FAQ

From the Solo Student Parachutist:

• My own GP doesn't want to be involved in assessing me or issuing a certificate. What should I do?

  You can approach any other doctor in your area for a private sports medical. That other doctor may wish to contact your own GP to ensure there is no medical problem preventing them signing your form. Read the first paragraph of BPA Form 115B for details of how to find a doctor who is likely to be willing to do this sort of medical. Alternatively, ask your nearest flying club about who does their pilots’ medicals.

• There is a delay before my own GP can see me. What can I do?

  Wait until you see your own GP. If need be, postpone your jump to a later date.

• My jump is tomorrow and I've only just seen that I will need a doctor's certificate. Can the BPA Medical Adviser clear me to jump if I talk to them?

  Sorry, NO. You will need to approach your own doctor or specialist using BPA Form 115B. Postpone your jump until you have been able to do this.

• My own GP/specialist says I am not fit to jump. What can I do?

  Your own GP/specialist probably knows more about you than any other doctor. If your own doctor feels you are not fit to jump, it is very unlikely that any other doctor will certify you as fit. Without your doctor’s certificate, you should not jump. This is for your protection. If your doctor wishes to discuss this with the Association’s Medical Adviser, your doctor can telephone BPA HQ for contact details. The Association’s Medical Adviser will not try to alter your doctor’s decision in any particular direction but will simply provide advice.

• My own GP is not sure whether I am fit to jump.

  Your GP can telephone BPA HQ for contact details for the BPA Medical Adviser.

• Can I skydive with asthma?

  You will need to take advice from your own GP or specialist, using Form 115B. Please also download BPA Form 252 ‘Asthma & Skydiving’ (enter ‘252’ or ‘asthma’ in the Forms Search Box in the header of this page). Ensure your doctor has sight of both documents before you see your doctor.

• I have a medical condition and I'm not sure if I will be OK to jump or to get a medical certificate. Can you tell me if I will be OK to jump, to save me contacting my own doctor?

  Sorry, NO. Your own GP or specialist has the most detailed technical information about you. Please take BPA Form 115B to your own GP or specialist for advice.

• I have a medical condition that is not mentioned on BPA Form 115A but would like advice on whether it affects my fitness to jump. Who can advise me?

  Approach your own GP or specialist with BPA Form 115B.

• I have obtained a doctor's Form 115B stating I am fit to jump but am still concerned that I may not be fit to jump. What should I do?

  Do not jump unless you are happy to do so and to accept the risks that are always attached to a parachute jump. If you wish to discuss further, please contact the BPA Medical Adviser. BPA HQ can provide contact details for the BPA Medical Adviser.

• My doctor wants to charge me £80 for this medical but my friend's doctor did his for only £10. Why don't you have a low fixed price for this sort of thing?

  In Britain it is against the law to try to set a fixed price for this sort of service. It is between the doctor and applicant to negotiate a mutually acceptable fee. You are free to shop around.