About us
Our vision is to be a modern and inclusive organisation, proud of our heritage and reputation for parachuting excellence, with the service of military, veteran and civilian skydivers at our heart.
Our ongoing mission
The APA’s mission is to promote, control and develop sport parachuting in the British Army in order to contribute to the personal development of soldiers, sailors and aircrew.
We also provide positive publicity for the Army to further recruiting/retention and enhance the reputation of the Army and the Armed Services, both nationally and internationally.
Sport within the Armed Forces is key to preparing service personnel for operations. It is fundamental to the cohesion, pride and courage of our people.
The APA is instrumental in supporting and embracing this ethos by providing the platform to sharpen the competitive edge and inspiring the will to win. Skydiving encompasses the BIG 5; Physical Fitness, Mental Resilience, Leadership, Teamwork and is a proven tool for Recruiting & Retention.
What we do
Support Sports Parachuting
The APA is a registered charity and our charitable objective is to improve efficiency in the Armed Forces. We do this by providing subsidised parachute training to members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
Provide high level training
All APA instructors are trained to a high standard and have a passion for passing on that training to their students, as well as supporting the progression of licenced jumpers and fellow instructors.
Not-for-profit organisation
As a not-for-profit organisation, all proceeds are put back into the organisation to maintain our high standard of training, equipment, as well as other facilities, in turn supporting our Sports Parachuting mission.
TANDEM SKYDIVING FOR ALL
We are able to offer the exhilarating experience of freefall and parachute flight to service personnel and members of the public who have a desire to experience the unknown!
Our Team
Mark
Chief Operating Officer
Russ
Chief Instructor
Emily
Office Manager
Ross
Chief Pilot
Rob
Accounts Manager
Our History
Want to know the history of The Army Parachute Association?
Click on the pictures for more information.
Airfield Camp at Netheravon was established at the end of 1912 where the Royal Flying Corps were stationed. Various squadrons carried out many flights over the years, and in the 1930s, Netheravon became the No.1 flying school which culminated in the formation of the Fleet Air Arm in 1937 before entering WW2.
1914
Flying station Netheravon
In 1942 the function of Netheravon began to change with the arrival of the Airbourne Forces which in turn, provided a link with the parachute brigade at Bulford Camp. There was a hive of glider activity during the following years. Toward the end of WW2, continuation training was being carried out for the Glider Regiment, Parachute Regiment and the Royal Army Service Corps who were all quartered here.
1944
King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Elizbaeth visit Netheravon
By the end of 1950, Netheravon was taken over by No.62 Group Home Command and became a training centre for the RAF Police throughout the world. In 1962 the RAF departed Netheravon and attempts were made to convert the hangars and fields into sports facilities. A running track was laid which you can still see to this day during the drier months, but due to high winds and its remoteness, it ended up a failure.
1947
Glider pilots being briefed
The hangars fell into a state of disrepair, whilst lower camp was used as transit accommodation for various regiments. Sport parachuting had started within the Army in the early 1960s. The British Parachute Association (BPA) was established and in 1962, Colonel Dare Wilson MBE, MC, who then commanded 22 Special Air Service, was elected Chairman of the BPA.
1962
Army Parachute Association was formed
In 1962 the Army Parachute Association (APA) was formed after vigorous and persistent campaigning by Lt Col Dare Wilson MBE, MC. Prior to then, various military units had formed their own clubs and operated independently.
1965
Prince Philip attended the APA Championships
In 1964, the centre became firmly established. Since then, the APA has worked alongside the British Armed Forces. The Army Adventurous Training Air Wing (formerly JSPC or JSAT) has carried out numerous static line courses, introducing countless numbers of serving military members to parachuting and assisting them with progression.
The first royal visit took place in May 1965 when HRH Prince Philip attended the APA Championships.
1978
Jackie Smith Ladies World Champion
Meanwhile, the APA serves to support and cater to sport jumping for military personnel, helping jumpers gain their licences, progress through various disciplines and compete at the Armed Forces Parachute Championships on an annual basis. There are many small military parachuting associations within different branches of the British Armed Forces, all of which jump here at the APA.
2024
Planning for the future
In 2024, the APA continues to be the oldest, continuously operating, military airfield in the world! We own two aircraft – Cessna Grand Caravans – the workhorse of parachuting aircraft. The current president of the APA is Lt General Ralph Wooddisse, with Lt Colonel Anna Scott in the role of Chairperson and Mark Bayada as the Chief Operating Officer. They are supported by a small, permanent team of ex-military and civilian skydivers who have a passion for the sport.
skydiving through the lens
What they say
Don’t just take our word for it! See what our customers have to say about their experiences here at the Army Parachute Association.
“A fantastic place! My husband jumps here regularly, and I did a tandem here on my birthday. The staff were professional, informative and fun. I felt in safe hands and loved every minute of it!’
Mandy
Tandem Skydive
‘What a fantastic experience of skydiving. Highly recommended. Very professional , polite and fun staff. Trev was my instructor and he is brilliant. He definitely knows how to give you the best experience. Ground staff Alice and Stacey were extremely helpful too’
Nikita
Tandem Skydive
‘Could not of asked for a better weekend, after arranging for Humberside and South Yorkshire army cadets to do a static line course for 16 participants from start to finish Netheravon have been absolutely fantastic! I have cadets saying best experience in their whole entire life, I have adults saying they don’t want to jump anywhere else but Netheravon. The food was delicious, the instructors for the course were brilliant and we could not be more grateful!’
Gemma
Static Line
‘First ever skydive and it was an incredible experience! All team members that we interacted with with were kind and welcoming and instructors definitely make you feel in safe hands. A huge thank you to Stacie my tandem partner, you were amazing, and to Simon the camera man for doing a great job in documenting an unforgettable moment.’
Carley
Tandem Skydive
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