The Cost Of Building An Indoor Skydiving Place
When most people think of skydiving, they picture someone jumping out of a plane at high altitudes. However, there is another type of skydiving that can be done indoors using a vertical wind tunnel. This type of skydiving is becoming increasingly popular, but it can be quite expensive to build an indoor skydiving place. The cost of building an indoor skydiving place will vary depending on the size and features of the facility. The most important factor in determining the cost is the size of the wind tunnel. The larger the wind tunnel, the more expensive it will be to build. Other factors that will affect the cost include the type of flooring, the type of walls, the type of ceiling, the type of lighting, and the type of ventilation. In general, it is quite expensive to build an indoor skydiving place. The cost will vary depending on the size and features of the facility, but it is typically quite costly to build.
In a controlled environment, an indoor skydiving experience gives you a taste of what it is like to jump from a plane. The ability to precisely control wind speed and work with direct feedback from an instructor is one of the most amazing aspects of body flight. If you’re interested in tunnel flying, we have a variety of packages to add value to your trip. You will be able to save money if you become a Pro Flyer. As soon as you have the necessary qualifications, you will be able to directly pay for flying with similarly skilled people.
How Much Does It Cost To Set Up Indoor Skydiving?
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A portable machine will require a minimum of $500,000 USD in equipment. There is no doubt that you can find good used portable machines for less, but be extremely cautious when purchasing new ones.
It is normal for the entire first experience to last between 1-2 hours. Depending on the wind tunnel, there are two or more basic flight times available. Additional minutes are frequently not worth the price. If you have a large group or party, you should ensure that you are aware of the packages and additional services that are available. If you want to fly more time than what was originally purchased, you can inquire about additional minutes. During a high-flight, the instructor holds onto the side of the plane while flying up and down. This is almost always the highlight of a person’s first flight experience.
When you book your first flight, you are frequently offered deals to return and fly again. Alternatively, some locations may offer leagues/clubs that allow travelers to unwind while on the go. If you’re thinking about flying, we have a wind tunnel database where you can find a location near you.
Ifly: A High-intensity Flying Experience
What is the cost of Ifly? Ifly is a thrilling aerial experience that costs $59.95 for the first person and $59.95 for each additional person. A $160 package, which includes two flights, is also available. It is recommended that children under the age of six and tall adults complete this course.
How Much Does It Cost To Open An Ifly Franchise?
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Some customers, on the other hand, simply come in and try it out one time and then wave. iFly franchise costs range from $2 million to $10 million at the outset.
Franchises for iFLY can range in size from $2 million to $10 million in the initial investment. According to the iFLY Flight Instructor website, a Flight Instructor earns approximately $30,551 per year in the United States, which is 61% less than a nonstructor. A single session of a skydiving simulator will cost between $40 and $70. iFly’s skydiving center near Lodi has been the site of at least 21 deaths since 1981, according to the Center for Safe Skydiving. Over the last year, it has transported 1,262,725 people without causing any injuries. What is the airfare for an iFly coach? How many minutes is it to spend in iFly in a 30 minute block?
Depending on the length of time spent in the simulator, the cost of an iFLY simulator can range between $40 and $70. Flying with us is 112 times more difficult than jumping with a friend. The death toll in 2019 increased by three jumps for every 100,000 jumps, which is 39 deaths per 100,000 jumps.
The Cost Of Wind Tunnels
With a permanent wind tunnel, you can expect to pay between $4 million and $8 million US dollars, with skydivers and tourists having access to it. Typically, these tunnels are found in a controlled environment, such as a university or research facility.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Vertical Wind Tunnel?
How much would it cost to build a Vertical Wind Tunnel Facility? A portable vertical wind tunnel can cost between $300,000 and $750,000 dollars. The type of tunnel is intended for both tourists and skydivers and can be easily relocated to places with high traffic.
iFLY, an innovative portable wind tunnel, is a high-quality device. If you decide to sell your tunnel, a franchise may increase its value significantly. iFLY charges a royalty on revenues, lowering your initial investment. A one-person package costs $59.95 and a two-person package costs $272.40, with each family package costing $272.40 as well. The iFLY wind tunnel is said to generate more than 3 times as much flyable area as the next largest wind tunnel. We intend to provide a reference point for the future of human flight by combining the futuristic vision of Dubai with the quality of our Made in Italy products. iFLY, a world leader in indoor skydiving, has released new models at a lower price point and with more flexibility.
Wind tunnels can be used for a variety of purposes, including kite flying, improving your golf swing, or testing the aerodynamics of your car.
When using a wind tunnel, make certain that the instructions are well written and that you take your time to maximize the experience. A poorly functioning tunnel is more frustrating than helpful in some cases.
Learning how to fly a kite is one of the most frustrating aspects of life, as is trying to master the art of flying it over and over again. If you want to improve your swing, a wind tunnel can be a great place to start. Finally, if you want to test the aerodynamic performance of your vehicle, a portable wind tunnel can be a great addition to your collection.
If you want to get one for yourself or a loved one, consider the price and the features that the wind tunnel provides. It’s also worth noting that, most importantly, don’t be afraid to put in the effort to learn how to use it.
Make Your Own Wind Tunnel For Under $100
Because wind tunnels must be large in order for accurate scale models to be generated, they must be built and maintained at a cost. Because fans consume a significant amount of power, wind tunnels are frequently built with high-efficiency motors. A computer fan motor can be used to create your own wind tunnel for as little as $100.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Wind Tunnel?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the wind tunnel you wish to build. Generally speaking, however, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few thousand to several hundred thousand dollars to build a professional-grade wind tunnel. If you are looking to build a smaller, less complex tunnel for personal or educational use, the cost will be significantly less.
A conventional non-return type wind tunnel with one closed working section was designed, constructed, and calibrated to achieve a wind speed of 16 m/s, which is significantly less than the cost of purchasing an off-the-shelf laboratory wind tunnel. The design and use of wind tunnels are driven by research on heavier-than-air aircrafts. Wind tunnels designed for high velocity testing were typically used in aeronautics and aero space. A wind tunnel designed, built, and tested at a low cost has been developed and used to conduct research at speeds ranging from 16 to 24 m/s. An examination section made of 6.35 mm thick transparent Plexiglas was attached to the test section with silicone and rackets. Wind speed through the tunnel could be controlled by varying the WEG in the tunnel. The HP motor drive unit includes the WEG CFW 08 vector inverter and a motor speed control unit. To measure the wind’s velocity, a hot-wire anemometer was placed two meters upwind from the wind tunnel exit.
The cone’s body was made of 9.5 mm plywood fastened together and sealed with silicone. To measure the velocity profile in a wind tunnel, a calibrated hotwire anemometer (Amprobe TMA20HW) was used. Wind velocity measurements taken at the laboratory’s Open Wind Tunnel revealed a wind speed of up to 16 m/s. Wind tunnel construction was carried out in-house by the Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory at the University of the West Indies. Table 1 depicts the cost breakdown of the materials for the wind tunnel. The overall cost, in addition to labor costs, was taken into account. For wind tunnel tests in the range of 16 m/s to 20 m/s, the cost can be prohibitively expensive. In the test section, no free flow could be detected in the inner section of 489 mm2.
This laboratory wind tunnel cost US$ 1354 to construct, which included the materials and equipment used. This amount is considerably less than the cost of purchasing an off-the-shelf wind tunnel for testing. Using inviscid flow analysis, we developed charts for two-dimensional wind tunnel contractions. A family of wall shapes, based on two cubic arcs, has been thoroughly investigated. The charts can be used to design nozzles that do not separate from the flow and have a uniform exit velocity. In order to implement two- or three-dimensional contractions on small, low-speed wind tunnels, an iterative design procedure was developed. A fifth-order polynomial has been selected as the base for installation on a recently designed mixing layer wind tunnel based on the contraction wall shapes studied. In the measured boundary layer momentum, the volume of existing contractions at the exit thickness of four existing contracts was found to be within 10% of what was predicted.
When it comes to the cost of your first trip in a car, our recommendation is to budget between $60 and $100 per person. An average vehicle cost, the cost of building a wind tunnel, and the cost of shipping off-road equipment are all considered in this price range. Although the vehicles are still experimental and costly, you can get a great experience if you go for it.
Cheap And Accurate Wind Tunnels
Nonetheless, cost is an important factor to consider when testing wind tunnels; however, achieving desired results cannot be achieved at a cost that is too high. It is not uncommon for a wind tunnel model to be inaccurate because traditional methods of fabrication are costly and time-consuming. Nonetheless, there are a plethora of low-cost wind tunnel designs that can be built with a computer fan motor. Tunnel testing for less than $100 can provide a more accurate result than traditional methods.
Why Is Indoor Skydiving So Expensive
Indoor skydiving is so expensive because it requires a lot of expensive equipment and it is a very popular activity. The equipment includes a wind tunnel, which can cost upwards of $100,000, and the popular activity can drive up the price.
Many people are hesitant to jump because of the cost of the experience. Skydiving in wind tunnels is available for as little as $40 per person. If you want to get a box of Skittles for Christmas, you can get two graphic tees for less than $40. Mount Everest is typically costed $45,000 (USD) to summit in 2017. Putting $40 into an index fund at 10% interest is an easy way to earn a high return on your money, and if taxes are deducted, your total investment could be enough to cover the cost of climbing Everest by the end of 71 years. If you buy 68 pounds of bananas in the United States, you can get a wind tunnel pass for a friend who wants to do indoor skydiving. If you want to avoid a swarm of wild apes, you should consider employing them.
The High Cost Of Skydiving
Sky diving prices are one way airlines pass on these costs to customers. Because skydiving is so popular, the price is high. According to The New York Times, the cost of a tandem jump can range from $300 to $500. That amount of money is not going to go unanswered for a short while. Skydiving companies must rely on a large number of customers in order to keep their prices high; if they do not, the costs of maintaining their planes and personnel will rise. As the popularity of skydiving grows, the costs of operating a business will rise.
Indoor Skydiving Manufacturers
The indoor skydiving industry is a relatively new one, with the first commercial facilities appearing in the early 21st century. There are now dozens of manufacturers of indoor skydiving equipment, all vying for a share of the growing market. The leading manufacturers are listed below, along with a brief overview of their products and services. Airspeed: Airspeed is a US-based manufacturer of indoor skydiving equipment, with a range of products designed for both commercial and home use. The company’s flagship product is the Airspeed Infinity, a state-of-the-art wind tunnel that is used by many of the world’s top skydivers. SkyVenture: SkyVenture is a leading manufacturer of indoor skydiving equipment, with a range of products designed for both commercial and home use. The company’s flagship product is the SkyVenture Hurricane, a state-of-the-art wind tunnel that is used by many of the world’s top skydivers. iFLY: iFLY is a global leader in indoor skydiving, with a range of products designed for both commercial and home use. The company’s flagship product is the iFLY Turbo, a state-of-the-art wind tunnel that is used by many of the world’s top skydivers.
If you’re looking for the best indoor skydiving equipment, apparel, and accessories, Rock Sky Market is the place to go. The Ouragan Tunnel Instructor Suit is designed specifically for wind tunnel instructors who must spend long periods of time in the wind tunnel. The Cookie G2/G3 Visor Locking Tunnel Edition side plates have been designed to address Wind Tunnel operators concerns. There are several different models of the Comet Freefly Suit available. Swoop pants are included in the tunnel option. Delivery time currently ranges between 25 and 30 weeks. The G3 helmet has a visor. It is simple to replace your Cookie G2 or G3 helmet visor. The Bonehead Aero Aero full face skydiving helmet is available for free shipping to addresses within the United States.
Where Is The World’s Largest Indoor Skydiving?
The primary method of observation in an enclosed structure is through sliding glass doors. The world’s largest indoor skydiving tunnel is located in Abu Dhabi.
The Ifly Tunnel: A World-class Facility For Testing Wind Turbine Blades
Wind turbine blades and other aerodynamic components can be tested in this world-first vertical wind tunnel. The tunnel can also be used to conduct research and development on new aerodynamic technologies. The ifly tunnel will serve as a world-class test bed for the development of next-generation wind turbines.
What Is The Indoor Skydiving Tube Called?
Wind tunnels move air in vertical columns using a vertical wind tunnel.
Risks Of Indoor Skydiving
Indoor skydiving is still fraught with risk. You will have complete control over your flight and your instructor will be trained to deal with any emergencies that may arise.
Who Invented Aerodium?
The Aerodium Industry began in 1979 with Jean Saint-Germain’s headquarters in Riga, Latvia, and later expanded to include entertainment, military, and film industries. Uldis Baumanis Ivars Beit*ns Irita Kukoja4 rows more rows
Mobile Indoor Skydiving
Mobile indoor skydiving is a relatively new activity that is becoming increasingly popular. It involves using a large inflatable tube to create a column of air that you can then fly through. It is a great way to experience the thrill of skydiving without having to jump out of a plane. Mobile indoor skydiving is safe and easy to learn, making it a great option for those looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity.
A vertical wind tunnel is where you can skydive and jump into an indoor pool. The risk is minimal. There is no need to parachute, activate the altimeter, or activate Automatic Activation in order to skydive indoors. There are risks associated with flying with other flyers and colliding with wind tunnel walls, as well as bumps and bruises. It’s far less dangerous to sky dive than you might think. Thanks to advances in technology and training, safety has improved significantly over the years. It is critical to maintain aircraft and equipment at regular intervals in order to reduce the risk of a parachute or plane failure. If it becomes necessary to fly, weather conditions that are unfavorable to commercial operations, such as high winds and bad weather, are prohibited.
What is the catch?
However, the risks of skydiving are worth taking. In the United States, six people died each year between 2004 and 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a two-week period, one person is killed. There have been numerous accidents.
There are also a lot of people who are happy to jump. According to the USPA, 98% of its skydivers are satisfied with their experience.
Since the USPA has been responsive in recent years to the concerns of skydivers about the quality of the sport, the 98% figure may now be higher.
What are the risks of living in modern life?
The stakes are high. Here are some ideas:
The most common cause of athletic injury. Your body is in the air trying to perform tasks that it is not accustomed to performing, resulting in these symptoms. It is possible to fall, twist your ankle, or damage your spine in an accident.
The equipment is a factor that can cause injury. These types of injuries are designed to protect you from being thrown from your parachute, wings, or risers, but they can still occur.
Accidents are unavoidable. A skydiver’s life can be jeopardized on occasion by making mistakes.
Fortunately, some simple safety precautions can help to reduce the risks.
It is critical to remember to keep a set of guidelines in mind at all times. You should never try anything you are unsure of.
Second, be aware of your surroundings. It is best to avoid doing something that appears to be risky.
In the third section, keep a close eye on your equipment. You will be able to fix anything that goes wrong if something goes wrong.
Make sure you have all of the necessary supplies in place. Make a plan in the event of a disaster.
Finally, it is never a bad idea to ask for help. You should seek the assistance of others if you are in trouble.
The excitement of skydiving can be exhilarating, but it is also dangerous work. Here are a few simple safety tips to help you have a fun and safe experience.
Build an Indoor Skydiving Facility
Indoor Skydiving Source has 12+ years of experience in the industry and has cataloged the only complete set of data for indoor skydiving facilities across all manufacturers. Continuing with our un-biased role, we present this article to anyone who is interested in building and operating an indoor skydiving facility. We also cover the smaller niche market of temporary setups for things like events or seasonal installations.
ISS has worked with manufacturers, operators and potential wind tunnel operators since 2014. The following document will help guide you through the very basics to do with building and operating a wind tunnel. If you have any questions or would like to inquire further, please browse the resources found within this website or find a full up-to-date list of manufacturers here and contact one or more of them.
Indoor Skydiving Markets & Applications
There are 3 main markets for vertical wind tunnels:
Public Facilities
By far the largest market for vertical wind tunnels is the wide range of public facilities that are open and operating all around the world. The consumer demographic of these facilities are first time participants. Local skydivers as well as the growing community of hobbyist to professional wind tunnel flyers make up a generally lesser, but often significant portion of the business. Because of the safe nature of wind tunnel flying, the limits for participants are usually very few. Almost anyone who is physically fit may fly. Ages normally range from about 4 years old on up with a roughly weight limit of roughly 260 lbs (120 kg) being the only other common restriction.
A trained staff of safety officers (instructors) helps teach, fly and keep all customers safe. Commonly wind tunnels include facilities for hosting group events like birthday parties, corporate events etc. Also common are additional facilities either onsite or nearby. Examples include other amusement activities such as a flowrider, indoor rock climbing wall, or indoor skiing. Also commonly found at a wind tunnel facilities are an attached restaurant/bar. We keep the only unbiased and up-to-date listing of every wind tunnel in the world.
Rental for Events, Shows & Temporary Installations
Indoor skydiving has appeared at many large scale events such as the NFL Draft, the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games, for filming special events and more. These installations require a certified staff, which normally is part of the rental agreement. Due to the varied nature of events, pricing is hard to estimate. For all rental inquiries, submit your information via the inquiry form at the bottom of this page.
Military Facilities & Training
Forces around the world employ wind tunnel training for their troops. Some use public facilities while others have constructed their own for private operation. You can see examples of these facilities in our private/closed section.
Personal Facilities
These are few and far between, but do exist. For an example see: SkyVenture Nad al Sheba.
Building a Wind Tunnel
Types & Sizes of Wind Tunnel
When starting an indoor skydiving business, identifying the type of wind tunnel you seek to construct is an important first step. The type and size of tunnel are very dependent on the location that you plan to build. If you are unfamiliar with the different types of vertical wind tunnels, I highly suggest you read our article on the subject. Portable & permanent installations can be any of the various tunnel types and sizes.
Portable vs Permanent
- Portable tunnels are often propeller design or open flow designs that are much noisier. This limits the amount of locations available to operate. These machines are also often smaller and consume less power, requiring smaller surrounding populations or even supporting seasonal locations. These tunnels often require favorable weather in order to operate.
- Permanent installations require major construction that often includes digging large holes in order to accommodate the return air chamber. Most modern, permanent installations are now recirculating in design with chillers as an option. As the recirculating design naturally heats up, adding chillers to a closed loop allows facilities to temperature control the air flow. Modern recirculating designs can operate in any weather condition which is essential when operating a year-round business.
Size & Speed
- Size: This aspect of the tunnel is pretty straight forward. Size of a tunnel is measured most commonly by the diameter of the flight chamber. The larger the diameter, the more people can fly at once. The most common size is a 14 ft (4.3 m) diameter which supports the needs of first time flyers, skydivers and indoor skydiving competition requirements.
- Speed: First time flyers fly in the belly-to-earth position which requires the slowest air speed of any position. This means that even the slowest wind tunnels are able to accommodate for the main indoor skydiving market. Almost all modern facilities operate at high enough speeds to support the needs of skydivers and pro-flyers which enjoy having speeds of roughly 170 mph (270 km/h) available. Depending on your target market, this can be an important consideration.
Market, Demographics & Population
Indoor skydiving has truly become a globally accepted activity. We feature over 160 wind tunnels spanning over 40 countries around the world. Due to the safe nature of the activity and few limitations on participants, businesses are flourishing in a vast amount of locations. One of the most important considerations when identifying a site to build a wind tunnel is the surrounding population size. Speaking in terms of averages, most 14 ft wind tunnels are surrounded by at least 1 million residents. This number can move up and down as you change variables like size of flight chamber, wind tunnel type, income level of the population, tourism draws and more.
Site Identification Considerations
When identifying a site to construct a wind tunnel, it is important to consider these basics:
Noise
Technology in recirculating wind tunnels has solved noise issues associated with early wind tunnels that featured propeller below designs. Depending on the type and manufacturer of wind tunnel, it is important to consider how much noise your machine will put out. Most portable tunnels are quite loud. Most recirculating tunnels are quiet – if not silent from the outside.
Height Variance
For permanent installations it is often important to consider the height of the building. Even with significant digging, these machines can be 60 ft tall. Very important to consider when thinking about building a permanent facility.
Building Permits
Indoor skydiving is often met with resistance from communities due to the unusual building requirements. We have watched many projects meet the local demands and create successful businesses that feed the area. We also have seen only a handful of businesses close their doors, with some open since the early 1980’s.
Costs, Construction & Ownership
For a portable machine, expect to invest at least $500,000 USD for the tunnel equipment itself. You might be able to find used portable machines for less, but be very careful when purchasing used. On top of these base costs you will need to factor shipping, construction, land and operation costs into your business plan.
Recirculating tunnels are much more complicated and most companies offer a range of services all the way from equipment only to turn-key operations. To open a project to the public, most modern recirculating tunnel projects (12 – 16 ft diameter, permanent installations) require an investment of $7-10 million dollars. The cost of the machine is included in this number. For reference on the lowest end you can find some manufacturers offering recirculating tunnel components only starting at $1,700,000 USD.
Manufacturers + Custom Built
There are many manufacturers out there building all different kinds of wind tunnels. There are also very successful groups building custom designed machines. We keep a complete list of manufacturers, including locations which are custom built. It is important to investigate all manufacturers and their offerings.
Franchise vs Outright Ownership
You will normally find options for both franchising and outright ownership. Royalties normally run between 5-7% of revenue.
Construction Process/Timeline
After the initial planning and approval stages, the actual construction timeline of a wind tunnel can take between 8-12 months.
Indoor skydiving facilities have proved to be an extremely profitable and widely accepted business. The upfront cost and complexities when starting a project are the biggest challenges for interested investors.
If you are looking to construct or rent an indoor skydiving facility, please use this website as a resource and visit the list of vertical wind tunnel manufacturers in order to reach out to a provider.
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The Complete Guide to Indoor Skydiving
The perfect activity to try with friends, as a couple or with your family, indoor skydiving is an indoor experience like no other. This flying sensation is an incredible experience that is even better shared, with your loved one, family or friends.
With an ever-increasing number of indoor skydiving centres in major cities across the globe, there’s a growing amount of opportunities to try this thrilling indoor aerial adventure near where you are.
What is Indoor Skydiving?
Indoor skydiving offers a simulation of the experience of a skydiving free fall. Happening in vertical wind tunnels, it is a much cheaper alternative to an actual parachute jump, additionally offering the opportunity for a longer experience freefall sensation.
Unlike the real thing, indoor skydiving takes place in a controlled environment and is a simulation that is more accessible to everyone than actually jumping from a plane. Indeed, it is neither physically nor psychologically demanding and is also great fun for those who suffer from fear of heights or flying in small planes.
Beginner flights only allow you to fly around a metre above from the bottom of the wind tunnel, thus they don’t create any sense of height or falling, and don’t involve much movement so no feelings of sickness or dizziness are created either.
What is a wind tunnel?
Indoor skydiving is practiced within a vertical wind tunnel – a large vertical and cylindrical plexiglas tunnel in which an upwards moving column of air creates enough lift for flying.
Wind tunnels have been used since the early 19th century. A wind tunnel was even used to study wing shapes by the Wright brothers before they completed the first flight in history in 1903. Yet it wasn’t until the 60’s that the US Army realized that vertical wind tunnels could simulate freefalling conditions for paratroopers. And in 1982, the first two sport wind tunnels were opened for everyone to enjoy.
Wind tunnel technology is very simple. Giant fans, located below or above the tunnel, blow large quantities of air into a closed circuit. When the air passes through the (thinner) plexiglas tunnel, it is accelerated by a large-scale Venturi effect, to reach speeds between 80 and 185mph, enough to lift a human body by simple body drag.
So yes, essentially a wind tunnel is just a giant fan! But don’t worry, the flight zone is protected by two metal nets at the top and bottom, so you won’t get chopped up by these 450kW each monster fans. Additionnaly, wind speed is constantly monitored and controlled by an instructor watching each individual flight. Thus, air speed in the tunnel can be increased or decreased at will depending on the flier’s ability as well as body drag created.
What will I do for my first indoor flight?
Pre-flight
After arriving the recommended one hour before your flight time and signing the necessary waiver documentation, your indoor skydiving experience will then begin with a short pre-flight safety training and briefing with a flight instructor in a room separate to the wind tunnel.
During this briefing, the indoor skydiving instructor, who may also be the instructor that joins you in the wind tunnel, will talk you through the sensations that you might feel when flying. He will also introduce the hand signals that they may give you whilst in the wind tunnel, as wind speed makes talking impossible in the tunnel.
These hand signals are used to signify to the flier whether they need to straighten or bend their legs or arms, and if they need to relax their body. The instructor will also give you a demonstration of the general position that you should adopt when in the air.
Next you will get suited up, in a full-body flight suit for maximum safety and optimal body drag. Flight suits also have fabric handles stitched to shoulders and legs, for the instructor to hold and guide you on your first flight. You will also be given goggles, ear plugs and a helmet to wear.
During the flight
After a short wait, it will be your turn in the wind tunnel. You will enter via a small opening, presenting yourself at the entrance of the tunnel with your arms above your head, palms flat, and elbows partially bent. Your indoor skydiving instructor will nod for you to gently lean forward, and will help you lay flat on your front on the air flow, stably and in the correct position.
First time flights usually last 1 minute to 2.5 minutes long. This may seem very short, but do not forget that the length of the free-fall during a skydive from 14,000ft is usually less than a minute long. So you will fly for longer whilst indoor skydiving, than when going off from a plane. When in the wind tunnel, you will feel weightless and time will seem to slow down, as you enjoy every second of it!
If you have opted for a second flight, you will exit the tunnel and wait a few minutes for other flies to take their turn before returning to the tunnel. Often your indoor skydiving instructor will then briefly tell you how to adapt your flying position for your second session.
It is usually a great idea to opt in for a 2-flights package. Indeed, your brain and muscle memory will absorb and digets the sensation of your first flight during the 5-10 pause between flights. This in turn enable for (usually) an even better second flight, with more control and enjoyment.
Last but not least, if you have opted in for the “helicopter” option, at some point during the flight, your instructor will grab the handles on your flysuit and bring you in a controlled rotation up to 10m above the bottom net. An incredible experience we highly recommend !
Post-flight –
After your flight, you will have a short debrief, the opportunity to do another ‘jump’ (if there is time in the wind tunnel’s schedule) and will de-suit and possibly be presented with the option to buy a photo or video reminder of your experience!
Who can do Indoor Skydiving?
Indoor skydiving is a highly inclusive and accessible sport, able to be tried by people with reduced mobility, amputees or fliers with partial paralysis. It is also accessible for deaf or hearing impaired visitors and blind or visually impaired visitors.
This sport is known for its accessibility – if you have any doubts about whether yourself or one of your party can fly, it is highly recommended to speak to the staff at the wind tunnel that you intend to visit beforehand. A majority of wind tunnels are happy and easily able to offer a tailored experience and many have a specially trained instructor, and require only minimal preparation for you to take part.
There are still, however, a number of other restrictions on who can head to the wind tunnel and fly…
Minimum Age:
This condition is specific to each of the wind tunnels and if under the age of 18 the flier will need to have a parent or guardian present on the day and at the training briefing and written authorization for their participation.
Younger children are often permitted to fly too, and it can be an exciting experience, but the minimum age varies at each individual wind tunnel. On average, indoor skydiving centres allow flying from 5 yrs old.
Maximum Weight:
This again varies, though is usually around 110-120kg.
Injuries:
Unfortunately you are not allowed to fly if you have recently dislocated your shoulder or knee nor if you are currently wearing a cast nor have any broken limbs.
If you have had a shoulder injury in the past this could still be affected in the wind tunnel, as the air is propelled at very high speeds. It is advisable to speak to your doctor before trying this sport as well as with the staff of the wind tunnel that you will be visiting. Those with neck, back or heart problems should also consult with their doctor before trying indoor skydiving.
Pregnant women:
Indoor skydiving unfortunately is not recommended for women who are pregnant.
It is also worth noting that visitors under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted to indoor skydive, as this sport requires you to be fully engaged and attentive to what your instructors are telling you to do.
Variations of the sport
Indoor skydiving itself can be tried with different additions, for instance many wind tunnels offer virtual reality experiences where fliers wear a VR headset and experience their free fall in the wind tunnel with visuals of an outdoor free fall, in different locations.
Another variation of this indoor sport is indoor wing suit flying, where the flier wears a wing suit rather than the jumpsuit worn in indoor skydiving and flies in a tilted horizontal wind tunnel rather than a vertical one.
Outdoor skydive: The original, authentic experience which the indoor wind tunnel seeks to recreate – though also offering an amazing experience on its own, is a less accessible and more expensive alternative. Outdoor skydives however are known and beloved for the incredible panoramic views they offer and the incomparable adrenaline rush that the skydiver feels.
Indoor wind tunnel free fall is a real sport, with competitions held annually such as the FAI World Indoor Skydiving Championship, the FAI European Indoor Skydiving Championship, the FAI World Cup of Indoor Skydiving and the Wind Games. More information can be found at www.fai.org.
Indoor wind tunnels are of course used to practice indoor skydiving as a sport in its own right, but are often also used by professional skydivers to practice their aerobatic routines or their posture and positions that they will adopt or perform when undertaking a real jump from a plane.
Locations for Indoor Skydiving
Now found in many large cities in Europe, North America, Oceania and increasingly across the globe – head to locations in capital cities such as Paris, Berlin, Madrid and Stockholm for adventures in wind tunnels in Europe, or to Chicago, Seattle, San Diego and a multitude of other states in the USA, or to Bali, Singapore, New Zealand, Brazil… there is a whole world of indoor skydiving adventures waiting to be had!
Source https://www.crck.org/the-cost-of-building-an-indoor-skydiving-place/
Source https://indoorskydivingsource.com/articles/build-an-indoor-skydiving-facility/
Source https://blog.manawa.com/en/outdoor-activities/skydiving/the-complete-guide-to-indoor-skydiving/