What Height Do You Skydive From?
The height from which you skydive isn't a single number; it varies depending on several factors, including the type of jump, the experience level of the jumper, and the specific regulations of the dropzone. However, there's a common range and some important distinctions to understand.
What is the typical skydiving altitude?
The most common altitude for recreational skydives is 10,000 to 14,000 feet (approximately 3,000 to 4,200 meters) above ground level (AGL). This provides ample time for freefall, allowing jumpers to experience the thrill of the fall before deploying their parachutes. This altitude range is generally considered safe and allows for sufficient freefall time before the parachute needs to be deployed.
Why is there a range in skydiving altitudes?
Several factors influence the specific altitude used:
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Experience Level: Beginners often jump from lower altitudes (closer to 10,000 feet) to allow for more margin of error and to shorten the freefall. More experienced jumpers might jump from higher altitudes (closer to 14,000 feet) for longer freefall time and more complex maneuvers.
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Type of Jump: Tandem jumps (where a student is attached to an instructor) frequently occur at lower altitudes for safety reasons. More experienced skydivers performing formations or other advanced maneuvers might jump from higher altitudes to allow for more time and space.
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Aircraft and Dropzone Regulations: The specific aircraft used and the regulations of the dropzone also influence the jump altitude. Some dropzones may have altitude restrictions due to air traffic control or other local regulations.
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Weather Conditions: Wind and visibility will always influence jump height and can necessitate lower jump altitudes in less than ideal conditions.
What are some other altitudes used in skydiving?
While 10,000-14,000 feet is the standard range for recreational skydiving, there are other altitudes used for specific purposes:
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Higher Altitudes (14,000+ feet): Experienced skydivers sometimes jump from higher altitudes to achieve longer freefall times for specialized jumps such as wingsuit flying.
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Lower Altitudes (below 10,000 feet): These might be used for training purposes or for jumps with very short freefall times (e.g., hop-and-pops, where a very short freefall is followed by immediate parachute deployment).
How long is the freefall at different altitudes?
The freefall time depends on the altitude and other factors like wind resistance and body position but is roughly as follows:
- 10,000 feet: Approximately 45-50 seconds of freefall
- 12,000 feet: Approximately 55-60 seconds of freefall
- 14,000 feet: Approximately 65-70 seconds of freefall
Keep in mind that these are estimates; the actual time can vary slightly.
What altitude do military skydivers jump from?
Military skydiving altitudes often differ from recreational jumping. These jumps frequently occur at higher altitudes and sometimes involve different equipment and procedures to accommodate specific mission parameters. Information regarding military skydiving altitudes is typically not publicly available for security reasons.
In summary, while 10,000 to 14,000 feet is a common range for recreational skydiving, the exact altitude used depends on a variety of factors. Always check with your specific dropzone for their regulations and altitude guidelines before your jump.
