Tandem Restrictions Information Notice
Information Notice
Firebird USA LLC is publishing this information notice after numerous inquiries by individuals, parachute
associations and Tandem businesses, what its current position on specialty jumps with Firebird Sport and
Tandem systems within the US is.
Unfortunately, due to the litigious hunger and nature of the American lawsuit culture, Firebirds position is as
follows for now.
- Night Tandem Operations: At this point, Night Tandem Operations with Firebird USA tandem
products are prohibited and must be in concordance with FAA and USPA rules.
Firebird USA is actively working on a feasibility study with select Tandem operators to determine if these
types of jumps can be done in a safe manner if all the requirements are met. Firebird USA will publish the
results once the test period is over.
- Oxygen and High-Altitude tandem jumps: At this point, Oxygen and HA jumps with civilian Firebird
USA tandem products are restricted to 18k ft MSL and must be in concordance with FAA and USPA rules or
the appropriate national legislation.
Firebird USA is actively working on an evaluation with a leading oxygen system manufacturer and a HAHO
operator to determine if jumps above 18k ft MSL can be done in a safe manner if the requirements are met.
Firebird USA will publish the results and requirements once the evaluation is over.
- Age limit for tandem jumps: Even though federally not restricted, at this point, tandem operations with
legally minors using Firebird USA products are prohibited and must be in concordance with State law and its
related USPA rules or the appropriate national legislation.
Firebird USA is planning a feasibility study with one US non-USPA tandem operator and multiple non-US
parachute associations to gather and analyze its empirical data. Firebird USA will publish the results once
the evaluation period is over. Waivers for exceptional circumstances are possible after review.
- Wingsuit Tandem jumps: Firebird USA is in active consultation with the sole Wingsuit Tandem
operator. At this point we are working on the equipment modification requirements as the training matrix,
track record and experience with over 600 WST jumps has been deemed satisfactory at this point.
Firebird USA will publish a separate information sheet once finalized. All WST training and its certification
will be delegated to our partner once an adequate structure is finalized.
FIREBIRD USA LLC 1405 Flightline Blvd Office +1 7473008880
Deland, FL 32724
USA usa@flyfirebird.com
- Solo jumps with EVO TD and TR tandem systems without a tandem rating: Note that legally a
Parachute Tandem System (FAR 105.3 i.c.w. 105.45) is no longer considered as such if jumped in a solo
configuration. Hence, even though legally not prohibited, Firebird USA mandates a proper training before
jumping a Firebird tandem system in solo configuration.
Firebird USA has started a specific training program that will introduce jumpers to the use of drogue
assisted parachute systems, its related emergency procedures and safe flying techniques when flying with
an addition of payloads like rucksacks, flags or other attached gear. This will also allow future tandem pilots,
to start jumping drogue assisted parachute systems before the mandatory 500 jumps and D license to
safely gain experience before any tandem instructor course. Firebird USA thinks this will help increase the
safety and currency of future Tandem pilots. This training will be available to the public shortly. We will
inform accordingly. A C license and 400 jumps will be mandatory pre-requirements to enter this course.
- Jumps with heavy loads and tethered payloads: The FAA and Firebird USA do not allow anyone
jumping heavy payloads (tethered or attached) with its civilian available products exceeding FAA certified
maximum suspended weight limits. Additionally, these type of jumps require special training, special
parachute system setup as well as enhanced risk mitigation procedures to be done safely.
Firebird USA and its military affiliate Legion Airborne is actively working on a Military Tethered Parachute
system and its training. This training will be exclusively available through Legion Airborne when ready.
These restrictions apply to the US-made and FAA certified products and are limited to the territory
of and operators within the US. Non-US operators must use Firebird products in concordance with
their national and local laws.
German-made and EASA/LBA certified Firebird products from the previous TSO Holder “Firebird
GmbH & CoKG” are not within the scope of this information notice. Those products fall under
Firebird GmbH & CoKG authority and can be used with the restrictions they entail if any.
Please contact them for any rating related questions through tandem@firebird.de
Georges Reuter
CEO Firebird USA LLC
DeLand, February 19th 2026
FIREBIRD USA LLC 1405 Flightline Blvd Office +1 7473008880
Deland, FL 32724
USA usa@flyfirebird.com