Meet Our Instructors
We Are USAPR
We’re passionate perfectionists.
We’re a small but mighty team with a very specific goal. We’re not interested in being the biggest rigging operation, just the best. And USAPR’s more than 20 years in service to civilian and military communities worldwide is proof positive that we’re well on our way.
Collectively, our instructors have nearly 100 years of skydiving experience and over 90 years of rigging experience. We are proud to be considered as authority figures in our field, and we are unwavering in our commitment to disseminate our rich and extensive knowledge of:
- Packing and sewing techniques
- Sewing machine technology
- Canopy, harness and container alterations, repair and overhaul
USAPR Instructors
Founder, President/CEO & Course Director
Sandy Reid
Originally from Kalamazoo, Sandy joined the US Marine Corps as an introverted 19 year old and – after two combat tours in Vietnam – emerged from the 3rd Recon Battalion as a highly-decorated Sergeant. A year later in 1970, Sandy started skydiving. He earned his Senior Rigger certificate in 1971 and his Master Rigger wings in 1974.
After working on the manufacturing side of the industry, including roles with Relative Workshop (UPT), Sky Supplies (Mirage), PISA (Aerodyne) and Westgaard Parachute, in 1985 Sandy and his wife Brenda launched Rigging Innovations. Their initial product, the Talon, was a massive success and numerous innovative iterations followed – all of which were noted for their comfort. Sandy earned his appointment as an FAA Designated Manufacturing Inspection Representative (DMIR) in 1986.
Having relocated from California to Arizona in 1999, Sandy established the US Academy of Parachute Rigging in 2000 and was appointed as an FAA Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner (DPRE) in 2006. Since founding USAPR, Sandy and his team have trained more than 350 recreational and tactical Senior and Master Riggers from all over the world.
Sandy has been an active member of the Parachute Industry Association (PIA) since 1984 and has attended every PIA International Parachute Symposium since 1981. He served on the PIA Technical Committee for 14 years, and he has authored numerous guides including the 2005 edition of the Parachute Rigger Handbook.
Sandy has more than 4,200 jumps and is a licensed private pilot.
Chief Instructor
Mark Baur
Mark’s first skydive was a static line jump in 1978 while actively serving in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Within a year, Mark earned his D license, and soon after, in 1980, he earned his FAA Senior Rigger certificate. By 1982, he was a licensed Master Rigger.
His love for the sport and inherent teaching skills prompted him to garner numerous instructor ratings over time, including Coach Examiner and AFF, Tandem and Static-Line Instructor Examiner. Sandy and Mark have been industry collaborators since 2006. Together, they co-construct and annually co-deliver rigging courses between September and April, and during the high season, Mark runs his own loft, Parachute Magic at Skydive Twin Cities located in Baldwin, Wisconsin. Mark was appointed as an FAA DPRE in 2009.
Mark has long been an active member of the PIA, including serving eight years as Chair of the Rigging Committee. He published The Integrated Guide to Parachute Rigger Tests in 2017, commonly known as “The Green Book”, which is considered an indispensable guide for candidates. In 2018, Mark was awarded the USPA Gold Medal for Meritorious Service for his “contributions and innovations in parachute rigging and equipment, and for many years of teaching and mentoring riggers and skydiving instructors to improve the skill levels of all involved.”
Mark has more than 6,500 jumps and is a commercial pilot (4,000 hours), rated in airplanes, helicopters, and gliders, and holds an FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate.
USAPR Administration
Vice President & Administrator
Brenda Reid
Originally from Pretoria, South Africa, Brenda started skydiving Pietermaritzburg in 1975 – after insisting on first learning how to pack her own parachute. Despite being forced to complete 29 static line jumps before a single freefall jump, two years later she was named Secretary of the Parachuting Section, Aero Club of South Africa.
After years of competitive jumping and freefall awards, Brenda and Sandy married and moved to the US in 1980. In 1987, she earned her National Judges Rating and 10 years later she authored the Manual for the IPC Judges Training Program, which was adopted by the International Parachuting Commission in 1998.
Over the course of her career, Brenda has served as a principal judge, training judge, event judge and chief judge at national, international and world championship competitions. She was chair of the Judges Committee, Collegiate Committee and Competition Committee, and was appointed as USPA IPC delegate in 2001. In 2005, Brenda was awarded with the FAI Gold Medal for her contributions to judging and as an IPC delegate by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale.
In 2015, Brenda was inducted into the Skydiving Hall of Fame following nearly 30 years as a skydiver and 16 as an internationally respected judge in recognition of her leadership, innovation and outstanding achievements that have defined, promoted, inspired and advanced skydiving at the highest and sustained levels.
Brenda has more than 1,000 jumps and is a licensed private pilot.
