The WPSDA is dedicated to making Powered Skydiving as safe as possible.  To date only one serious injury has ever been recorded involving equipment meeting all of our safety requirements.   This is an incredible track record and we earnestly seek to continue this monumental level of safety with a never ending determination to always seek for ways to innovate and improve designs while continually working with manufacturers to implement them as fast as possible.  We take your safety so seriously we will not recommend instructors or vendors that do not strictly adhere to our instructional policies or who sell and or promote equipment that does not pass our certification process or standards.  To maintain safety at this exceptional level we need everyone’s help.  Please alert us immediately to any violations of our policies and let us know if you have any ideas of ways in which we might improve.

PSD Canopy Certifications

Currently the WPSDA does not deem it necessary to perform canopy certifications as there are 2 reputable organizations already performing this task.  The 3 certifications recognized and accepted by the WPSDA are DHV, CEN and AFNOR.  We have further information on best practices for selecting a canopy for your intended purpose; just follow the information link to the left.

PSD Reserve Parachute Recommendations:

U-Turn USA Super Rescue Line Of Reserves

High Energy Sports Quantum Series with High Energy Sports container

SOL double cap reserve in factory SOL container

PSD Motorized Harness Certifications

U-Turn USA 2010 Flat Tops—PASSED 100%

U-Turn USA 2009 Flat Tops—PASSED 100%

U-Turn USA 2008 Flat Top 200/160—PASSED 100%

U-Turn USA 2007 Flat Top 200/160—PASSED 100%

U-Turn USA 2006 Flat Top 200/160—PASSED 100%

1) Netting will hold thrust + 10% of pressure from flexing back into the propeller.

2) Netting will not allow more than 3 fingers to pass through.  Holes must be smaller than 2.5”

3) Cage will hold 200 lbs without flexing into prop.

4) Crumple zone prevents knee from hitting before skids, catching weight of motor & pilot

5) Harness can be undone quickly with arctic mittens on to prevent drowning or fire hazards

6) Center of gravity low to prevent unit from going over top of pilots head forcing face plant

7) Rounded skids slide to stop without dangerously catching and slinging unit

8 Rounded comfort bars prevent weight from impacting pilot or abrupt stop forcing pilot forward

9) Full throttle motor tip over without self destruct or tendency to injure pilot

10) Proper height hang points designed for optimal control of canopy being flown

11) Fixed hang points to enhance stability and prevent riser twists

12) Throttle designed to minimize possibility of going full power in case of a fall

13) Kill switch & master kill switch accessible to pilot

14) Adequate design to help prevent Gas tank from being struck by prop in case of accident

15) Harness allows for easy handless seating so pilots hands can remain on controls after launch

16) Gas won’t poor out on pilot or engine in case of a tip over

17) Cage crushes to absorb impact without snapping off

18) Large cage over 50 inches for ample crumple zone safety

19) Withstands 7+ Gs with 200 lb pilot before failure

20) Minimal torque steer for optimal control