The 2017 USPA Nationals were held at Skydive Perris, CA. AXIS Flight School members Brianne Thompson and Niklas Daniel entered three separate events: VFS open, MFS open, and Speed.

In the 4-way VFS category there were 3 teams in open, and 4 in advanced. After completing close to 400 training jumps at Skydive Arizona, and spending about 30 hours in the Skyventure Arizona wind tunnel, the team finished 3rd with a competition average of 14.20.

Left to right: Johnny Gunn, Seth Studer, Keith Fournier, Brianne Thompson, Niklas Daniel

VFS Competition draw, recreated using the AXIS draw generator:

(VFS team Arizona X-FORCE by David Wybenga)

In the MFS category there were 6 teams in open, and 8 in advanced. This is the first time AXIS competed in MFS at the USPA nationals. Without having trained this year, the team walked away with a 12 point average and a 4th place finish.

Left to right: Brianne Thompson, Keith Fournier (video), Niklas Daniel

MFS Competition draw, recreated using the AXIS draw generator:

The speed category had its largest USA turn out ever, with 15 competitors on the roster. Though speed is not an official USPA event, it is a FAI recognized world event. Therefore the discipline is still considered a “test event” in the states, because past participation has been very low. However, this competition was a qualifier for the World Championships that will take place next year at Australia’s Gold Coast.

Brianne Thompson ended up collecting 3 records as the fastest female in several categories: State (CA), Nationals (USA), and Continental (North America). Flying at 347.05km/h, approximately 216mph, in round 2. Nik’s best round was his first, with a speed of 447.32km/h (approximately 278mph).

Congratulations to all participants, and a big thank you to all our sponsors for their continued support!