## What Does It Take to Get a Skydiving License?
Skydiving is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience, but it’s important to remember that it’s also a serious activity that requires proper training and certification. If you’re dreaming of jumping out of a plane with nothing but the air beneath you, here’s what you need to know about getting a skydiving license.
### Step 1: Choose a Skydiving School
The first step is to find a reputable skydiving school. There are many schools all over the country, so you can choose one that’s convenient for you. It’s important to do your research and make sure that the school is well-established and has a good safety record.
### Step 2: Take a Ground School Course
Once you’ve chosen a school, you’ll need to take a ground school course. This course will teach you the basics of skydiving, including how to pack a parachute, how to exit a plane, and how to land safely. The course typically takes about 4-8 hours to complete.
### Step 3: Make Your First Jump
After you’ve completed ground school, you’re ready to make your first jump! This is typically a tandem jump, which means you’ll be attached to a certified instructor who will guide you through the entire jump. The jump itself usually takes about 60 seconds, but the freefall portion lasts for about 30 seconds.
### Step 4: Continue Training
After your first jump, you’ll need to continue training in order to get your skydiving license. This training typically consists of a series of jumps, each of which will build on the skills you learned in the previous jump. The number of jumps required for a license varies depending on the school, but it’s typically around 25-30 jumps.
### Step 5: Pass a Skill Test
Once you’ve completed the required number of jumps, you’ll need to pass a skill test in order to get your license. The test typically consists of a series of maneuvers, such as freefalling, canopy control, and landing.
### Step 6: Get Your License
Once you’ve passed the skill test, you’ll be issued a skydiving license. This license will allow you to jump anywhere in the world.
### What are the Requirements to Get a Skydiving License?
In order to get a skydiving license, you must:
Be at least 18 years old (or 16 years old with parental consent)
Be in good physical and mental health
Have no major medical conditions
Not be intoxicated by drugs or alcohol
Not be pregnant
Have a valid ID
Be able to swim
### How Much Does It Cost to Get a Skydiving License?
The cost of getting a skydiving license varies depending on the school, but it typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000. This includes the cost of the ground school course, the tandem jump, the training jumps, and the skill test.
### Is Skydiving Safe?
Skydiving is a safe activity, but it’s important to remember that there is always some risk involved. The US Parachute Association (USPA) reports that there were 13.6 fatal skydiving accidents per 100,000 jumps in 2021. This means that the odds of being fatally injured in a skydiving accident are very low, but it’s important to be aware of the risks before you jump.
If you’re thinking about getting a skydiving license, it’s important to do your research and find a reputable school. You should also be in good physical and mental health, and you should be aware of the risks involved. With proper training and preparation, skydiving can be an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.