## How Long Are You Free Falling When Skydiving?
Skydiving is an exhilarating sport that involves jumping out of an airplane and experiencing the sensation of free fall. The duration of free fall depends on several factors, including the altitude from which you jump, the speed at which you fall, and whether you deploy your parachute.
### Altitude and Free Fall Duration
The higher you jump from, the longer you will free fall. This is because it takes more time to reach terminal velocity, which is the maximum speed at which an object falls through the air. Terminal velocity for a skydiver is typically around 120 miles per hour (193 kilometers per hour).
The following table shows the approximate free fall duration for different jump altitudes:
| Altitude (feet) | Free Fall Duration (seconds) |
|—|—|
| 10,000 | 25 |
| 12,000 | 30 |
| 14,000 | 35 |
| 16,000 | 40 |
| 18,000 | 45 |
| 20,000 | 50 |
### Body Position and Free Fall Duration
Your body position can also affect your free fall duration. If you fall in a spread-eagle position, you will experience more drag and fall slower. This is because the spread-eagle position creates more surface area, which increases air resistance.
If you fall in a head-down position, you will experience less drag and fall faster. This is because the head-down position reduces surface area and allows you to streamline your body.
### Parachute Deployment and Free Fall Duration
The final factor that affects free fall duration is when you deploy your parachute. Most skydivers deploy their parachutes after about 5-7 seconds of free fall. This gives them enough time to reach a safe altitude and stabilize their fall before opening their parachute.
However, some skydivers choose to free fall for longer periods of time. This is known as “extended free fall” and it can last for up to 60 seconds or more. Extended free fall is typically only performed by experienced skydivers who have the skills and training to do so safely.
### Safety Considerations
It is important to remember that skydiving is a dangerous sport and should only be performed by trained and experienced individuals. Always consult with a qualified skydiving instructor before making a jump and be sure to follow all safety protocols.
### Conclusion
The duration of free fall when skydiving depends on several factors, including altitude, body position, and parachute deployment. By understanding these factors, you can plan your skydive to maximize your free fall experience.