same as a commercial driver standard (Austroads). Examinations are conducted by any medical practitioner who can conduct a motor vehicle driver examination.

How does it work?

Before logging onto the CASA Medical Records System (MRS) to commence your application for a Basic Class 2, you need to first book an appointment with a general medical practitioner or DAME. The details of this appointment are necessary to help complete the documents you need to take with you to your medical examination.

To apply for any CASA medical certificate an applicant requires an ARN (Aviation Reference Number). There is no cost involved and CASA issues this number within 5 days (but can be as quick as a couple of hours).

Below is a summary of the steps you will need to complete to obtain a Basic Class 2 medical certificate.

1. Book appointment with medical practitioner or DAME
2. Obtain CASA Aviation Reference Number (ARN) 
3. Log onto CASA online medical registration system (MRS) 
4. Confirm correct email and address
5. Apply for your medical certificate
6. Download and print medical questionnaire
7. Take CASA medical questionnaire to appointment
8. Complete required tests and medical examinations
9. Log back into MRS and finalise application, pay online CASA fee of $10
10. Await the issue of your medical certificate 
11. Submit your new medical certificate to the APF Office at apf@apf.com.au

APPLY FOR CASA ARN

CASA MRS SYSTEM

What are the costs?

The only costs involved is the GP consultation fee which may vary, and the $10 CASA fee for the Basic Class 2 medical certificate. There is no cost involved in obtaining an ARN.

What will change for TM’s and when?

The new Operational Regulations and Regulatory Schedules with the new medical requirements came into effect on 18 April 2018.

Any current valid TM medical (including GP medicals and RAMPC) will remain valid until the date of expiry.

The Basic Class 2 can be valid for up to 5 years if the person is under 40 years old, and 2 years if 40 or older.

MORE INFORMATION ON THE BASIC CLASS 2 MEDICAL CERTIFICATE

Charl Rootman
Safety & Training Manager

7 February 2020

Tandem Master Emergency Procedures Checklist (SIGMA)

Download PDF

A review of Tandem Emergency Procedures for the Sigma Tandem System.

Presented by UPT Tandem Examiner Erika Dufort-Lefrancois, 2021 Safety Seminar Series, Skydive Vancouver Island.