USPA sharpens tandem safety requirements

USPA announced changes following its review of tandem incidents, focusing on student harnessing, equipment checks, emergency procedures and access to a hook knife.

Effective 1 June 2026

• Tandem rating holders must carry an accessible hook knife capable of cutting Type 7 webbing or equivalent.
• Jump aircraft must carry the same capability, accessible to pilot and occupants.
• Six-month reviews now include student harnessing, gear checks, hook-up and exit procedures.

Why the focus returned to fundamentals

USPA said the reviewed events more often involved several small procedural gaps aligning than a rare, unpredictable equipment failure. Harnessing, checks and timely emergency action therefore receive explicit attention.

From announcement to routine

The expanded review is conducted every six months and demonstrations must follow the standard operating procedures of the tandem-system manufacturer. USPA also announced supporting education for instructors, operators and safety staff.