CFAO 50-7
SPORT PARACHUTING
GENERAL
1. This order applies to sport parachuting activities that are conducted
as part of a unit recreation program.
2. The purpose of this order is to describe the policy governing:
a. authorized participation in sport parachuting by members of the
Canadian Forces (CF); and
b. operation and control of authorized CF sport parachuting clubs.
3. The risks inherent in sport parachuting demand that participation by
members of the Canadian Forces in sport parachuting as part of the
authorized recreation program be strictly controlled.
PARTICIPATION
4. It is stressed that unless it can be clearly demonstrated that the
event or activity was specifically authorized, organized or performed in
the best interests of the Canadian Forces, sport parachuting will be
considered a recreational activity participated in for the members' own
pleasure. The implications of this position are set out in paragraphs 14
and 15 of this order.
5. Sport parachuting may be included as part of an authorized recreation
program referred to in CFAO 50-2, for members of the CF but:
a. all participating members must achieve and maintain the required
standards of physical performance prescribed in CFAO 50-1;
b. the event or activity must be part of the program of an approved
CF sport parachuting club or, where a CF club is not established,
the individual must be authorized by his commanding officer to
participate as a member of a sport parachuting club or centre
registered and affiliated with the Canadian Sports Parachuting
Association (CSPA) or, if outside Canada, a club/centre
registered with the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, the
Rhine Army Parachuting Association or the United States Sport
Parachuting Association; and
c. individual membership with the CSPA is required prior to taking
part in sport parachuting activities with an approved sport
parachuting club.
CF SPORT PARACHUTING CLUBS
6. A CF sport parachuting club may be organized as part of a unit
recreation program referred to in CFAO 50-2, and shall be operated as
follows:
a. the club organization and operation must meet the requirements of
CFAO 50-20;
b. the president of the club shall be appointed or approved by the
base or station commander;
c. the club executive must include a technical committee comprising
a safety officer, club instructors and, if available, a CSPA
qualified rigger;
d. written terms of reference shall be maintained for all members of
the club executive including members of the technical committee;
e. on formation, the club shall register with the Canadian Sport
Parachuting Association and maintain such registration; and
f. NDHQ/DGPS (Director General Personnel Services) shall be advised
when a club is either formed or disbanded.
CONTROL
7. All club activities shall conform with the rules and regulations of
the CSPA.
8. Control shall be maintained by:
a. the operation of a club training program based on current CSPA
operation, training and safety publications;
b. compliance with current "Basic Safety Regulations" issued by the
CSPA; and
c. the establishment of any additional regulations the base or
station commander deems necessary.
USE OF CIVILIAN CLUBS OR CENTRES IN CANADA
9. In Canada, occasions may arise when an individual member of the CF or
an authorized CF Sport parachuting club wishes to participate with or at a
civilian parachuting club or centre. In this event, the procedure to be
followed by the individual or club and the commanding officer (CO) is as
follows:
a. the individual(s) or club shall complete Part I of Annex A and
submit it to the CO;
b. the CO will complete Part II and forward the form to the CSPA;
c. the CSPA will conduct an investigation, determine if the club or
centre is registered with the CSPA and complete Part III; and
d. the completed form will then be returned to the CO by the CSPA
indicating whether the civilian club or centre is suitable for
use by members of his unit.
10. Under no circumstances should a CO authorize, as part of a CF sport
parachuting club program, use of a civilian sport parachuting club or
centre not approved by the CSPA.
EQUIPMENT
11. Each club is responsible for providing its own equipment and for the
hire of aircraft. Military aircraft and parachute equipment shall not be
used for sport parachuting. This restriction may be waived on the
authority of NDHQ for special events such as international military
competitions or armed forces displays.
12. All repairs and modifications to club equipment and the periodic
repacking of reserve parachutes shall only be carried out by a CSPA
qualified rigger holding the appropriate CSPA rigging license.
13. Subject to paragraph 12, equipment safety regulations are contained in
current operating, training and safety publications of the CSPA.
INSURANCE LIMITATIONS
14. A military sport parachuting club established and operating in
accordance with this order, CFAO 50-2, and CFAO 50-20 is a Base-Fund
sponsored activity and thus is included for coverage under CFCF
Consolidated Insurance policy as described in Chapter 20 to
A-FN-105-001/AG-001. This policy provides for protection against loss and
damage on non-public fund property and for public liability of the CO as
the person responsible for the operation of Base-Fund sponsored activities.
However, it does not provide protection for participants because of the
dangers inherent in the activity.
15. Members participating in sport parachuting activities should be made
aware that they may not be covered under the provisions of the Pension Act
and that there is no form of group insurance coverage. There is also no
liability coverage provided for participants under the Non-Public Fund
(NPF) Consolidated Insurance policy. Participants should be encouraged to
review their personal accident and life insurance coverage to ensure that
there is no exclusion clause for sport parachuting or high risk activities
and that the benefits they may accrue are realistic. The responsibility
for arranging and paying for such coverage rests with the individual.
PUBLICATIONS
16. Publications concerning administration matters between the CSPA and
individual member clubs, and the publications referred to in paragraph 8
are supplied free of charge by the CSPA when an individual club joins the
Association. Such publications shall not be procured at public expense.
LIAISON OFFICER TO CSPA
17. The Department of National Defence Liaison Officer (DND LO) to the
CSPA is appointed by the Director Land Operation and Training (DLOT),
normally for a term of office of two years. On behalf of DPERA, the DND
OPI for sport parachuting activities organized and conducted in accordance
with CFAO 50-7, the DND LO has authority for direct liaison between DPERA
and the CSPA on matters concerning CF sport parachuting. Where necessary,
particularly in matters of safety, the DND LO, with the approval of DPERA
and the applicable command, may liaise directly between the CFSA and the CO
of a unit having a CF sport parachuting club. Matters concerning CF sport
parachuting policy shall be channelled through DPERA in accordance with
normal staffing procedures.
CANADIAN FORCES PARACHUTE TEAM
18. The policy and terms of reference governing the Canadian Forces
Parachute Team are contained in CFAO 50-22.
(C) 1605-50-7 (DPERA)
Issued 16 Nov 84
INDEX
Parachutist
Sports