Dropzones in Belgium
Discover the best skydiving locations in Belgium. Connect with fellow jumpers and explore new heights.
About Skydiving in Belgium
Skydiving in Belgium: A Guide to Jumping Over the Heart of Europe
Belgium skydiving offers a unique and spectacular experience, allowing adventurers to trade historical town squares and world-class chocolate for the exhilaration of freefall over the picturesque European landscape. As a hub for both history and high-altitude thrills, Belgium is home to 7 operational dropzones, providing diverse views, from the dense, rolling forests of the south to the meticulously manicured flatlands of the north.
Whether you are seeking your first tandem experience or are a seasoned licensed jumper looking for a friendly, professional community, skydiving in Belgium provides exceptional opportunities. This guide covers everything you need to know about local requirements, the best time of year to visit, and the stunning regional differences you'll see from 4,000 meters above the Kingdom.
Country Regulations and Requirements for Skydiving in Belgium
Belgium maintains strict safety standards overseen by its national aviation authorities, ensuring a professional and secure environment for all aerial sports. For licensed jumpers visiting from abroad, understanding the local requirements is crucial. Unlike some neighboring countries like France, which have specific wingload limitations often publicized, the core Belgian regulations focus on standard international licensing and equipment checks.
### For Licensed Skydivers (Sport Jumpers)
If you hold a recognized skydiving license (A, B, C, or D) from an international association, your ability to jump is generally straightforward, provided you meet the documentation and equipment standards:
- Valid License and Logbook: You must present a valid parachuting license (such as a USPA, BPA, or equivalent European license) and a current, easily verifiable jumping logbook.
- Proof of Insurance: Skydiving Belgium requires that all licensed jumpers carry adequate third-party liability insurance that specifically covers parachuting activities. This is non-negotiable for sport jumpers.
- Equipment Inspection: All foreign equipment, including your main canopy, harness/container system, and especially your reserve parachute, must be inspected by a certified local rigger or dropzone safety officer upon arrival. You must provide a valid reserve repack card showing the reserve was packed within the regulatory cycle of your home country (though local staff will confirm acceptability).
- Health and Fitness: You may be required to sign a declaration of fitness to jump, though some centers may request a physician's statement, depending on your age and license level.
### For First-Time Tandem Jumpers
For those experiencing Belgium skydiving for the first time, requirements are simpler but necessary for safety:
| Requirement | Specification (Schema Fact) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | Typically 15 or 16 (parental consent mandatory for minors) |
| Minimum Height | Varies, usually around 1.20 meters (4 ft) |
| Maximum Weight | Generally between 95 kg and 110 kg (fully clothed) |
| Health | Good physical condition; no severe heart or back problems. Self-certification of fitness is usually accepted. |
Important Note on Wingload: While Belgium does not have published, strict governmental wingload limits as seen in some European countries, dropzone chief instructors may implement limits based on pilot experience, canopy type, and local conditions. Always discuss your canopy choice and typical wingload with the Dropzone Safety Officer (DZO) before planning any complex jump.
Best Times to Visit for Skydiving
The moderate maritime climate of Belgium dictates a defined, yet generous, skydiving season.
### Ideal Skydiving Season
The best time for Belgium skydiving is typically from late spring to early autumn (April through October).
- Summer (June – August): This is the peak season and offers the warmest weather and the longest daylight hours, maximizing the number of available jumping days and loads. Temperatures on the ground are pleasant, and while it will be significantly colder at exit altitude (around 4,000 meters), the experience is smooth.
- Shoulder Seasons (April, May, September, October): These months offer excellent jumping conditions, often with clearer skies and less turbulence than the summer midday heat can sometimes create. You'll likely encounter fewer crowds, but jump operations are more susceptible to temporary holds due to cloud cover or wind.
Weather Facts (Schema Fact): Jumps will be postponed or cancelled if conditions include low cloud ceiling (obscuring the ground), strong surface winds (typically over 22-30 km/h), or precipitation (rain or hail).
Popular Skydiving Regions and Scenic Areas
With seven centers spread across the country, skydiving Belgium offers diverse geographical perspectives, shaped by the country's two main linguistic and geographical regions: Wallonia and Flanders.
### The Wallonian Region: Forests and Hills
Located in the French-speaking south, this region provides jumpers with some of the most stunning aerial scenery in the country.
- The Ardennes: This popular southern area is characterized by vast, dense forests, deep river valleys, and rolling hills. Jumping here means looking down on a majestic natural panorama, a stark contrast to the more built-up north. From the air, the famous lakes and reservoir systems, such as the Eau d'Heure, create incredible visual landmarks.
- Hainaut Countryside: Close to the French border, this area offers a mix of historic towns and expansive agricultural fields, providing that classic European patchwork view beneath your feet.
### The Flemish Region: Lowlands and Coastal Views
The Dutch-speaking northern region, known for its flat topography and high population density, offers a different, yet equally captivating, view of the Belgian landscape.
- Flemish Lowlands: Jumpers in areas like Moorsele or Hoevenen are treated to the iconic views of Flanders: meticulously organized farmlands, small charming villages, and sometimes, a glimpse toward the North Sea coast on exceptionally clear days.
- Limburg and Campine: Centers further east, in the Limburg area, offer views over heathlands, former mining regions, and carefully managed nature reserves, showcasing a vibrant green mosaic of parks and industrial history.
Safety Tips and Internal Linking Opportunities
### Local Safety Tips for Visiting Skydivers
Ensuring a safe jump requires diligence beyond just having the correct paperwork.
- Mandatory Briefing: Attend and pay close attention to the local safety briefing, known as the "local ground school." This will cover critical information like standard exit procedures, unique air traffic rules, designated landing patterns, and areas to avoid.
- Emergency Procedures: Be familiar with the dropzone’s specific out-landing procedures and radio frequency (if applicable).
- Language: While English is widely spoken at most dropzones, be aware that Belgium is trilingual (Dutch, French, German). Have key regulatory documents and flight plans translated or confirmed in the local language of the region you are visiting (Flanders for Dutch, Wallonia for French).
### Combining Your Skydiving Trip
Many visiting skydivers use Belgium as an excellent starting point for a broader European skydiving tour. Its central location makes travel seamless. After experiencing Belgium skydiving, jumpers often combine their trip with visits to dropzones in neighboring countries:
- For those heading north, exploring the relaxed environment of skydiving in the Netherlands is a popular choice.
- For those continuing south, the opportunities for big-way attempts and training in skydiving in France are highly sought after.
- To the east, German dropzones offer yet another rich and welcoming community.
Conclusion
Skydiving in Belgium is an enriching experience that combines high-stakes adventure with the beauty of a historically rich, geographically diverse country. With seven dropzones offering everything from high-altitude tandems to advanced coaching, Belgium solidifies its reputation as a serious and scenic destination on the European skydiving map. The community is welcoming, the views—from the deep woods of the Ardennes to the flat fields of Flanders—are magnificent, and the facilities are professional.
Important Disclaimer: Local regulations, weight restrictions, and documentation requirements can change rapidly based on national aviation law and individual dropzone policy. ALWAYS contact your chosen skydiving center directly, well in advance of your planned jump date, to confirm the most current rules and requirements for licensed foreign jumpers and tandem students.