The Category System: learn to skydive one jump at a time
The Category System, often called static line, gets you jumping solo after a day of ground school and lets you pay as you go.
- What it is: British Skydiving's other route to solo skydiving, also called static line. Your parachute opens automatically on your first jumps.
- What you need first: You must be at least 16 (under-18s need written permission from a parent or guardian) and start before your 55th birthday. Centres set their own weight limits.
- What you'll learn: Exits, canopy control and landings first, then freefall and opening your own parachute.
- How long it takes: Usually about 6 hours of ground training before your first jump, then 8 categories at your own pace.
- Cost: Paid jump by jump. Ask your centre for its prices.
- What's next: Consolidation and your A licence
Picture it: about six hours of ground school, then you're sitting in the door at around 4,000 feet, on your own. You let go, and a static line fixed to the aircraft pulls your parachute open for you. Then it's just you, a steerable square canopy and an instructor on the radio helping you land.
How it works
The Category System takes you from student to Category 8 in eight levels. Early jumps use the static line. As you progress you lose it, pull your own parachute and make that all-important first freefall. Every level builds the skills you need for your A licence.
It suits you if you'd rather pay as you go than buy a whole course at once.
Source: Static Line and My First Jump, British Skydiving, checked October 2026.
Governing body: British Skydiving. It sets the UK safety standards and training awards for skydiving, so it's the official place to find out more.
Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.
The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.
