Skydiving Display Teams: What They Are and How to Join

Introduction
Display teams are among the most visible ambassadors of British Skydiving. These experienced skydivers perform parachute demonstrations at public events, airshows, sports matches, and festivals across the UK. More than just entertainment, display teams promote the sport, inspire new participants, and represent the professionalism and safety standards upheld by British Skydiving. This article explains what display teams are, how they operate, and how you can get involved.

1. What Is a Skydiving Display Team?

Display teams are composed of licensed and highly experienced skydivers who perform demonstration jumps at public events. These jumps are carefully planned, risk-assessed, and approved by British Skydiving and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Typical displays may involve:

• Flags or smoke trails during descent

• Precise landings into confined or high-profile areas (e.g., stadiums, parks, racetracks)

• Team formations and canopy work

• Commentary and public engagement

Display jumpers represent the sport to tens of thousands of spectators each year.

2. British Skydiving Affiliated Display Teams

There are currently six major display teams formally registered with British Skydiving:

• The Tigers (British Army Parachute Display Team)

• The Red Devils (Parachute Regiment Freefall Team)

• Royal Navy Raiders

• Royal Air Force Falcons

• Skyline Display Team

• British Skydiving National Display Team

These teams perform throughout the year and are governed by strict rules related to airspace, safety, and public interaction.

3. Requirements to Join a Display Team

To be eligible to participate in display jumping, you must:

• Hold a minimum of a C Licence (200+ jumps)

• Have completed Canopy Handling Grade 2 (CH2)

• Gain a Display Jumpers Endorsement from British Skydiving

• Be signed off by a qualified Display Instructor or Chief Instructor

• Participate in team rehearsals and site-specific planning

Some teams (e.g. military-affiliated) may require additional security vetting, service membership, or representational duties.

4. Training and Endorsements

Becoming a display jumper involves additional training beyond regular skydiving:

• Display Endorsement Course: Covers event coordination, airspace safety, landing accuracy, and public safety measures

• Night Jumps and Smoke Use: Optional advanced skills that enhance visual appeal

• Site Surveys: Learn to assess terrain, hazards, and wind direction to plan safe landings

• Coordination with Air Traffic Control: For events in regulated airspace

These skills are essential to meet Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements.

5. How to Get Started

If you’re interested in display jumping:

• Inform your drop zone’s Chief Instructor of your goal

• Begin working toward your C Licence and CH2

• Attend a Display Jumpers Briefing or seminar

• Shadow an existing display team if possible

British Skydiving also maintains guidelines and an application process for individuals or new teams seeking formal recognition.

6. Why Join a Display Team?

Display skydiving is both a personal and professional honour. Benefits include:

• Representing skydiving to the public

• Performing in front of large crowds

• Travelling across the country

• Being part of a skilled, disciplined, and highly respected group

It also sharpens your canopy accuracy, planning, and communication skills — key traits for any advanced skydiver.

Conclusion

Joining a skydiving display team is one of the most rewarding paths in the sport. As a display jumper, you’ll represent the face of British Skydiving, inspire future participants, and refine your skills in high-stakes environments. To begin, speak to your Chief Instructor or explore opportunities with a recognised display team near you.