ENAC LICENSE & A/B/C/D STANDARD

In Italy ENAC issues ONE skydiving license, not four. The A/B/C/D letters are a FAI/USPA convention used by schools to speak internationally. Here we explain both — without mixing them up.

WHAT ENAC ACTUALLY PROVIDES

The ENAC "Skydiving Licenses" regulation (Ed. 3) establishes one license — the Skydiving License — and a set of ratings and certifications that are annotated on the license for specific activities.

Base level

SKYDIVING LICENSE

Single license, not tiered. Authorizes jumps from aircraft and participation in sport events practicing the jump techniques for which the holder has specific ability. Maintained through activity recency and Class 2 ENAC medical.

CS

Special Techniques Ratings

Enable specific disciplines (e.g. freefly, wingsuit, canopy formation) with dedicated requirements per discipline.

Requirements (indicative)

  • Valid skydiving license
  • Discipline-specific jump & experience requirements
  • Course and assessment per regulation
IST

Skydiving Instructor

Authorizes teaching activity at ENAC-certified schools. Progressive requirements by teaching area.

Requirements (indicative)

  • Typical threshold: at least 100 jumps on a ram-air canopy (verify current edition)
  • Documented recent activity
  • Instructor course + ENAC exam
IPS

Senior Skydiving Instructor

Higher tier of the Instructor rating: more jumps, more freefall time, stricter recency.

Requirements (indicative)

  • Requirements in the order of ~1,000 jumps and freefall hours (Ed.3 reference; verify)
  • Documented activity in the last 12 months
  • Examiner-led assessment
ESA

Skydiving Examiner

Highest tier: examines and assesses other skydivers and instructors.

Requirements (indicative)

  • Holding and maintaining the IPS rating
  • Experience and continuity requirements per the current regulation
  • ENAC appointment

Figures referenced to "Skydiving Licenses" Regulation Ed. 3. Always verify the current version on enac.gov.it.

KEEPING THE LICENSE ACTIVE

ENAC does not work like a driver's license with fixed 2-year validity. The skydiving license is kept active through activity continuity (recency) and a valid medical certificate.

Jumps / 12 months

15

Minimum continuity requirement

Of which last 3 months

≥1

Ensures activity is recent

Freefall / 12 months

10 min

Actual freefall time

Medical certificate

Class 2

Issued by ENAC-authorized aeromedical examiner

SO WHAT ABOUT A, B, C, D?

A/B/C/D is a community convention derived from the FAI/USPA standard. It indicates an experience level (jumps + skills), not an Italian legal document. Italian schools use it to talk across dropzones and with foreign skydivers — but you will never see "A/B/C/D License" on the ENAC document.

A~25

A License (FAI/USPA-style)First independent level

Italian school practice: level reached typically after the AFF course and consolidation jumps. Solo jumping at the DZ, basic freefall and landing skills.

B~50–100

B License (FAI/USPA-style)Intermediate level

More freefall and canopy experience. More complex formations, night jumps or accessory jumps where permitted by local regulation.

C~200+

C License (FAI/USPA-style)Experienced skydiver

Multi-discipline proficiency (RW/FS, freefly, canopy). Often a school/community prerequisite for certain organizing roles and advanced disciplines.

D~500+

D License (FAI/USPA-style)Senior level

Senior experience. In many countries required for high-responsibility roles (load organizer, tandem camera flyer, some community qualifications).

Watch the language

"ENAC A-License" is a phrase that circulates, but technically it does not exist. There is the (single) ENAC Skydiving License and, separately, the A/B/C/D letter as an international experience standard. If you read "ENAC B-License" to unlock a discipline, be suspicious: for specific disciplines ENAC uses CS (Special Techniques Ratings), not letters.

WANT YOUR SKYDIVING LICENSE?

The AFF course is the fastest path to A level (FAI standard): ~25 jumps with certified instructors at an ENAC school.

Learn about AFF →