## How to Become a Fully Qualified Skydiver
Skydiving is an exhilarating and rewarding sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. If you’ve ever dreamed of jumping out of a plane, here’s what you need to do to become a fully qualified skydiver.
### Step 1: Find a Reputable Skydiving School
The first step is to find a reputable skydiving school. There are many schools to choose from, so it’s important to do your research and find one that is safe, experienced, and affordable.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a skydiving school:
Safety record: The school should have a good safety record. Ask about their accident history and how they train their instructors.
Experience: The school should have experienced instructors who have been skydiving for many years.
Cost: The cost of skydiving lessons can vary depending on the school and the package you choose. Be sure to get quotes from multiple schools before making a decision.
### Step 2: Take a First-Time Jump Course
Once you’ve found a skydiving school, you’ll need to take a first-time jump course. This course will teach you the basics of skydiving, including how to pack a parachute, how to jump out of a plane, and how to land safely.
The first-time jump course will typically take a few days to complete. During the course, you’ll learn about:
Equipment: Students are fitted for a harness, goggles, and jumpsuit. Instructors demonstrate how to pack a parachute and check equipment before each jump.
Ground Training: Basic skydiving theory, including body position, stability, and landing techniques, is covered.
Tandem Jump: The first jump is typically a tandem jump, where students are securely attached to an experienced instructor for guidance and control.
### Step 3: Complete Your Solo Jumps
After you’ve completed your first-time jump course, you’ll need to complete a series of solo jumps. These jumps will allow you to practice the skills you learned in the course and to become more comfortable with skydiving.
The number of solo jumps you need to complete will vary depending on the school you attend. However, most schools require students to complete at least 5 solo jumps before they can become fully qualified.
### Step 4: Get Your Skydiving License
Once you’ve completed your solo jumps, you’ll be eligible to get your skydiving license. To get your license, you’ll need to pass a written exam and a practical test.
The written exam will test your knowledge of skydiving theory. The practical test will assess your skills in packing a parachute, jumping out of a plane, and landing safely.
### Step 5: Continue Jumping and Advancing Your Skills
Once you’ve gotten your skydiving license, you can continue jumping and advancing your skills. There are many different ways to skydive, including:
Solo skydiving: Jumping out of a plane on your own.
Tandem skydiving: Jumping out of a plane with an experienced instructor.
Group skydiving: Jumping out of a plane with a group of other skydivers.
Formation skydiving: Skydiving in a formation with other skydivers.
Wingsuit flying: Skydiving in a wingsuit, which allows you to glide through the air.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to skydiving. With the right training and experience, you can become a fully qualified skydiver and enjoy this exhilarating sport for years to come.
Here are some additional tips for becoming a fully qualified skydiver:
Be in good physical condition. Skydiving is a physically demanding sport, so it’s important to be in good shape before you start jumping.
Be mentally prepared. Skydiving can be a challenging sport, so it’s important to be mentally prepared for the challenges you may face.
Be patient. Learning to skydive takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t become a fully qualified skydiver overnight.
Have fun! Skydiving is an exhilarating and rewarding sport. Make sure to enjoy the experience.
FAQs:
Q.: How old do I have to be to skydive?
A.: The minimum age to skydive varies depending on the country and the skydiving school. In the United States, the minimum age to skydive is 18 years old.
Q.: How much does it cost to become a fully qualified skydiver?
A.: The cost of becoming a fully qualified skydiver varies depending on the school you attend and the package you choose. However, you can expect to pay around $2,000-$3,000 for the training and equipment.
Q.: Is skydiving dangerous?
A.: Skydiving is a relatively safe sport, but there are always risks involved. According to the United States Parachute Association (USPA), there were 13 fatal skydiving accidents in the United States in 2021. This is a fatality rate of 0.57 per 100,000 jumps.
Q.: What are the benefits of skydiving?
A.: Skydiving offers a number of benefits, including:
Increased confidence
Improved physical fitness
Reduced stress
A sense of accomplishment
A unique and exhilarating experience