You must be 18 years of age or older to participate. Even with parental consent, we cannot allow minors to jump – sorry! There is no maximum age limit, but you need to be in reasonably good physical condition and will be required to sign a medical statement.
The equipment is designed to fit a variety of people who are height-weight proportionate. Generally, you should not weigh more than 220 lbs. Being height-weight proportionate is more of a factor than your actual weight. We can sometimes take very fit (and tall) individuals who weigh up to 250 pounds. A surcharge of $15-$25 applies for weights over 220. (You can consider this a built-in tip) Absolute Max: Female 210. Male 250.
A typical skydiver flying in a belly-to-earth position falls 109-120 MPH… about 1000 feet every 6 seconds. Skydivers intentionally attempting to achieve high speeds have reached 270 MPH and beyond!
Skydiving, like other adventure sports, is inherently dangerous; however, with careful planning and attention to detail, millions of accident-free skydives take place each year. Today’s modern equipment, computerized back up safety devices, and modern techniques have helped make skydiving safer than ever before. That said, accidents can and do still occur even when all precautions are taken. You must be willing to assume this risk.
You should wear street clothes appropriate for the weather. Wear covered shoes (not sandals) that will stay on in 120 MPH winds. You should not wear boots with hooks on them, and no high heels (especially on the guys!). We will provide you with a skydiving jumpsuit, goggles, gloves if needed, and headwear — if desired.
You should make a reservation, though we do take walk-ins for tandem jumps if time permits. We jump most Saturdays and Sundays. Call for availability. Reservations require a non-refundable $50 deposit. If you cannot keep your appointment, your deposit is forfeited. If the School of Human Flight cannot provide your scheduled jump due to weather, unexpected aircraft maintenance, or pilot/instructor difficulties, you will receive a rain check good for 1 year from the originally-scheduled jump date. To reserve, call (850) 627-7643.
We are currently flying a Cessna 182 Aircraft. These aircraft can carry 2 tandem pairs at a time. While you can usually share the flight with a friend, safety considerations still prevent you from getting within 1/4 mile of each other while in freefall.
We have skydived with many people with various handicaps. While each individual case must be studied for possibilities, we want to help you realize your dream and will work something out if possible. Please call us!
Your instructors, pilot and parachute packers/riggers have invested thousands of dollars in training and equipment and all work very hard to provide you with a safe and memorable experience. Tipping is definitely not mandatory, however if you feel that your crew did a great job for you, and want to show your appreciation, by all means let them know it… with a nice note or card or a tip if you wish. Please place tips in the tip/comment jar in manifest (the small building where you sign in) as we do split tips amongst the whole crew.
No problem – we can work with you! You can join our AFF program or our Tandem Progression (IAF)Program. We will evaluate your previous training to determine where you fit into our USPA Integrated Student Progression. You will need to provide proof of your previous experience such as logbooks and/or video. Some Drop Zones (even big ones) cut corners on their student training and use old, worn, and outdated systems with old-technology parachutes. At the School of Human Flight, you will be jumping state-of-the art, freefly-friendly Mirage container systems and flying modern zero-porosity canopies. Sometimes we also encounter skydiving students who’s previous instructors did not invest the time or effort in teaching them thoroughly; skipping important modules like parachute packing, gear checks and spotting the aircraft. Don’t worry – it’s never too late! We will spend the necessary time to get you “up to speed”.
You don’t have to! While in freefall, your pores act like the gills of the fish, absorbing air and making it unnecessary to breathe. (Just Kidding)
We care about you as an individual and consider each new skydiver a potential friend. We respect your time and will not lie to you as some operators do. If the weather is bad, we will do our best to save you a drive. We schedule our jumps in such a way as to minimize your wait time. Our instructors are highly-trained, properly licensed and rated family men with professional attitudes towards you and your safety. Our large, unobstructed landing area features nearly 2 square miles of flat, mowed grass, free of obstacles- Our pilots possess Airline Transport Pilot Ratings – the highest rating issued by the FAA – and are among the most experienced in the country at flying for skydiving operations. Our aircraft are regularly and properly maintained to FAA Commercial operation standards. We have been in operation here for over 20 years and local skydivers have been jumping at this location for over 30 years. We have an excellent safety record. And… we love you, man!
Conversation in Freefall:
It’s way too loud. At 120 MPH, the wind in your face won’t stop you from talking, but no one’s going to hear you!
5 Minute Freefalls:
The average freefall time is from 45-75 seconds, depending on your altitude. Anything longer than that requires specially-equipped aircraft and supplemental oxygen.
Acrobatics and Group (Relative) Work on Your First Jump:
Things like this take practice. You won’t participate in a formation until your basic skydiving skills have developed.
Low Pull Contests:
“When people look like ants, PULL; when ants look like people, PRAY.” These just don’t happen because the risk of death is too great. Except for those crazy BASE jumpers, all USPA members are required to open their parachute by 2000 feet above the ground.
Diving Out & Catching Someone without a Parachute:
Stunts similar to this have been done; however, it is almost impossible to hold onto someone during the opening of a parachute when at terminal velocity.