## How long are you in the sky when skydiving?
Skydiving is an exhilarating experience that involves jumping out of an airplane and free-falling towards the Earth. The time you spend in the sky during a skydive depends on several factors, including the altitude from which you jump, the type of skydive you choose, and the weather conditions.
### Altitude
The altitude from which you jump is the primary factor that determines how long you will be in the sky. The higher you jump, the longer you will free-fall for. Common jump altitudes for skydiving include:
– 10,000 feet (3,000 meters): 30-45 seconds of free-fall
– 12,500 feet (3,800 meters): 50-60 seconds of free-fall
– 14,000 feet (4,300 meters): 60-75 seconds of free-fall
– 16,000 feet (4,900 meters): 75-90 seconds of free-fall
### Type of skydive
There are several different types of skydives, each with its own unique characteristics. The type of skydive you choose will also affect how long you are in the sky.
– Tandem skydive: A tandem skydive is where you are attached to an experienced skydiving instructor throughout the entire jump. Tandem skydives typically involve a lower jump altitude (10,000 feet) and a shorter free-fall time (30-45 seconds).
– Static line jump: A static line jump is where you are attached to a static line that automatically deploys your parachute at a predetermined altitude. Static line jumps typically involve a higher jump altitude (12,500 feet) and a longer free-fall time (50-60 seconds).
– Accelerated free-fall (AFF): AFF is a training program that teaches you how to skydive solo. AFF jumps typically involve a higher jump altitude (14,000 feet) and a longer free-fall time (60-75 seconds).
– High altitude skydive: High altitude skydives are performed from altitudes above 16,000 feet. These skydives require specialized equipment and training, and the free-fall time can be as long as 90 seconds or more.
### Weather conditions
The weather conditions can also affect how long you are in the sky when skydiving. Strong winds can affect the deployment and inflation of your parachute, which can lead to a longer free-fall time. Conversely, calm winds can allow your parachute to deploy and inflate more quickly, which can shorten the free-fall time.
## Conclusion
The time you spend in the sky when skydiving can vary depending on the altitude from which you jump, the type of skydive you choose, and the weather conditions. However, most skydives involve a free-fall time of between 30 and 90 seconds.