Skydiving Cost

Typical costs:

• Tandem^[1] jumping typically costs $100-$260, depending on location and takes about an hour of training after signing a multi-page waiver. The student is harnessed to a professional skydiver who controls all aspects of the dive from the plane, through the five minutes of falling to landing. Static-line^[2] jumps require 4-5 hours of training and cost about $85-$190 per jump. The student makes the dive alone; however, a line attached from the plane to the diver's pack opens the chute and the student drifts to the ground.
• Accelerated Free Fall^[3] costs about $250 for the first jump, depending on location, and is a common first step for jumpers wishing to attain skydiving "A" licensed status. Seven levels of AFF training costs about $1,500-$2,500, depending on location and typically includes 7-10 jumps. It takes about 10-15 jumps for the student to be cleared to dive without supervision and about 25 jumps to earn an "A" license.
• Jump tickets for licensed skydiving enthusiasts cost about $18-$35 per jump, depending on the drop zone location. This covers the cost of the ride to altitude. No equipment is included.
• Wind tunnels^[4] are one way to experience the sensation of parachuting without the inherent dangers. Virtual or indoor skydiving in a wind tunnel costs about $20-$30 per minute.

• Training varies according to the type of skydiving involved, but in each case all equipment, jumpsuit, instruction and the ride to altitude are included. While the student is harnessed to the instructor during tandem jumping, AFF dives are completed as two unconnected instructors hold either side, guiding the novice through parachute deployment. An all-day private or semi-private session occurs prior to the first AFF jump.

• While not mandatory, tipping the instructor is often appreciated and costs about $20-$40, depending on location and price of jump.
• Videos of the jump cost about $60-$100, depending on location; photos cost $20-$100 or more depending on location and photo sizes. The cost covers more than the price of the film as the photographer must leap from the plane at the same time as the student. In tandem jumps, the instructor may wear a wrist-mounted video camera.
• Renting student-level parachute and rigging costs about $20-$25, depending on location, after the jumper is certified to dive unsupervised. Purchasing gear^[5] costs about $5,000-$9,000, depending on manufacturer and typically includes the main and reserve canopies, altimeter, goggles and helmet.

• Buying a group package of four or more typically reduces the per person cost by $10 or save up to $20 each for groups of 18 or more.
• At many locations receive $10-$20 off for paying cash, active military or if a student.
• Weekday jumps typically cost about $10 per jump less than on the weekend.

• Find a drop zone by state through the US Parachute Association, an independent organization recognized by the Federal Aviation Association. Companies belonging to the USPA have pledged to follow all regulations governing skydiving. Pilots and parachute riggers are certified by the FAA.
• The USPA also has copies of the USPA Skydiver's Information Manual^[6] available online.

1.  www.skydiving.com/tandem-skydiving.php
2.  www.skydivingcenter.net/Static_Line.html
3.  www.uspa.org/BecomeaSkydiver/ChooseaMethod/tabid/65/Default.aspx
4.  www.skydivingmagazine.com/windtunl.htm
5.  www.uspa.org/Portals/0/Downloads/Newsletters/Buying%20Gear%20Jan%2009.pdf
6.  www.uspa.org/SIM/tabid/161/Default.aspx

Check Out All Costs for Sports & Fitness		How Much Does an Elliptical Machine Cost?		How Much Does a Tent Cost?		How Much Do Gymnastics Classes Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Who is planning your big holiday event? A catering company may be able to help. Need help uncovering your driveway? You may need a snow removal service. A space heater can keep you warm on chilly December nights. Need an alternative way to stay warm this winter? Try a pellet stove. According to Consumer Reports, November is a good time to buy baby products, like playpens.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Power Washing Paid: 280.00 Highly recommended.Jerry came and gave a free estimate. They pressure washed my walkway and driveway which is nice size and patio area. Did a fantastic job... [more] -John Anderson Pressure Washing Cost Married license Paid: 42.00 We getting married... [more] -Christina battles Marriage Certificate Cost annual physical Paid: 160.00 annual physical, did routine check, I ask about some cancer screenings, did some blood work, went back a week later. told me I was fine... [more] - Annual Physical Cost Neuter mix breed male puppy Paid: 580.00 Just got this estimate for my scheduled procedure this week. So glad I looked here. It does include an overnight stay but this just sounds exorbitant... [more] -Florida Pup Dog Spay or Neuter Cost Snake problem Paid: 0.00 Good smack with a shovel problems solved... [more] - Snake Removal Cost Extraction & Bone graft Paid: 4200.00 12 teeth (upper) extracted. Felt pain of every tooth being pulled. Worse Dental experience ever. Had Novocain and Laughing gas. Told dentists I was in pain and she just kept shooting more Novocain into my gums. Told a total of 5 hours... [more] -denydisco3 Dental Bone Graft Cost