Pilots
Welcome to the NZ Skydiving pilot section
Pilots are essential to skydiving. This section brings together information for parachute drop pilots, including drop operations, NZ Skydiving requirements, training and the Parachute Drop Pilot Rating.
NZ Skydiving promotes safe skydiving through education, training and qualifications. We also provide advice and support to affiliated pilots and operators.
Parachute Drop Ratings
NZ Skydiving administers Parachute Drop Ratings under its Part 149 certificate. Once a pilot has met the requirements, a Drop Pilot Assessor may issue the rating by endorsing the pilot’s logbook.
Note: Completing an online assessment or receiving an email from NZ Skydiving does not, by itself, make the rating valid.
Rating holders are responsible for keeping their rating current and their logbook endorsement available for inspection. NZ Skydiving does not issue a rating card. Pilots may apply to the CAA to have the rating endorsed on their pilot licence.
If you hold a Parachute Drop Rating, you can access training and checking through our online rating system.
Pilot resources
- Drop pilot information: Guidance on parachute aircraft, drop operations and NZ Skydiving procedures.
- Emergency parachutes: Information on care, checks before flight and preparing to use your equipment.
Is there something else you’d find useful here? Please contact NZ Skydiving and let us know.
Emergency Parachutes
Know your equipment before you need it
Emergency parachutes vary in how they fit, open and steer. Ask a qualified parachute technician to explain your equipment, and practise your aircraft’s emergency exit procedure before you fly.
Care and storage
Store your parachute in a cool, dry place. Protect it from unnecessary sunlight, heat, moisture, fuel, oil, grease, chemicals and sharp objects. Check the cockpit for anything that could damage the pack or catch the harness during an emergency exit.
If your parachute gets wet, may have been damaged or has been exposed to a contaminant, seek advice from a parachute technician before using it again. Operating in dusty conditions may also call for more frequent inspection.
Before each flight
Check that your parachute’s inspection and repack records are current. Look for visible damage or disturbance to the pack and harness. Check the ripcord handle, pins and hardware in line with the manufacturer’s instructions and your technician’s guidance.
Put on and adjust the harness as you have been shown. Make sure you can release your aircraft’s seat belt and shoulder restraints without undoing the parachute harness.
Prepare for an emergency
Know your aircraft’s emergency exit procedure and review it regularly. Before flight, remind yourself where the ripcord handle is and how you will leave the aircraft. Ask your parachute technician to explain the canopy’s steering system and what to expect during landing.
If you fly over water or face other particular landing hazards, seek instruction and carry equipment suited to those conditions.
Questions about your parachute?
For advice on fitting, inspection, repacking or using your equipment, contact a qualified parachute technician.
For your review before publishing: Have a parachute technician check the technical wording on Page 2. I’d also confirm the rating system’s name and link, and replace the contact placeholder.
