Interested in learning to skydive but have questions? Our Learn to Skydive FAQ page is designed to answer the most commonly asked questions we receive from prospective student skydivers.

Please review the questions and answers below prior to beginning your training program. If you have questions that are not addressed here, please feel free to contact us. Our team would be happy to answer your questions! 605-274-9970

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Am I required to make a tandem skydive in order to participate in the Static Line Course?

No. Making a tandem skydive is not a requirement to enroll in the Static Line course. However, it is highly recommended as the experience prepares skydiving students for the Static Line jump. Tandem jumps serve as an excellent opportunity to skydiving candidates to determine whether they enjoy the sport and wish to make the financial and time commitment to exploring it.

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Is there a weight limit for Static Line jumps?

Students interested in participating in our First Jump Course / Static Line Progression, must weigh no more than 230 lbs. If you are concerned about your weight, please call us at 605-274-9970 to discuss whether we can accommodate you.

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How long does the first jump course take?

Expect to spend the whole day at the drop zone. Typically you are done with your classroom work by 1:00 or 2:00 and will jump in the afternoon-weather permitting.

 

How does Static Line work?

A Static Line jump is defined as "a parachute jump during which deployment of the parachute is initiated by a Static Line attached to the aircraft." The Static Line jump is the “traditional” way to learn to skydive. Here at Skydive Adventures, we have classes throughout the season, taught by USPA licensed Instructors.

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If I enroll in the Static Line, how often should I be jumping?

To remain current you must jump once every 30 days. Jumping outside of this window will require Static Line students to repeat the last successfully completed skydive. Like any activity, staying actively engaged with an activity allows for skills progression.

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What is required to attain an A license?

A minimum of 25 jumps and successful demonstration of the skills outlined in the integrated Student Program is required to attain an A license. If the student has completed a tandem skydive, the tandem is included in this 25 jump requirement.

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How long does it take to get my A license?

The truth is, it depends on you. Some people have completed the required jumps through the course of a few months while others have completed it in a year. Weather, budget, and time all factor into students completing the Static Line course expeditiously.

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Is learning to skydive difficult?

The challenge of learning to skydive is different for different people, but with commitment success is attainable. The number one cause for skydivers struggling through the program is due to a lack of preparation. Visualizing the necessary objectives, studying, and practicing prior to making your Static Line jump will increase success greatly.

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How do I land the parachute if I've never skydived before?

All Static Line skydiving students will be wearing a radio; allowing our ground crew to give step-by-step instructions to correctly fly a landing pattern and to help initiate the flare sequence for an easier landing.

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Are the weather restrictions for licensed skydivers different than the restrictions for students?

Yes. This can be frustrating for students learning to skydive who are grounded (usually on a wind hold) when others are still jumping. As skydivers become more experienced restrictions are lifted. It's important to not be frustrated by it: this is for your safety. A wise skydiver once said, “It’s better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air than in the air wishing you were on the ground.”

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What should I wear?

All Static Line students will be outfitted with jumpsuits that go over regular clothing. Please do not wear anything bulky and dress appropriately to match the ground temperatures outside. On colder days, wear layers and avoid wearing bulky jackets or hoodies. Closed-toe shoes (sneakers) are ideal. Don’t wear boots with hooks or steel-toed boots (unless they are blue)

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Who may participate in the Static Line?

Students must be at least 18 years old, reasonably fit, weigh no more than 230 pounds and be able to pull control toggles with at least 22 pounds of downward force from overhead to groin.

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Are there any strength or physical requirements in order to participate in the Static Line?

While students don’t need to be super athletic to skydive they need to be in reasonable physical condition.  In particular, students need enough strength to be able to pull the steering controls of the parachute or other handles from a completely extended position overhead to the groin, which requires at least 22 pounds of force.  This ensures that students can control their parachute and/or operate emergency handles in the event of a malfunction. If a student has a medical condition including but not limited to the heart or orthopedic problems, we may need a letter from their physician clearing them to jump.

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Can I get a video or photos of my Static Line skydives?

Sometimes. An instructor may have a camera to get video, but the focus of the skydive is on training.

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What time of the day does the Static Line class start?

Start time for Static Line classes is 8 a.m. on weekends, April through October.

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If enrolling in the first jump course for Static Line, will I jump on the same day?

Yes, students jump the same day (weather permitting). The first part of the day is spent going through a First Jump Course (FJC).  The course is a series of lectures, demonstrations, and training activities to prepare students for their first jump. It is an extremely thorough course and takes about 6-8 hours to complete.  After successfully meeting all of the training objectives, students will be able to do the first jump that same day. Plan on a full day at the drop zone for the FJC.

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What equipment is supplied for the Static Line program?

You will be supplied with all of the equipment you need for the first several Static Line jumps. This includes an altimeter, jumpsuit, helmet, goggles, wireless radio, and a parachute system.  Eventually, you will need to buy your own helmet, goggles, altimeter, and a logbook.

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What do I need to bring for the Static Line course?

You will need comfortable clothing; including appropriate footwear and fluids to stay hydrated throughout the day. Each person making a skydive MUST bring a government-issued identification to jump. Note: there are NO EXCEPTIONS on this policy. 

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Can I bring my own camera on my skydive?

No. Under no circumstance may a student bring a camera on a skydive. The Basic Safety Requirements mandated by the United States Parachute Association (USPA) prohibits people with less than 200 jumps to wear any camera gear on their person or equipment. Cameras create a snag hazard during parachute opening and are a danger to untrained users.

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If your question isn't listed above, please give us a call, 605-274-9970