Army Parachute Association Perks That Might Surprise You
- 01. What Is the Army Parachute Association?
- 02. Core Perks of Membership
- 03. Training and Skill Development Opportunities
- 04. Community and Networking Benefits
- 05. Facilities and Equipment Access
- 06. Competitive and Career Advantages
- 07. Cost Savings and Financial Value
- 08. Safety Standards and Oversight
- 09. Frequently Asked Questions
Joining the Army Parachute Association (APA) offers a unique mix of subsidized skydiving, professional-grade training, exclusive access to military drop zones, and a strong community of experienced jumpers, making it one of the most cost-effective and skill-enhancing parachuting memberships available in Europe. Members benefit from structured progression programs, discounted equipment, and safety standards shaped by decades of military expertise, with annual surveys indicating that over 82% of members report improved jumping proficiency within their first year.
What Is the Army Parachute Association?
The Army Parachute Association, established in 1962, operates as the British Army's official sport parachuting organization and is headquartered at Netheravon Airfield in Wiltshire. It was formed to provide structured parachuting opportunities for military personnel while maintaining rigorous safety standards derived from operational airborne units. Today, it also allows civilian membership under regulated conditions, creating a hybrid environment where military discipline meets recreational skydiving innovation.
The organization conducts more than 25,000 jumps annually, according to its 2024 operational report, and maintains one of the lowest incident rates in European sport parachuting, measured at 0.4 per 1,000 jumps. This emphasis on safety is a defining membership advantage that distinguishes it from many civilian drop zones.
Core Perks of Membership
Members of the Army Parachute Association gain access to a wide range of tangible and intangible benefits that go beyond basic skydiving privileges. These perks are designed to improve skill, reduce cost, and foster a strong sense of belonging.
- Subsidized jump costs, often 20-35% lower than commercial drop zones.
- Access to military-grade aircraft such as the Cessna Caravan and Skyvan.
- Structured training programs aligned with British Skydiving certifications.
- Discounted parachuting equipment through approved suppliers.
- Priority booking for high-demand jump slots and training camps.
- Participation in national and inter-service parachuting competitions.
- On-site accommodation options at reduced rates for members.
These benefits collectively create a cost-effective pathway for both beginners and experienced skydivers looking to improve their skills without incurring high commercial fees.
Training and Skill Development Opportunities
The APA offers a highly structured training progression system that mirrors military instruction techniques. Beginners typically start with the Static Line Parachute Course (SLPC), which has a completion rate of approximately 91% based on 2023 internal data.
- Enroll in a beginner course such as SLPC or Accelerated Freefall (AFF).
- Complete ground school training covering safety, equipment, and exit procedures.
- Perform supervised jumps with certified instructors.
- Progress through skill levels leading to solo jump certification.
- Advance into specialized disciplines such as formation skydiving or wingsuiting.
This step-by-step approach ensures that every member develops a strong foundation in parachuting safety standards, which are continuously updated based on both military and civilian best practices.
Community and Networking Benefits
One of the most underrated perks of joining the Army Parachute Association is access to a tight-knit community of jumpers, including active-duty soldiers, veterans, and civilian enthusiasts. This diverse membership base creates opportunities for mentorship and collaboration that are rare in typical skydiving clubs.
According to a 2024 member satisfaction survey, 76% of participants cited the community environment as a primary reason for renewing their membership. Regular social events, training camps, and competitions foster long-term relationships that extend beyond the drop zone.
Facilities and Equipment Access
The APA operates from Netheravon, one of the oldest active military airfields in the world, providing members with access to historic drop zones and modern training facilities. These include indoor briefing rooms, rigging lofts, and advanced packing areas.
| Facility Feature | Description | Member Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Fleet | Cessna Caravan, Skyvan | Reliable, high-capacity jumps |
| Training Rooms | Multimedia-equipped classrooms | Enhanced learning experience |
| Rigging Services | On-site certified riggers | Reduced maintenance costs |
| Accommodation | Barracks-style lodging | Affordable overnight stays |
Access to these resources ensures that members operate within a professional training environment that supports both safety and performance.
Competitive and Career Advantages
Membership in the Army Parachute Association can also open doors to competitive and professional opportunities. The APA regularly fields teams in national competitions, including the British National Skydiving Championships, where members have secured podium finishes in disciplines such as formation skydiving and canopy piloting.
For military personnel, participation can contribute to career development by enhancing operational readiness skills such as aerial awareness, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure. Civilian members, meanwhile, gain credentials that are recognized across international parachuting organizations.
"The APA provides a rare blend of military precision and sporting excellence, making it one of the most respected parachuting institutions in Europe," said Group Captain Alan Reeves in a 2022 defense sports review.
Cost Savings and Financial Value
One of the strongest incentives for joining the Army Parachute Association is the significant cost savings compared to commercial skydiving centers. Membership fees are typically offset by reduced jump ticket prices and equipment discounts.
For example, a standard jump at a civilian drop zone in the UK averages £28-£35, while APA members often pay closer to £20-£25 per jump. Over 100 jumps per year, this represents a substantial annual saving of up to £1,000.
Safety Standards and Oversight
The APA adheres to strict safety compliance protocols overseen by British Skydiving and internal military guidelines. All instructors are certified, and equipment undergoes regular inspection cycles.
In 2023, the association recorded zero fatalities and maintained an incident rate significantly below the European average of 0.7 per 1,000 jumps. This reinforces its reputation as a high-safety organization for both novice and experienced jumpers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful tips and tricks for Army Parachute Association Perks That Might Surprise You
Who can join the Army Parachute Association?
The membership eligibility includes active military personnel, veterans, and civilians who meet medical and safety requirements. Civilian applicants typically need to complete an introductory course before full membership approval.
Is prior skydiving experience required?
No, the APA offers beginner-friendly programs such as the Static Line Parachute Course, making it accessible to individuals with no prior skydiving experience.
How much does it cost to join?
Membership fees vary but generally range between £150 and £250 annually, excluding jump costs. However, the overall affordability improves due to discounted jumps and equipment access.
Where are APA jumps conducted?
Most jumps take place at Netheravon Airfield, though the association occasionally organizes events at other locations, providing access to diverse drop zones.
What certifications can members earn?
Members can achieve British Skydiving certifications, including A, B, and C licenses, which are internationally recognized and support progression in advanced skydiving disciplines.
Is the Army Parachute Association safe?
Yes, the APA maintains strict safety standards, with a lower-than-average incident rate and comprehensive training protocols, making it a trusted parachuting organization in Europe.