Will I experience a falling sensation like I do on roller coasters?
Amazingly enough, NO! Don't believe us? Ask anybody who's done it. You'll
just feel like you're flying.
How do I learn to skydive? Start with one or two tandem jumps,
and then if you liked those, progress on through AFF.
What are the age requirements?
The minimum age to begin skydiving is 18. The maximum age is dead. As long
as you're between one of these two, come on out.
What are the physical requirements?
In general, the prospective student should be in reasonably good physical
shape, this is a sport after all. You will be required wear around 35 lbs
of equipment, endure opening shock, maneuver the canopy, land, and possibly
trudge great distances on foot. First time jumpers cannot weigh more than
215 lbs (after all the parachute has to carry you AND your instructor). Someone
who experiences fainting spells, blackouts, or has a weak heart should not
be jumping. Someone with respiratory illness may have a problem due to atmospheric
changes at altitude. The better your physical condition, the more you will
enjoy the experience. This being said, very few people have medical or physical
conditions which actually preclude jumping.
What if my parachute doesn't open? FAA regulations require that all intentional parachute jumps must be made
with a single harness, dual parachute system with both a main canopy AND a
reserve canopy. In other words, you have a second (or spare) canopy in case
the first one fails to open properly.
However, it must be noted that the technology utilized in today's sport parachuting
equipment is light years ahead of the old military surplus gear used in the
'60s and '70s. The canopies are drastically different from the classic G.I.
Joe round parachutes. The materials are stronger, lighter and last longer,
the packing procedures are simpler, the deployment sequence is much more refined,
etc.
The reserve canopies are even more carefully designed and packed. The reserve
parachute must be inspected and repacked every 120 days by an USPA
rated parachute Rigger - even if it has not been used during that time.
There are also additional safety features employed to ensure canopy deployment
such as Automatic Activation Devices (AAD) and Reserve Static Lines (RSL)
which add still more layers of safety.
How fast do you fall? When you leave the aircraft, you are moving horizontally at the same speed
as the aircraft, typically 80MPH. During the first 10 seconds, a skydiver
accelerates up to about 115-130MPH straight down.
How hard is the landing? The aerodynamics of the modern rectangular canopy provide it with exceptional
maneuverability. This wing shape also provides tippy-toe soft landings for
even the novice jumper. The days of landing like a sack of flour are history.
Many students land standing up on their first jump.
