USPA-aligned ground school

Skydiving Theory Course

USPA-aligned ground school. Learn equipment, exits, freefall, canopy, and emergencies. Earn your Certificate of Completion.

Your certificate of Completion confirms you've passed the theory modules and are prepared for practical training at your dropzone.

USPA-aligned ground school

Skydiving Theory Course

USPA-aligned ground school. Learn equipment, exits, freefall, canopy, and emergencies. Earn your Certificate of Completion.

Your certificate of Completion confirms you've passed the theory modules and are prepared for practical training at your dropzone.

Have you always been fascinated by skydiving?

Have you jumped many times, but still don’t know how or where to get certified?

Do you dream of skydiving?

Are you afraid it is too complicated to learn to skydive?

Skydiving not only gives you an incredible sense of freedom and accomplishment —it also sharpens your focus, strengthens your instincts, and trains you to think fast and creatively.

Not everyone gets certified in skydiving, but everyone who works for it—and joins our course—does.

If you’ve always wanted to spend more time in the sky than on the ground, then you’re one of us.

 I'm ready to start now

What's the Skydiving Theory Course?

This certified skydiving course follows the framework set by the United States Parachute Association (USPA), the world’s largest skydiving federation, and mirrors how ground school is taught at leading USPA dropzones.

Your Certificate of Completion confirms you’ve passed the theory modules and are fully prepared for hands-on training at your chosen USPA-affiliated dropzone.

This course is USPA-aligned, but independent of any official endorsement.

You can study from your computer, tablet, or even your phone.

Clear, beginner-friendly lessons.

Short lessons + knowledge reviews

Bite-sized videos and quick refreshers to help you retain key skills. Self-paced and mobile-ready.

Trusted by leading dropzones

What you’ll learn?

Welcome to the extraordinary world of skydiving.

Discover what freedom really feels like.

6 Chapters · 18 Lessons

In this theory course you’ll learn the essential foundations of skydiving: flight physics, equipment, safety procedures, basic manoeuvres, emergency handling, canopy piloting, landings, regulations, hand signals...

Our goal is to give you a solid base so you can step into practical training with total confidence.

Your instructor

Hi, I’m Julian Barthel.

Flying has always been my passion.

Soaring through the skies, taking in the views, enjoying the journey... you know the feeling. That sense of freedom is hard to put into words. Now imagine experiencing it regularly—and making it your career.

I’ve spent the past 16 years as a full-time instructor at international dropzones, with more than 12,000 jumps and counting.

  • B.Sc. Sports & Performance
  • Full-time skydiver since 2009
  • USPA Instructor Examiner (2013–2020)
  • USPA AFF Instructor since 2011
  • USPA Tandem Instructor Examiner (2016–2020)
  • World Record holder (Head-Down Night Sequential) + multiple German & European records in head-down and sequential skydiving

I’ve trained and certified hundreds of skydivers—and you’ll be next.

Is this for you?

AFF Students.

Tandem jumpers to solo.

Returning skydivers.

How to start your course?

Enroll

Instant access

Learn

At your own pace

Train

At your dropzone

Remember: we teach with the same USPA-aligned framework used at leading dropzones.

FAQ

Is this a license?

No. This is a preparatory theory course. Your A-license requires in-person ground school and jumps at a dropzone, which you can complete after finishing this certification.

Will dropzones accept this course?

Yes. It’s based on the USPA framework and prepares you for AFF ground school and training.

Do I need prior experience?

No. This course is for beginners and for returning skydivers.

Skydiving theory course

Master the fundamentals of skydiving. Understand your gear, learn freefall techniques, learn canopy control, and study emergency protocols to get fully prepared for your AFF training. Build confidence for your skydiving journey!