Tandem Skydiving FAQ

The basic physical requirements are being able to lift your legs to hip distance from a chair-sitting position and holding it. Other things to consider are walking up a ladder into the aircraft and walking hunched over towards the door to jump. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate individuals without full use of their legs.

We have taken people with physical handicaps with the proper notification and preparation before jumping. However, if you are concerned, we advise you to first consult your doctor.

Yes. Each skydiver must weigh under 230 pounds. However, we can accommodate individuals up to 260 pounds, with an additional charge of $1.00 for every pound over 230 pounds. If your weight exceeds 230 pounds, please call us at 724-967-3613 for further details or questions.

You must be at least 18 years of age with valid proof. Every jumper must fill out legal paperwork and a guardian may not sign this for you.

There is no upper age limit, as long as your doctor gives approval and you are able to execute the physical requirements.

First, you will check in at the office and will be given some paperwork to fill out. Upon finishing your paperwork, you will be briefed on tandem skydiving procedures.

We ask you to plan on spending 2-4 hours with us on the weekends and less time during the weekdays. This is a maximum recommendation as some times there are things out of our control that can happen to lengthen the day.

No, this is the time you will check in to the office (a.k.a. manifest).

Generally, after completing your paperwork and your briefing, you will have time to watch other jumpers land and enjoy the atmosphere of an active dropzone before you make your skydive.

As stated above, please plan on spending 2-4 hours with us on the weekends, and less during the weekdays.

Yes! There are several outdoor games available upon request. We also encourage students to bring a picnic and enjoy watching the other jumpers.

Off-site there are several restaurants and the Outlet Mall.

Yes, we accept most major credit cards and debit cards. Please note, there is a $10.00 discount if you pay in cash.

Please plan on wearing closed-toe, secure shoes (no flip-flops or sandals) such as gym shoes. For clothing, wear whatever is comfortable for the day. Please note that it is generally about 25 degrees cooler at jumping altitude, but it is for a short period of time. We will also provide jumpsuits to wear over and protect your clothing.

Yes! You can let us know any time before your jump.

In tandem skydiving, you will be harnessed to an instructor. Therefore, during the briefing your instructor will explain a basic body position, how to approach the door, and what to expect under the parachute.

There is always some fear into going into the unknown. More often than not, the most fear you will feel will be before you arrive. Most nerves are calmed after the briefing and watching all the smiling faces other skydivers. By that point, excitement and anticipation begins to replace fear.

You are more than welcome to bring your camera to the skydiving center. However, you must have a minimum of 200 jumps to wear a camera device on a freefall skydive because of many safety concerns. Skydive Pennsylvania offers a professional Video & Pictures package so you can capture your experience!

Yes. We understand that skydiving is not for everyone, respect that, and do not force anyone to jump.

You can back out at any time before getting geared up for a refund.  Once in the airplane, there is no refund.

Most of our instructors in all their years of jumping will tell you that they can only remember maybe 1 or 2 people that have not gone.

The plane ride is approximately 20 minutes.

Freefall generally takes between 45-55 seconds from jump altitude.

Although everyone experiences this differently, the basic answer is it is not difficult to breathe in freefall. Your increased heart rate from adrenaline as you approach the door, and the initial wind blast jumping out can make it feel like it takes away your breath. The best suggestion is to focus pushing the air out and taking a deep breath in and continue to breathe normally.

Generally speaking, you can talk, but since freefall speeds reach up to 120mph, the wind passing by makes it difficult to hear.

It is a very hard feeling to describe or explain, but it is normally much different than what people are expecting.  It is more like floating over top of a big fan rather than a falling sensation. But overall, it is exhilarating!

Once you get under canopy it becomes very quiet and you can talk normally to your instructor as you glide back to the landing area.

Being under the parachute feels a little like being on a boat.  A few ways to avoid this is to make sure you eat a good meal or snack approximately 30-40 minutes prior the jump, and be ready to jump feeling well. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you can use ginger or approved, non-drowsy medication prior to your jump.

However, if you start to feel queasy under the parachute decent, please advise your instructor and they will guide the process to help ease the discomfort as best as possible.

Skydiving has progressed tremendously since the old round military parachutes. Today, with modern, steerable square parachutes, landings range from butt slides to stand-up. However with tandem skydiving, since you are harnessed to an instructor, the most common landing is the butt slide and will be further explained in the initial briefing.

More than likely you will be able to watch some landings before you go up.

All of our instructors are licensed through the United States Parachute Association, the governing body of Parachuting in the United States. We have a very seasoned group of instructors with most having over 2,000 jumps.

Yes, we have a full indoor bathroom with showers.

Yes, there is!

Yes, there are a variety of snacks and beverages that can be purchased on site.

No. Therefore, you will be asked to fill out a release of liability before you jump.  This is standard procedure at any skydiving center.