Skydiving offers a brief but intense experience of freefall before a gentle parachute ride to the ground. For those considering their first jump, the most common question revolves around the altitude from which the experience begins. The jump altitude is the primary factor determining the length of the exhilarating freefall portion. Understanding the standard jump height, its variations, and the safety measures involved provides a clearer picture of this adventure sport.
The Standard Skydive Altitude
The vast majority of first-time skydivers participate in a tandem jump, where they are securely harnessed to an experienced instructor. The standard altitude for this type of jump falls between 10,000 and 14,000 feet above ground level (AGL). This range balances the time spent climbing in the aircraft with the desired freefall duration. A jump from 10,000 feet generally provides about 30 seconds of freefall, while an exit from 14,000 feet extends that experience to approximately 60 seconds.
Reaching 14,000 feet maximizes the freefall, the period where the tandem pair accelerates to a terminal velocity of around 120 miles per hour. Once the parachute is open, usually at an altitude of 5,000 feet AGL, the descent slows significantly. This allows for a peaceful, five to seven-minute canopy flight back to the landing area.
Factors Influencing Jump Height
The specific altitude chosen for a skydive is determined by several operational and economic factors. The type of aircraft a dropzone operates is a major constraint. Smaller planes, such as the Cessna 182, may only be capable of reaching a maximum of 10,000 feet efficiently. Dropzones offering higher jumps, such as 14,000 or 18,000 feet, utilize more powerful turbine aircraft that can climb faster and higher.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) regulations also impose altitude ceilings on skydiving operations, especially near commercial airports or in busy airspace. These restrictions limit the maximum available exit height to ensure separation from other air traffic. Furthermore, the cost of fuel and the time required for the aircraft to climb mean that higher jumps, such as those reaching 18,000 feet, are often priced as a premium option. The motivation for paying the extra cost is the extended freefall time, which can reach up to 90 seconds from 18,000 feet.
Altitude-Related Safety and Equipment
Jumping from high altitudes introduces specific physiological and equipment requirements to maintain safety. The United States Parachute Association (USPA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandate that supplemental oxygen must be provided to all occupants of an unpressurized aircraft when the cabin altitude exceeds 15,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL). This rule prevents hypoxia, a condition where the body is deprived of adequate oxygen, which can lead to impaired judgment. For jumps above 15,000 feet, skydivers must begin breathing supplemental oxygen during the ascent, often starting at 8,000 feet MSL.
Another consideration is the significant drop in temperature that occurs with increasing altitude, known as the lapse rate. The air temperature decreases by about two to three degrees Fahrenheit for every thousand feet of elevation gained. This means the temperature at 14,000 feet can be well below freezing, necessitating appropriate thermal gear. Regardless of the exit height, a mandatory minimum deployment altitude is enforced, which is 5,000 feet AGL for tandem jumps, ensuring sufficient time for the parachute to open fully. An Automatic Activation Device (AAD) monitors altitude and speed, automatically deploying the reserve parachute if the skydiver is still in freefall below a predetermined low altitude.
Advanced and Record-Setting Jumps
While the standard jump height is around 14,000 feet, experienced, licensed skydivers jump from a wider range of altitudes. These jumpers may perform low-altitude jumps, sometimes called “hop-n-pops,” from as low as 3,500 to 5,500 feet, focusing on canopy piloting skills rather than freefall. Conversely, specialized High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) jumps are conducted from much greater heights, between 15,000 and 35,000 feet.
HALO jumps require extensive pre-breathing of 100% oxygen to purge nitrogen from the bloodstream, and specialized pressure suits are needed for jumps above 40,000 feet. These jumps are often associated with military operations but are sometimes offered to civilians as an extreme experience. The highest recorded jumps push the boundaries of the stratosphere, with Alan Eustace holding the current record, having jumped from 135,890 feet. These extreme jumps require highly specialized equipment and planning.