Frequently Asked Questions


• Who can make a skydive?
You must be at least 18 years old and weigh less than 250 pounds. Otherwise, anyone can experience the thrill of skydiving.

• How long will everything take?
Plan to spend between 3 and 5 hours at the St. Louis Skydiving Center. After you have filled out your paperwork, you will be matched with an instructor. Once your instructor is available, you will spend the next 15 to 20 minutes getting trained and geared up. The airplane ride will take between 10 to 15 minutes, and your actual skydive will last between 5 and 7 minutes. After landing, you will receive a first-jump certificate and logbook (to record future jumps!), and your video will be ready to view shortly thereafter.

• Can I bring my family and friends?
Absolutely! They will be able to accompany you for most of your time on the ground, and will have an excellent view of your landing from our observation area.

• How fast do I fall?
You will freefall at roughly 120 miles per hour, about 1,000 feet every six seconds.

• Are the landings hard?
The sport of skydiving has come a long way from the old black-and-white movies. Under our steerable parachutes, there is normally less impact on landing than jumping off a chair.

• What height will we jump from?
You will jump from as high as 14,000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level), weather permitting. This is the highest skydive you can make in the St. Louis area. This will provide you with approximately sixty seconds of freefall. In addition, you will be in flight under the parachute for five to seven minutes.

• What does it feel like?
Unlike a roller coaster ride, you won't get the sensation of falling in the pit of your stomach. Instead, you will truly feel as if you are flying.

• What type of clothes should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. Dress for the weather: you will be outdoors for part of the time. Shorts are fine in summer. We will provide you with a jumpsuit to wear in freefall. Please wear sturdy lace-up shoes (sneakers are great). NO BOOTS!

• How experienced are the instructors?
Our instructors are some of the most experienced in the world, and are all certified by the United States Parachute Association.