IBA Flight Skills

Name Description  
Neutral Belly Position Flyers must be able to demonstrate a neutral and stable belly flying position to begin their progression.
Belly Forward & Backward Flyers must be able to demonstrate controlled forward and backward movements, remaining on level each time.
Belly Fly Turns Flyers must be able to demonstrate that they can perform left and right turns, while remaining on level and under control and stop on a predetermined heading.
Belly Up & Down Flyers must be able to demonstrate controlled up and down movement, remaining in the center of the air column for each move.
Belly Fly Side Slide Flyers must be able to demonstrate a controlled side sliding movement from one side of the tunnel to the other and back again, showing combined use of upper and lower body inputs and stopping prior to contact the tunnel wall.
Belly Fly Enter & Exit Flyers must be able to enter and exit the flight chamber, on their belly, under control, with minimal assistance from the tunnel instructor.
Belly Fly Enter Flyers must be able to enter the flight chamber, on their belly, under control, with minimal assistance from the tunnel instructor.
Belly Fly Exit Flyers must be able to exit the flight chamber from a belly flying orientation, under control with minimal assistance from the tunnel instructor.
Name Description  
Neutral Back Fly Position Flyers must demonstrate a neutral and stable back flying position, flying off the net under control at moderate wind speeds.
Back Forward & Backward Flyers must demonstrate controlled forward and backward movement while back flying.
Back Fly Turns Flyers must be able to demonstrate controlled left and right turns while back flying, remaining on the same level during the turns and stopping on a predetermined heading.
Back Fly Up & Down Flyers must demonstrate controlled up and down moves, remaining in the center of the flight chamber during the moves while back flying.
Back Fly Side Slide Flyers must demonstrate controlled side sliding moves from one side of the tunnel to the other and back again, under control while back flying.
Back Fly Enter & Exit Flyers must be able to demonstrate controlled back fly entrances and exits with minimal assistance from the tunnel instructor.
Walking Flyers must be able to demonstrate control while standing on the net and walking in all directions with minimal assistance from the tunnel instructor.
Knee Flying Flyers must be able to demonstrate a neutral knee flying position beginning on or low to the net at low wind speeds and gradually increase to flying higher. In most cases, a flyer will perform this skill transitioning from and then returning to a belly flying orientation. This is a great skill to know when learning transitions.
Half Barrel Rolls Flyers must be able to demonstrate a controlled 1/2 barrel roll transitions between belly and back flying orientations.
Belly to Back Barrel Roll Flyers must be able to demonstrate a controlled 1/2 barrel roll transition from their belly to their back.
Back to Belly Barrel Roll Flyers must be able to demonstrate a controlled 1/2 barrel roll transition from their back to their belly.
Over the Feet Transitions Flyers must be able to demonstrate controlled transitions over their feet between belly and back flying orientations.
Belly to Back Transition Flyers must be able to demonstrate a controlled transition over their feet from their belly to their back.
Back to Belly Transition Flyers must be able to demonstrate a controlled transition over their feet from their back to their belly.
Name Description  
Neutral Head Up Flyers must be able to demonstrate they are able to fly a controlled, neutral and stable in a head up flying position, flying off the net at moderate free flying wind speeds.
Head Up Forward & Backward Flyers must be able to demonstrate they can fly forward and backward while maintaining a neutral and controlled head up flying position throughout.
Head Up Turns Flyers must be able to demonstrate they are able to perform controlled left and right turns while in a stable head up flying position.
Head Up, Up & Down Flyers must be able to demonstrate they can fly controlled upward and downward movements remaining in the center of the air column while flying head up.
Head Up Side Slide Flyers must be able to demonstrate they are able to side slide from one side of the tunnel to the other and back again while head up flying.
Back to Head Up Transition Flyers must be able to demonstrate a controlled transition from a neutral back flying position to a neutral head up flying position at moderate wind speeds.
Head Up Transitions Flyers must be able to complete all the individual Level 3 static moves which also include being proficient at head up transitions. The primary head up transition flyers will learn is the head up front flip transition.
High Speed Control Flyers must demonstrate that they can proficiently fly all of the back flying and walking skills learned in Level 2 at wind speeds comparable to those they will fly when learning sit flying.
Name Description  
Head Down Flyers must demonstrate controlled neutral Head Down flight, ultimately being able to position themselves on the net, raise off of the net, and successfully bail to a neutral sit flying position, under control throughout.
Head Down to Head Up Front Flip Flyers must be able to demonstrate during the learning of neutral head down flight, they are able to correctly transition from head down to a neutral head up flying position through a forward flipping technique, commonly termed the "bail". This move must be done under control throughout.
Head Down Up & Down Flyers must be able to demonstrate controlled up and down movements while head down, remaining in the center of the air column throughout.
Head Down Forward & Backward Flyers must be able to demonstrate controlled forward and backward movement while flying head down and showing stability throughout.
Head Down Turns Flyers must be able to demonstrate controlled left and right turns while flying head down, maintaining the same altitude throughout the turns and stopping on a predetermined heading.
Head Up to Head Down Front Flip Flyers must be able to demonstrate controlled transitions from a neutral head up position to a neutral head down position while moving through a forward flipping motion.
Head Up to Head Down Back Flip Flyers must be able to demonstrate the ability to perform a controlled, backwards transition beginning in a neutral head up flying position and ending in a neutral head down position.
Head Down to Head Up Back Flip Flyers must be able to demonstrate they can perform a controlled backward transition from a neutral head down position to a neutral head up flying position
Name Description  
Half Eagle Flyers must be able to perform, beginning and ending in either orientation a half eagle maneuver, under control throughout.
Half Reverse Eagle Flyers must be able to perform, beginning and ending in either orientation, a Half Reverse Eagle maneuver, under control throughout.
Full Eagle Flyers must be able to demonstrate starting and ending in either orientation and perform controlled full eagle maneuvers.
Full Reverse Eagle Flyers must be able to demonstrate starting and ending in either orientation and perform controlled full reverse eagle maneuvers.
Name Description  
Front Layout Flyers must be able to demonstrate a controlled transition over their head, forwards, from their belly to their back.
Back Layout Flyers must be able to demonstrate a controlled transition over their head backwards from their back to their belly.
Head Down Out Face (LS) Flyers must be able to demonstrate controlled carving movements while head down / belly flying. These carves in both directions should occur with head close to the center of the tunnel.
Head Up Out Face (LS) Flyers must be able to demonstrate controlled carving movements while head up / belly flying. These carves in both directions should be accomplished with your head closer to the outer perimeter of the tunnel wall.
Head Down In Face (LS) Flyers must be able to demonstrate controlled carving movements while head down / back flying. These carves in both directions should occur with head close to the center of the tunnel.
Head Up In Face (LS) Flyers must be able to demonstrate stable carving moves while head up in either direction and facing the center of the flight chamber.
Barrel Roll You will need to combine the Back-to-Belly and also the Belly-to-Back Barrel Roll transitions together to complete a smooth full Barrel Roll transition. This can be done either starting/ending on your belly or your back.
Name Description  
Head Down In Face (HS) Flyers must be able to demonstrate stable carving moves while flying head down in either direction while facing the center of the flight chamber.
Head Down Out Face (HS) Flyers must be able to demonstrate controlled carving movements while flying head down, in either direction while facing the tunnel wall throughout.
Bottom Loop Flyers will need to safely perform a bottom loop transition following a layout move, while passing through the center of the tunnel, finishing either in to a carve or continuing a layout.
Head Up In Face (HS) Flyers must be able to demonstrate that they can confidently and safely carve at high wind speeds while head up and in facing.
Belly & Back Flares Flyers must be able to demonstrate both controlled belly flare and back flare maneuvers using correct body input moving in to and out of the flare smoothly.
Head Up Carve Switch Flyer will need to demonstrate that they can switch between In-face to Out-face carves while head up in all directions, smoothly and under control throughout.
Head Up Out Face (HS) Flyers must be able to demonstrate that they can safely and comfortably carve at higher wind speeds while head up and out-facing.
Name Description  
Head Up Breaker Flyers must be able to successfully and safely perform a full breaker maneuver (a 540º rotation) beginning and ending in a head-up orientation.
Head Down Breaker Flyers must be able to safely and successfully perform a full (540º rotation) breaker maneuver starting and ending in a head down orientation.
Head Down Carve Switch Flyers will need to be able to correctly perform a switch from in face or out face carves to the opposing carve by making a smooth transition and remaining on level and controlled throughout.
Name Description  
2-Way Formations Flyers must be able to demonstrate control flying with a second flyer and complete a sequence of formations built from the 2-way formation dive pool. The sequence should be smooth and controlled throughout.
2-Way Verticals Flyers must be able to complete a series of vertical moves, with one flyer passing over the other and then underneath the other. Flyers must demonstrate good communication skills for this skill and control throughout.
Super Positioning Flyers must be able to demonstrate controlled super positioning moves while flying with another flyer, under control throughout.
Name Description  
2-Way Entrances Flyers must demonstrate that they can perform a range of controlled 2 way linked entrances in to the flight chamber.
3-Way Formations Flyers must demonstrate the ability to fly in a group of 3 belly flyers, completing a series of 3 way formations while maintaining control, the same altitude and close proximity throughout
Name Description  
4-Way Formations Flyers must be able to safely and proficiently fly with three other flyers while maintaining levels and build a selection of basic formations.
Name Description  
Coach Ready Assessment A coach candidate is required to complete the “Tunnel Coach Ready” assessment before being trained as a coach. The assessment, is a written confirmation of understanding of the IBA Fundamentals of Coaching Guide.
Name Description  
Formation Skydiving Coach To be an IBA rated Formation Skydiving Coach, you must be a Pro rated FS flyer and have completed the necessary evaluation of your coaching abilities by a rated Trainer
Name Description  
Static Flying Coach To be an IBA rated Static Progression Coach, you must be a Pro rated Static flyer and have completed the necessary evaluation of your coaching abilities by a rated Trainer
Name Description  
Dynamic Flying Coach To be an IBA rated Dynamic Progression Coach, you must be a Pro rated Dynamic flyer and have completed the necessary evaluation of your coaching abilities by a rated Trainer
Name Description  
FWE Coach The rating for coaches who are required when flying with equipment.
Name Description  
Teach Introductory Class The candidate must demonstrate the ability to teach the introductory class to flyers and also demonstrate knowledge of the gear and outfit flyers in the correct size
Airflow Controller An airflow controller must demonstrate that they can control the airflow, identify unsafe situations, communicate with the tunnel instructor and be able to manage time.
Daily Inspection An operator must have the basic knowledge of tunnel operations, the basic pre-operation safety inspection of the structure and interior components.
Name Description  
18+ Years of age Instructor candidate must be at least 18 years of age prior to starting the Instructor Level I Course
Completed FITP An Instructor must successfully complete the Level I Instructor Course in order to be allowed to conduct sessions inside the wind tunnel. Select this skill to be able to view the training videos for the course.
Name Description  
High Wind Speed An Instructor must demonstrate that they can control themselves throughout a series of movements in higher wind speeds as detailed within the High Wind Speed training syllabus.
HWS-Advanced Flyers The instructor can supervise advanced flyers who are qualified and approved to fly IBA Static/Dynamic Level 3 or higher skills
HWS-260+ Flyers The instructor can conduct first time and return flyer sessions with customers that weigh between 260lbs and 300lbs (118kg and 136kg), noting the additional flying protocols relating to this activity
Teach/Spot Level 2 Skills An Instructor must demonstrate to a Trainer Level 2 that they are able to correctly brief, demonstrate, coach and spot all of the individual skills within the Flyer Level 2 (back flying) progression.
Teach/Spot Walking An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot all aspects of walking inside the tunnel.
Teach/Spot Half Barrel Rolls An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each of the half barrel roll transitions.
Teach/Spot Back Flying An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of back flying.
Teach/Spot Over the Feet Transitions An Instructor rated to teach and spot Level II Belly/Back Transitions has demonstrated they can correctly brief, fly, coach and spot each of the listed transitions.
Name Description  
Flying with Flyers An Instructor must demonstrate control with a Trainer for skills related to each of the flying with flyers skills; High Flights (FTF) and Novice + flyers.
High Flights (FTF) An Instructor must demonstrate control of a Trainer for skills related to flying a first time flyer in a high flight scenario.
Novice + An Instructor must demonstrate control of a Trainer for skills related to flying with novice (and higher) flyers where the Instructor is flying off the net.
Equipment Instructor An Equipment Instructor has been trained to correctly handle all situations related to flyers flying with approved equipment inside the flight chamber
Name Description  
Teach/Spot Static Level 3 An Instructor must demonstrate to a Trainer that they are able to correctly brief, demonstrate, coach and spot all of the individual skills within the Static Flyer Level 3 progression.
Teach/Spot Head Up Flying An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of head up flying.
Teach/Spot Head Up Backflip An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of a head up back flip transition.
Teach/Spot Head Up Front Flip An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of head up front flip transitions.
Level 3 Flight Skills An Instructor Level 3 must be a signed off to fly all of the flight skills associated with Formation Flyer Level 3 and BOTH Static & Dynamic Level 3
Teach/Spot Dynamic Level 3 An Instructor must demonstrate to a Trainer that they are able to correctly brief, demonstrate, coach and spot where necessary each of the individual skills within the Dynamic Level 3 flight progression.
Teach/Spot Head Up Carving (LS) An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of low speed head up carving.
Teach/Spot Head Down Carving (LS) An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of low speed head down carving.
Teach/Spot Barrel Roll An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of a barrel roll transition.
Teach/Spot Front Layout An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of a front layout.
Teach/Spot Back Layout An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of a back layout.
Name Description  
Teach/Spot Static Level 4/Pro An Instructor must demonstrate to a Trainer that they are able to correctly brief, demonstrate, coach and spot all of the individual skills within the Static Flyer Level 4 and Pro progression.
Teach/Spot Head Down An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of head down flying.
Teach/Spot Half & Full Eagles An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of flying half / full eagles and also half / full reverse eagles.
Teach/Spot Head Down Backflip Transitions An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of flying head down back flip transitions.
Teach/Spot Head Down Front Flip Transitions An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of flying head down front flip transitions.
Level 4 Flight Skills An Instructor Level 4 must be a signed off to fly all of the flight skills associated with Flyer Level 4 and Pro in both the Dynamic and Static progressions.
Teach/Spot Dynamic Level 4 & Pro An Instructor must demonstrate to a trainer that they are able to correctly brief, demonstrate, coach and spot all of the individual skills within the Dynamic Level 4 and Pro progression.
Teach/Spot Belly & Back Flares An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of belly & back flares.
Teach/Spot Carve Switches An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of head up & head down carve switches.
Teach/Spot Breakers An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of performing breakers head up & head down.
Teach/Spot High Speed Carving An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of both head up & head down carving at high wind speeds.
Teach/Spot Bottom Loop An Instructor must demonstrate the ability to brief, fly, coach and spot each aspect of bottom loops.
Name Description  
Train/Qualify AFC Skills A Trainer that is rated to Train Instructors to Teach T1 Checkboxes can approve any skill on an Instructor chart that shows T1 once the candidate has demonstrated the ability to perform the skills
12 Months Instructor Experience Prior to starting down the Trainer progression, an Instructor must have a minimum of 12 months experience
Name Description  
Instructor Level 4 In order to become a complete Level 2 Trainer, you must be a Level 4 Instructor.
Train/Qualify Instructor Level 2 Skills A Trainer that is rated to Train Instructors to Teach T2 Checkboxes can sign off any skill on an Instructor chart that shows T2 once that Instructor has demonstrated the ability to perform the skills
18 Months Instructor Experience Prior to starting the Trainer Level II progression, an Instructor/Trainer must have a minimum of 18 months experience.
Name Description  
Train/Qualify Instructor Level 3 Skills A Trainer that is rated to Train Instructors to Teach T3 Checkboxes can sign off any Level III Instructor skill on the chart once that Instructor has demonstrated the ability to perform the skills.
Conduct Safety Meetings A Trainer Level III must be able to demonstrate that they can brief and perform a successful safety meeting for a team at an operating facility.
24 Months Instructor Experience Prior to starting the Trainer Level III progression, an Instructor/Trainer must have a minimum of 24 months experience.
Name Description  
Train/Qualify IL4 & T1-3 Skills A Trainer must deliver the appropriate training for Instructor Level 4 and Trainer 1 - 3 skills to achieve this rating.
36 Months Instructor Experience Prior to starting the Trainer Level IV progression, an Instructor/Trainer must have a minimum of 36 months experience.
Conduct FITP Course In order to be a complete Trainer Level 4, the Trainer must demonstrate knowledge of the Instructor Level 1 Course syllabus by shadowing a course, then assisting another qualified Trainer with a course and then successfully conduct and lead a full Instructor Level 1 Course
Shadow a Complete FITP To receive this check box, a Trainer must while accompanying a qualified Trainer Level 4 shadow a full FITP from start to finish. This is an essential part of the Trainer Level 4 process to ensure that the new Trainer is familiar with and understands the entire training curriculum for the FITP.
Assist a Complete FITP In order to receive this check box, a Trainer must while accompanying a qualified Trainer Level 4 assist a full Level I Instructor Course from start to finish. This is an essential part of the Trainer Level IV process to ensure that the new Trainer is familiar with and understands the entire training curriculum for the Level I Instructor Program along with being comfortable performing all of the physical skills, presenting all of the scenarios accurately and safely during the course. Prior to assisting a course, a candidate must have successfully completed shadowing a Level I Course.
Lead a Complete FITP In order to receive this check box, a Trainer must while accompanying a qualified Trainer Level 4 lead a full Level I Instructor Course from start to finish. This is the final part of completing the Conduct Level I Instructor Course checkbox as part of becoming a Trainer Level IV. A trainer must run the course through its entirety without the need for the assisting trainer to take over and conduct the training. Prior to a candidate leading an instructor course, they must have successfully completed the shadow and assist portions of the training and be recommended by a qualified Trainer Level IV to lead a course.
Name Description  
Coach Rating Assessor This checkbox allows a Trainer to teach the coach rating material in order to approve new coaches.
Name Description  
FWE Coach Assessor A rated Trainer that is award this rating may conduct coach courses that specifically pertain to flying with equipment inside the wind tunnel.
Name Description  
Meets Training Requirements Prior to being recommended for an Examiner role, the candidate must have fulfilled the minimum training requirements in order to demonstrate the adequate knowledge of the entire training process
Examiner Pre-Requisites An Examiner is a person who is specifically selected based upon their ability as a Trainer, Leader and Mentor to their team and others industry-wide
Name Description  
Fly with Equipment A Military flyer will need to demonstrate the ability to fly all previously learned Flyer Level 1 skills while wearing equipment.
Level 1 Flyer To begin the Military progression, candidates must have completed all of the Level 1 flyer skills on the IBA flight progression system.
Name Description  
Military Coach A Military flyer will need to successfully complete all of the requirements for the IBA Military Coach course to be assigned this skill.
Coach Ready Assessment A coach candidate is required to complete the “Tunnel Coach Ready” assessment before being trained as a coach. The assessment, is a written confirmation of understanding of the IBA Fundamentals of Coaching Guide. The assessment can be accessed here.
Name Description  
Teach Intro Class A Military Instructor candidate will need to satisfactorily complete the requirements of teaching the wind tunnel introductory class to their military flyers prior to entering the flight chamber.
Military Instructor A candidate will need to successfully complete the Military Instructor Training Program (MITP) to be award this rating.
Instructor path

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The IBA distinguishes between the sport of indoor skydiving (engaged in by patrons with IBA accounts seeking approval of flight skills though the IBA’s Flight Progression System) and recreational flying (engaged in by entertainment customers who do not intend to pursue approval of skills). While indoor skydiving is safe for all ages, the inherent risk of the activity is necessarily greater for those engaging in the sport of indoor skydiving, particularly as they progress through more sophisticated maneuvers.