FAQ's

Below is a list of the questions that we are often asked by people who are contemplating jumping out of a perfectly good airplane for the first time! If having read through these questions as well as the information on this site, you still have questions, please feel free to call us on 01869 278706 or send us an email.

All courses are available to people who are complete beginners. Your motivation for doing the jump may influence your choice of course. If you are looking to experience the thrill of skydiving maybe for charity or as a complete one off, with minimal training, then the Tandem Skydive course would the most appropriate choice. If you would like to add to the satisfaction by doing the jump yourself, then a Static Line jump or Accelerated Free Fall course would be better. Both courses require a minimum of 6 hours of training and enable you to progress in the sport after your first jump.

Are there any restrictions?

There are weight limits for each course at each centre. They do vary, so please check the weight limits at your chosen centre before booking your course.

Can I jump with a disability?

Disabilities do not necessarily need to stop you from skydiving. Call us to discuss with one of our instructors and we will be able to best advice you.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Skydiving like most aviation sports is weather dependent. In accordance with BS rules and regulations, our centres must operate within strict safety limits with regards to cloud cover and wind speeds. If the weather is deemed unsuitable you will be given the opportunity to re-schedule your booking for another time at your convenience. We always advise customers to select their nearest skydiving centre just in case a repeat trip is required. Refunds are not given if the weather is unsuitable on the day. See terms and conditions page for more details.

How long will I have to wait to jump on the day? Can you give me an exact time slot?

We understand that it is helpful to know when you are likely to jump especially if you have friends and family coming to see you jump. Some centres will be able to give you approximate time slots, however please be advised that weather conditions can affect these times. If your supporters are travelling separately, we usually advise that they aim to arrive 1 hour – 1.5 hours after your designated arrival time.

If you are doing a Tandem, plan for it to be an all day activity. All centres have catering facilities and you can check the locations page for information on the local amenities to keep your supporters entertained should there be a wait. If you are doing a Static Line or AFF course, you will have a minimum of 6 hours of ground training to complete first. Depending on the weather and time of year, you may get the opportunity to jump the same day. However you should plan for this to be a 2 day activity.

What height will I jump from?

Static Line jumpers will exit the plane from 3,200 – 3,500 feet. Tandem and AFF jumpers exit at a minimum of 10,000 feet and at some centres you will fly as high as 13,000 – 15,000 feet, depending on local air traffic control restrictions and the cloud base.

Do I need insurance?

The cost of your course will automatically cover you for the BS 3rd party insurance up to £10,000,000. For a summary of the policy including details of the personal accident benefits, please refer to the latest BS Insurance Summary Document. If you wish to take out additional personal injury cover, there are plenty of companies providing this service.

How safe is skydiving?

Your safety is our top priority. We only operate from centres which are affiliated to and work in accordance with British Skydiving (BS) rules and regulations. All instructors are BS qualified, are extremely experienced and are current in accordance with the annual renewal policy. The equipment used is of high quality and maintained to meticulous standards. Training is to the highest standards and in the case of Static Line and AFF which involve solo descents, you must pass a written exam before being allowed to jump. The plane is operated in accordance with CAA. We only jump when the weather conditions are suitable and safe to do so.  

Equipment

Equipment used is regularly maintained in accordance with BS regulations and is checked prior to every jump. Each course requires the use of a dual parachute system consisting of a main and reserve parachute. Safety back up systems include an automatic reserve opening device (brand names include Cyprus and Vigil) which will operate in extreme circumstances. If you are a Static Line or AFF student you will be given a back up radio enabling an instructor on the ground to assist you during you canopy descent to the ground.

Can I jump if I wear contact lenses or glasses?

You will be issued with goggles that comfortably fit over glasses and help to keep contact lenses in place.

Can I breathe in free fall?

You may feel like you gasp for air on exiting the aircraft especially if it is particularly cold. However you will be able to breathe quite normally during your descent to the point you won't even think about it!

What clothes should I wear?

Ensure that your clothes are comfortable and loose fitting. If it is a cold day, wrap up warm. In the summer you can get away with just shorts and a t-shirt. You will also be given a jumpsuit to fit over your clothes. The Static Line and AFF courses can get quite energetic, so layers that you can take off are advisable. Comfortable shoes preferably trainers are advisable. Open toes or shoes with hooks are not allowed

Will I be able to jump with my friend?

If you are part of a group and have a preference as to who you share your experience with on the plane, make us aware of this at the time of your booking as well as remind the centre on your arrival. The centre will do their best to make this happen, however please appreciate that sometimes it is out of their control. Weight limits, the number of people requesting video plus the plane re-fuel schedule can sometimes affect the manifest system. If you can’t go up in the same plane as your friend, you can cheer them as they come in to land!

Can I get my skydive videoed?

If you are doing a Tandem Skydive or an AFF level 1 Skydive why not request for your jump to be filmed so that you can capture the memories to share with family and friends? Make us aware that you would like your skydive videoed at the time of booking. You may also be able to decide on the day. The cost of video including camera stills varies from centre to centre, and is payable direct to the centre on the day of the skydive. We will notify you of the cost when we send you your confirmation documents. Please be advised that prices quoted are correct at the time of sending you your documents. You can change your mind on the day of your skydive.

Can I take a Go Pro on the jump and film the skydive myself?

We are often asked whether you can take a Go Pro or other small camera devise on your skydive. Unfortunately, these cameras can pose as an entanglement hazard and so you will not be allowed to take with you on the jump. It is worth noting that any footage gained by yourself using such devices would not be of the same quality as the footage gained by a professional videographer accompanying you on your skydive. Ask us for more details on video + stills packages at the time of booking.

How much will my jump cost and why does it vary from centre to centre?

Jump costs will vary from centre to centre. This is because each centre has different operating costs based on the type and size of plane they use. Go to our Prices Page for a list of costs for each skydiving course at each centre.

Can I jump this weekend?

If you can't wait to experience the thrill of skydiving, call us now on 01869 278706 and we will be able to advise if there are any places available at your chosen centre. Some centres do get booked up at the weekends very quickly, so if you have a particular weekend in mind, don’t delay and go to our Booking Page. If you are restricted to a particular date, please check availability with us first BEFORE booking.