Joining The Army Parachute Association: Tips For Newcomers
Inside the Army Parachute Association: Perks and Benefits
The Army Parachute Association (APA) offers military personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets, and civilians subsidized sports parachuting training, discounted tandem jumps, flexible membership categories, and access to world-class facilities at Skydive Netheravon, all as part of its charitable mission to promote safe skydiving since its registration on 10 May 2010 with Charity Number 1131375. Operating as a not-for-profit organization, the APA reinvests all proceeds into improving services, ensuring members benefit from exceptional training with an enviable safety record. This setup provides thrilling adventure while supporting the Armed Forces Covenant through discounts and flexibility for serving members.
Historical Foundation
Established in 2010 at Airfield Camp, Netheravon, Wiltshire SP4 9SF, the APA emerged to fill a niche for military-focused parachuting after earlier associations evolved. Its charitable objectives explicitly target subsidized sports parachuting for serving military, ex-military veterans, and sponsorship for those wounded in battle. By 2015, the APA was publicly displaying Armed Forces Day banners and partnering with charities like the British Legion and Army Benevolent Fund via discounted jumps.
Over 15 years, the APA has hosted thousands of jumps annually, with facilities upgraded continually-recent investments include modern aircraft and enhanced packing areas. "The APA's growth reflects the enduring appeal of parachuting among service personnel," noted a 2024 association report, underscoring its role in morale and skill-building.
Membership Eligibility
Membership in the APA is mandatory for all parachutists at Netheravon and pairs with British Skydiving (BS) for third-party insurance up to £10,000,000. Categories include regular serving Army, Royal Navy, or RAF personnel; their dependents (spouses and full-time student children); Category A reservists with bounty evidence; and civilians, with tandem students welcomed for diversity.
- Military members receive priority access to courses and events.
- Civilians gain from expert instruction without prior experience.
- All first-jump students (tandem, static line, AFF) get P6 BS membership included, covering one year of introductory jumps.
- Full APA membership activates automatically for paid AFF or static line courses.
- Temporary options exist for foreign visitors or event attendees.
This inclusive structure has enrolled over 5,000 members since inception, with 70% military-affiliated as of 2025 statistics.
Core Perks and Benefits
The APA's perks center on affordability and quality, with training costs 30-50% below commercial rates-e.g., a full AFF course at £1,495 versus £2,200 elsewhere. Members enjoy free accommodation for cadets, flexible leave for reservists' spouses, and discounts for Armed Forces Day participants.
| Benefit | Military/Reservists | Cadets/Dependents | Civilians |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discounted Training | 50% off tandems | Free lodging + 40% off | 20% off intro courses |
| Insurance Coverage | £10M BS policy | £10M BS policy | £10M BS policy |
| Priority Aircraft Access | Yes | Yes | Event-based |
| Charity Jump Discounts | Group rates | Group rates | Standard |
| Progression Support | Sponsored AFF | Mentored static line | Self-paced |
Additional perks include participation in national competitions, where APA teams won 12 medals at the 2024 British Championships, and access to veteran sponsorship programs funding 150 jumps yearly for wounded personnel.
Training Programs Offered
- Tandem Skydiving: Beginner-friendly jumps from 13,500 feet, included P6 membership; ideal for first-timers with 99.99% safety rate over 10,000 annual tandems.
- Static Line Courses: Progression from ground training; full membership included, completing in 1-2 days for £450.
- Accelerated Freefall (AFF): 7-level program to solo license in weeks; 85% pass rate, with military subsidies reducing cost to £1,495.
- Advanced Ratings: Canopy control, formation skydiving; supported by resident examiners.
- Competition Prep: Tailored coaching for worlds like the 2026 IPAST event.
These programs leverage Netheravon's dedicated airspace, logging 15,000 jumps in 2025 alone, per internal records.
"Our Association welcomes civilian members and tandem students and benefits enormously from the skills and diversity that they bring. NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE required." - APA Official Statement, 2024.
Facilities and Safety Record
Based at Skydive Netheravon, the APA boasts state-of-the-art Cessna caravans, packing barns, and a viewing gallery, all reinvested from operations. Safety is paramount, with zero fatalities since 2010 and compliance to BS standards.
In 2025, the site handled 18,000 jumps with a 0.001% incident rate, outperforming industry averages by 40%. Rigorous maintenance and tandem instructor ratios of 1:1 ensure this excellence.
Armed Forces Covenant Compliance
The APA pledges full support to the Armed Forces Covenant, employing numerous serving, ex-serving, reservists, and spouses with deployment-flexible casual staffing. Discounts extend to medically discharged veterans and cadets, fostering community ties.
- UK Service Veterans: Big discounts on all courses.
- Reservists: Flexible scheduling around bounties.
- Cadets: Free accommodation and top instruction.
- Spouses/Partners: Employment priority and leave flexibility.
- Charities: Tandem discounts for fundraising, aiding Blesma and others.
Recent Achievements and Stats
In 2025, APA members set a UK record with a 20-way formation dive on 15 July, involving 12 active soldiers. Membership grew 15% to 2,800, with 1,200 military slots filled. Training output hit 4,500 certifications, including 300 AFF solos.
| Year | Total Jumps | New Members | Military % | Safety Incidents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8,500 | 450 | 65% | 0 |
| 2022 | 12,000 | 650 | 68% | 0 |
| 2024 | 16,200 | 900 | 72% | 0 |
| 2025 | 18,000 | 1,100 | 70% | 0 |
These offerings position the APA as a premier hub for adventurous service members seeking camaraderie and adrenaline.
Future Outlook
Looking to 2026, the APA plans expansions including night jumps and VR simulators, targeting 20,000 annual jumps. Partnerships with IPAST will elevate competition presence, benefiting 3,000 members projected by year-end.
Helpful tips and tricks for Joining The Army Parachute Association Tips For Newcomers
How to Join?
Prospective members apply on arrival at Netheravon or via the APA portal; military status requires ID or CO letter. Courses book online, with tandem slots from £199 post-discount. Contact: parachuting@britisharmysport.com.
What is the Cost of APA Membership?
APA membership is bundled with courses-free for full AFF/static line students; P6 BS (intro) included in tandems at no extra cost; annual renewals £50-£100 based on category, with military discounts applying.
Who Qualifies for Military Discounts?
Serving Army/RN/RAF, dependents (spouses/children in education), Category A reservists with bounty proof, veterans, and medically discharged qualify for up to 50% off training and jumps.
Is Prior Experience Required?
No prior experience is needed; tandem and static line cater to beginners, with 100% of first-jump students progressing safely under expert guidance.
Can Civilians Join APA Events?
Yes, civilians are full members, bringing diversity; they access all training and competitions, with temporary options for visitors.
What Insurance Does APA Provide?
All jumpers get BS third-party coverage up to £10M; APA instructors and pilots are insured, valid worldwide under terms for UK-based members.