## How Long Does Skydiving Freefall Last?
Skydiving is an exhilarating activity that involves jumping out of an airplane and experiencing the sensation of freefall. The duration of freefall depends on several factors, including the altitude of the jump, the jumper’s weight, and the weather conditions.
### Factors Affecting Freefall Duration
#### Altitude
The altitude of the jump is the primary factor that determines the duration of freefall. Higher altitudes result in longer freefall times due to the increased distance that the jumper travels before reaching a terminal velocity.
| Altitude (feet) | Freefall Duration (seconds) |
|—|—|
| 10,000 | 15-20 |
| 12,000 | 20-25 |
| 14,000 | 25-30 |
| 16,000 | 30-35 |
#### Jumper’s Weight
The jumper’s weight also affects freefall duration. Heavier jumpers have a higher terminal velocity, which means they accelerate faster and reach their terminal velocity sooner. As a result, heavier jumpers experience shorter freefall durations.
| Jumper’s Weight (pounds) | Freefall Duration (seconds) |
|—|—|
| 150 | 15-20 |
| 175 | 14-19 |
| 200 | 13-18 |
| 225 | 12-17 |
#### Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can also impact freefall duration. Strong winds can cause the jumper to drift horizontally, effectively extending the freefall time. Conversely, tailwinds can shorten the freefall by accelerating the jumper’s descent.
### Average Freefall Duration
Based on the factors mentioned above, the average freefall duration for a skydiver is typically between 15 to 25 seconds. This range is for recreational skydives conducted from altitudes between 10,000 and 12,000 feet.
### Extremes of Freefall Duration
While the average freefall duration is 15-25 seconds, some jumpers may experience significantly longer or shorter durations:
– Longest Freefall: The world record for the longest freefall is currently held by Alan Eustace, who jumped from a height of 135,908 feet and freefell for over 15 minutes before deploying his parachute.
– Shortest Freefall: The shortest freefall duration possible is limited by the height of the jump. A jumper at an altitude of 5,000 feet would reach a terminal velocity of approximately 110 mph in less than 10 seconds.
### Considerations for Freefall Duration
When planning a skydive, it is important to consider the following:
– Physical Fitness: Skydiving requires a certain level of physical fitness, as jumpers are exposed to high-impact forces during freefall.
– Experience Level: First-time jumpers should expect to experience shorter freefall durations compared to experienced jumpers who can tolerate longer periods of freefall.
– Personal Preference: Some jumpers prefer shorter freefall durations to minimize the intensity of the experience, while others may prefer longer durations to maximize the rush of adrenaline.
### Conclusion
The duration of skydiving freefall is highly variable depending on several factors, including altitude, jumper’s weight, and weather conditions. However, for recreational skydives at altitudes between 10,000 and 12,000 feet, the average freefall duration is typically between 15 to 25 seconds. It is important for prospective skydivers to consider their physical fitness, experience level, and personal preferences when choosing a jump altitude that provides an optimal freefall experience.
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