Round Canopy Parachute Team - Canada

RCPT-CA offers opportunities for qualified parachutists to participate in static line round canopy jumps, which are often showcased at exciting air shows. This article outlines the requirements for currency, training, and equipment necessary for participating in RCPT-CA events, including those associated with the Canadian Airborne and the Round Canopy Parachuting Team, particularly during events like Sky Fest.

To participate in RCPT-CA events, excluding air shows, individuals must meet specific currency requirements. Current and qualified parachutists include RCPT members, military or government-trained parachutists, and graduates of approved civilian steerable round canopy static line jump programs. To be considered current, a jumper must have completed one static line steerable round canopy jump within the last 240 days. Proof of currency, such as a jump log, must be presented at all events, including those during Sky Fest. All participants must be at least 18 years old to engage in Canadian Airborne activities or Military Parachuting events.

Jumpers who are not current will need to complete either the Basic Airborne Refresher (BAR) or the Extended Airborne Refresher (EAR) before participating in jumps with the Round Canopy Parachuting Team (RCPT-CA), especially in events like air shows or Sky Fest.

Basic Airborne Refresher (BAR): This course is designed for qualified static line round canopy jumpers who are current military round static line jumpers needing training on the MIRPS-SLCP reserve, or those who have not jumped within 240 days and meet the following criteria: Have jumped a round static line canopy within the last two years, are experienced with steerable canopies, and have jumped with RCPT or a recognized organization (such as NATO military, ADT, LJT, X-35, etc.) within the last 5 years.

Extended Airborne Refresher (EAR): This course is for jumpers who have completed a Basic Airborne Course and: have not jumped a round static line canopy within the last two years, are not experienced with steerable canopies, and have not jumped a round static line canopy with RCPT or a recognized organization within the last 5 years. The EAR is also suitable for qualified freefall jumpers transitioning to round static line steerable canopies.

Refresher Course Requirements

Candidates registering for the EAR must provide documentation, such as a military airborne training certificate or jump orders, to verify their airborne qualifications. Jump logs are also encouraged to assess experience levels, particularly for those involved in military parachuting. Participants over 55 years old require a medical clearance form signed by their primary healthcare provider, and candidates over 65 need a waiver.

Parachuting is a high-risk activity often showcased at air shows, including events organized by the Canadian Airborne and the Round Canopy Parachuting Team. All jumpers must be physically capable of performing the following essential tasks: weigh no more than 240 lbs, jump down from a 24-inch platform and roll onto the ground, recover to a standing position from lying face up without assistance, raise arms over head to grasp and pull a steering toggle or riser (+/-10 lbs of force), carry parachute equipment unassisted (∼50 lbs), and stand for ∼15 minutes while walking ∼100 yards wearing equipment. These skills are crucial for those participating in military parachuting and thrilling events like Sky Fest.

Members of the International RCPT, foreign jumpmasters, and graduates of allied military training courses are invited to participate in our events, including exciting air shows and the renowned Sky Fest. For those interested in Canadian Airborne and Military Parachuting, please contact RCPT-CA for specific qualification and currency requirements related to the Round Canopy Parachuting Team.

All personal parachuting equipment must be inspected before jump operations, especially for events like air shows and demonstrations organized by the Canadian Airborne. 

Parachutes and Reserves: MC1-1C/D, SF-10A, and SET10 parachutes with MIRPS are available. Personal gear is acceptable if it is a steerable round canopy parachute using a direct bag deployment system (SF-10A, MC1-1, SET-10, MC-6, and MC-7). Modified parachute systems are prohibited. Reserve parachutes must be inspected and repacked by an FAA-certified rigger every 180 days to ensure safety during military parachuting activities. 

Helmets: Suitable options include M1 helmets with swivel bales, Advanced Combat Helmets (ACH), OpsCore BASE or FAST, Team Wendy, Revision, Pro-Tec, Crye Airframe, PT Helmets, and PASGT. Bump helmets are recommended; ballistic helmets are allowed but discouraged due to weight. HHV magnetic chinstrap buckles are not permitted; all chinstrap connections must be mechanical. Airsoft helmets are not suitable. Jump candidates must use RCPT-CA-provided helmets until training is complete, particularly for events like Sky Fest. 

Clothing: Air shows and demonstration jumps may require specific uniform items. Training events allow any military uniform or appropriate civilian attire suitable for parachuting (pants, long sleeves, and boots) to support the objectives of the Round Canopy Parachuting Team.

Parachuting activities, including those featured at air shows and events like Sky Fest, involve inherent risks, such as serious injury or death. The Round Canopy Parachuting Team (RCPT-CA) does not provide insurance for individual jumpers, and participants must knowingly accept all risks associated with Canadian Airborne and Military Parachuting. To participate, jumpers must sign waivers, and RCPT-CA strongly encourages all participants to obtain adequate personal insurance coverage.