Keeping an accurate log of every jump is more than a hobby for skydivers---it's a requirement for United States Parachute Association (USPA) certification, insurance, and personal safety analysis. While the USPA sells official logbooks, many jumpers prefer a customized, hands‑on solution that reflects their style, budget, and organizational preferences. This guide walks you through building a do‑it‑yourself (DIY) skydiving logbook that satisfies every USPA standard, from page layout to binding durability.
Understand the USPA Logbook Requirements
| Requirement | What It Means for Your DIY Book |
|---|---|
| Minimum data fields per jump | Date, aircraft tail number, altitude, free‑fall time, drop zone (DZ), canopy type, rig serial #, instructor/coach, and "Comments/Notes." |
| Numeric precision | Altitude and free‑fall time must be recorded to the nearest 100 ft and second respectively. |
| Signature | Each entry needs a signature (or initials) of the jumper and the coach/instructor for jumps earned toward a rating. |
| Page count | The official log has 200‑page sections; you must provide enough pages to record at least 200 jumps per section (USPA recommends 2--3 sections for long‑term jumpers). |
| Durability | Cover must be water‑resistant and binding strong enough to survive frequent travel and handling. |
| Legibility | Printed or handwritten entries must be clear; no smudging or illegible shorthand. |
| USPA certification stamp (optional) | Not mandatory for the logbook itself, but if you want the official USPA "Logbook" imprint, you'll need to use a logo that matches the USPA brand guidelines. (We'll cover a safe way to include it.) |
Tip: Keep a copy of the latest USPA "Logbook Instructions" PDF on your phone. It's the definitive source if requirements are updated.
Choose Your Format: Paper vs. Digital
| Factor | Paper Logbook (DIY) | Digital Logbook (App/Spreadsheet) |
|---|---|---|
| USPA acceptance | Fully accepted when it meets standards. | Accepted only if you can print a hard‑copy for inspection. |
| Portability | Lightweight, fits in a pocket or bag. | Accessible on phone/tablet, but need backup power. |
| Durability | Needs rugged cover & binding. | Dependent on device durability. |
| Customizability | Unlimited layout, colors, logo placement. | Limited by software UI. |
| Backup | Physical copy is its own backup; can photocopy. | Must export CSV/PDF regularly. |
For the purpose of this guide we focus on a paper logbook---the format the USPA originally designed for and the one most jumpers show during rating assessments.
Gather Materials & Tools
| Item | Recommended Specification | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Cover material | 12‑mil (0.3 mm) PVC‑laminated faux leather or thick water‑resistant cardstock. | Craft stores, Amazon (e.g., "Water‑Resistant Book Cover"). |
| Binding | 2‑inch heavy‑duty spiral binding or sewn perfect binding with acid‑free glue. | Office supply stores (Spiral binding machine) or bookbinding kits. |
| Paper | 80‑100 gsm (¾ lb) acid‑free, ivory‑colored paper (easier on eyes). | Stationery shops. |
| Dividers | Tabbed cardstock or plastic dividers for "Section 1", "Section 2" ... | Office supply stores. |
| Printing | Laser printer (for crisp lines) or high‑resolution ink‑jet. | Home/office printer. |
| Cutting tools | Rotary cutter or guillotine cutter, ruler, cutting mat. | Craft shops. |
| Lamination (optional) | Self‑adhesive laminating sheets for cover protection. | Office supply stores. |
| USPA logo | Small, high‑resolution PNG that respects USPA brand guidelines. | Download from USPA member resources. |
| Signature line stickers | Blank adhesive labels for signature fields (optional). | Office supply stores. |
Design the Logbook Layout
4.1 Page Template
Create a master page in a program such as Adobe InDesign, Affinity Publisher, or even Microsoft Word with the following fields (each line is a single jump entry):
| Date (MM/DD/YY) | DZ | Aircraft https://www.amazon.com/s?k=tail&tag=organizationtip101-20 # | Altitude (ft) | Free‑Fall Time (s) | https://www.amazon.com/s?k=canopy&tag=organizationtip101-20 (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=model&tag=organizationtip101-20) | Rig # | Instructor | Signature (Jumper) | Signature (Instructor) | https://www.amazon.com/s?k=comments&tag=organizationtip101-20 |
- Column widths : Allocate enough space for each field; a typical layout uses 0.9‑inch columns for date, DZ, tail #, altitude, free‑fall, canopy, rig #; 1.2‑inch for comments.
- Grid lines : Light gray horizontal lines after every row aid readability.
- Header row : Freeze at the top of each page for quick reference.
4.2 Section Divider
Each 200‑jump block gets its own divider tab labeled:
Section 1 -- 0‑199 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jumps&tag=organizationtip101-20
Section 2 -- 200‑399 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jumps&tag=organizationtip101-20
Section 3 -- 400‑599 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jumps&tag=organizationtip101-20
Insert a page count footer (e.g., "Page 23 of 200") to avoid missing pages.
4.3 Cover Design
- Place the USPA Certified Skydiver logo centered on the front.
- Add your name, club affiliation, and contact info (optional).
- Use a matte finish to prevent glare during inspections.
Legal note: The USPA logo may only be used by members and in a non‑commercial, non‑misleading way. Do not alter the logo or claim the book is "official USPA merchandise."
Build the Logbook -- Step by Step
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Print the Pages
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Trim the Pages
- Stack printed sheets, align with a ruler, and cut using the rotary cutter on a cutting mat.
- Ensure all pages are the exact same dimensions (e.g., 5.5 × 8.5 in).
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Create Dividers
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Assemble the Cover
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Bind the Book
- Spiral Binding :
- Punch holes using a 2‑inch binding machine.
- Insert the spiral, close, and trim excess.
- Sewn & Glue (Perfect Binding) :
- Spiral Binding :
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Finalize
- Attach the cover by gluing the first and last pages to the inside of the cover.
- Add protective corner caps if using spiral binding (optional).
Add Verification Features
- Signature stickers : Place a small adhesive label at the end of each line for signatures; prevents ink bleed through the page.
- Water‑resistant ink : Use archival ballpoint or gel pens; they won't run if the book gets wet.
- Serial number : Write a unique identifier (e.g., "DIY‑Log‑2025‑001") on the cover and first page. This helps prove authenticity if ever questioned.
Test Compliance
- Mock Entry : Fill out a complete entry with realistic data, signatures, and comments.
- Check Legibility: Ensure all fields are readable without magnification.
- Measure Page Count: Verify you have exactly 200 usable rows per section (i.e., 100 double‑sided pages).
- USPA Spot‑Check : Bring the logbook to a local drop zone; ask an instructor to review one page for format compliance.
If any issue arises, adjust the template and re‑print the affected pages before re‑binding.
Maintenance & Backups
- Regular Audits : Every 25 jumps, flip through the book to confirm entries are still legible and signatures intact.
- Photocopy / Scan : At the end of each season, create a PDF backup of the entire logbook (scan at 300 dpi). Store on a cloud service and a USB drive.
- Rebinding : After ~150 jumps, the spine may start to fray. Re‑bind using the same method or switch to a sturdier spiral.
Conclusion
A DIY skydiving logbook gives you full control over aesthetics, durability, and cost---while still meeting the USPA's strict certification standards. By understanding the required data fields, designing a clean, printable template, and using robust materials , you can craft a logbook that not only passes every inspection but also becomes a personal record of your soaring adventures.
Happy jumping, and may your logbook fill with safe, unforgettable flights!