An Extraordinary Honor — and a Serious Responsibility

To jump in Normandy and/or the Netherlands during commemorative operations is among the greatest honors a parachutist can experience. These are not recreational events.

They are acts of remembrance

Every exit from a C-47 and every canopy opening over historic drop zones is done in tribute to the Allied paratroopers who jumped into combat—many of whom never returned. The freedoms we enjoy today were bought at extraordinary human cost, and Round Canopy Parachuting Team exists to ensure that sacrifice is remembered with dignity, discipline, and respect.

Because of this, participation in European commemorations with gear from RCPT-USA is not as simple as enrolling in a class, renting a parachute, and traveling overseas.

Using RCPT-USA gear in these operations require:

• Proficiency in static-line, round-canopy parachuting
• Currency and continued participation in RCPT-USA training and domestic operations
• Demonstrated commitment to the team, its standards, and its mission
• Respect for finite equipment and volunteer resources that must support U.S. training, domestic commemorations, and overseas deployments alike

RCPT-USA is not a parachute tourism provider. We are a 100% volunteer, heritage-driven organization entrusted with preserving airborne history through safe, disciplined, historically grounded operations. Jumping in Normandy or the Netherlands with RCPT-USA gear is earned through preparation, experience, and sustained involvement—not purchased.

We ask all members and prospective participants to approach these commemorations with humility and patience, understanding that eligibility does not guarantee availability of parachutes, and that standards exist to protect the the equipment, mission, and the legacy we honor.

To those who train, volunteer, pack, rig, manifest, recover equipment, and support others year after year—this is how we honor those who went before us.

Team members are welcome to participate with their own gear in accordance with the prospective European chapters guidelines. 

RCPT-USA Equipment Rental Expectations for European Commemorative Jumps

Participation in European commemorative operations with RCPT-USA gear requires more than a desire to jump overseas. Access to this equipment is earned through preparation, proficiency, and sustained participation.

Equipment Eligibility Is Required — Not Assumed

To be considered for parachute rental, a member must:

• Be a current RCPT-USA member in good standing
• Have actively participated in RCPT-USA events, not solely enrolled for a single overseas objective.  This is defined as participating in at least two (2) proficiency events in the preceding 36 months. 
• Meet all RCPT-USA training, currency, and safety requirements
• Demonstrate proficiency in static-line, steerable, round-canopy parachuting 
• Meet minimum jump experience requirements by having a minimum of 10 Static Line steerable Round Canopy jumps within the last 36 months

Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee parachute availability.

Equipment Availability Is Limited

RCPT-USA maintains a finite number of parachute systems, many of which are simultaneously required for:

• Domestic training events
• Currency jumps
• U.S. commemorative operations
• Overseas deployments

Each European deployment places stress on equipment and requires extensive logistics, recovery, inspection, and repacking. Loss, damage, or delayed return directly affects the entire team.

Rental Is a Privilege, Not a Transaction

RCPT-USA equipment is not commercial rental gear. It is issued only to members who demonstrate:

• Reliability and accountability
• Respect for timelines and recovery requirements
• Willingness to support the broader mission beyond personal participation

Deposits, fees, and return requirements exist to protect the team and the mission, not to create barriers.

European Commemorative Participation — Important Clarification

European commemorative jump operations are planned, organized, and executed by our European partner chapters in coordination with local authorities. RCPT-USA does not control, manifest, schedule, or operate jump activities in Europe, and therefore cannot guarantee participation in any overseas commemorative event.

RCPT-USA is not a “jump tourism” organization. Participation in European commemorations is not an automatic outcome of training, membership, or payment. Selection and participation decisions rest with the host organizations and are based on operational requirements and available capacity.

Prospective participants are encouraged to engage early, train consistently, and approach European commemorations as a long-term objective, rather than a short-term or transactional expectation.

Understanding the RCPT-USA Parachute Rental Agreement

Members approved to receive RCPT-USA parachute equipment for European commemorative operations are required to execute a Parachute Rental Agreement and Waiver of Liability. This agreement exists to protect the membership, the equipment, and the long-term mission of RCPT-USA.

The agreement is not optional and must be fully executed before any equipment is issued.

Rental Tiers and Deposits

The agreement defines two deposit tiers based on prior European participation:

Tier 1 - Preferred Deposit.  This applies to members who:

•  Have previously jumped with RCPT-USA at a European commemorative event, and
•  Are returning to Normandy or the Netherlands to jump again, and
•  Have rented RCPT-USA Gear and returned in a timely serviceable manner.

Tier 2 - First Time European Event Deposit.  This applies to members who:

•  Are RCPT-USA members and meet all rental criteria, but
•  Have not previously participated in a European commemorative jump with RCPT-USA and,
•  Have never rented RCPT-USA gear for overseas participation

PARACHUTE RENTAL CHARGES

Tier 1 - Returning Renters.   

RCPT-USA agrees to rent a parachute to the Renter for the agreed-upon fee of $300, with an additional refundable deposit of $2500. The total payment of $2800 is due in full at the time of rental.  All or part of the deposit will be forfeited if the equipment is not returned on time, in proper condition, or otherwise fails to meet the terms of the rental agreement.

Tier 2 - First Time European Event Renters.  

RCPT-USA agrees to rent a parachute to the Renter for the agreed-upon fee of $300, with an additional refundable replacement cost of $5000. The total payment of $5300 is due in full at the time of rental.  All or part of the deposit will  be forfeited if the equipment is not returned on time, in proper condition, or otherwise fails to meet the terms of the agreement.

What Equipment Is Issued

The rental package includes a complete parachute system and associated components, issued only after inspection and packing by an FAA-certified rigger. Members are responsible for all issued items from pickup until return.

Pickup, Shipping, and Handling

• Preferred pickup is in Palatka, Florida
• Shipping may be approved on a limited basis and includes additional fees
• Shipping is not available within four weeks of a scheduled event

Members assume responsibility for the equipment from the moment it is issued.

Use, Care, and Return Requirements

Rented equipment must:

• Be used in accordance with RCPT-USA training and safety guidance
• Be returned unpacked, complete, and in the same condition as issued
• Be returned by the agreed-upon date

Late returns or missing components result in automatic deductions from the deposit. Significant damage or loss may result in forfeiture of all or part of the deposit.

Liability and Risk Acknowledgment

The agreement includes a waiver of liability acknowledging the inherent risks of parachuting. Members accept full responsibility for their participation and agree that RCPT-USA is not liable for injury, loss, or damage arising from use of the equipment.

European Commemorative Jumps — Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

1.  Why is RCPT-USA equipment limited for European events?

RCPT-USA maintains a finite inventory of parachute systems that must support domestic training, currency jumps, U.S. commemorative operations, and overseas deployments. European events place significant logistical demands on equipment, including transport, recovery, inspection, and repacking. Availability is therefore limited and cannot be guaranteed for every eligible member.

2.  Why are equipment deposits required?

Deposits exist to protect the team’s shared equipment and resources. European deployments involve increased risk of loss, damage, delayed return, or shipping complications. Deposits help ensure accountability and allow RCPT-USA to maintain equipment readiness for the entire membership.

3.  Does meeting training and eligibility requirements guarantee a European jump?

No. Meeting RCPT-USA training, currency, and experience requirements makes a member eligible for consideration for RCPT-USA team rental gear, but it does not guarantee participation in any European commemorative jump. European operations are run by host organizations and are subject to local approvals, aircraft availability, and operational limits.

4.  Does RCPT-USA organize or manifest European jumps?

No. RCPT-USA does not organize, manifest, or operate jump activities in Europe. All European commemorative operations are planned and executed by European partner chapters in coordination with local authorities. RCPT-USA’s role is limited to training, qualification, and equipment stewardship.

5.  What is expected of members who hope to participate in European commemorations?

Members are expected to:

• Maintain training currency and demonstrated proficiency
• Participate regularly in RCPT-USA domestic events
• Respect equipment timelines, handling requirements, and return policies
• Approach European commemorations with patience, professionalism, and respect for their historical significance

European commemorative participation should be viewed as a long-term objective, not a guaranteed outcome of membership, training, or payment.