Skydiving in Madrid

Discover 3 dropzones near Madrid

About Skydiving in Madrid

Planning a skydiving trip to Madrid, Spain? Here's what you need to know. The area has 25 operational dropzones offering tandem jumps, AFF training programs, and facilities for licensed skydivers. This guide covers the practical details to help you plan efficiently.

Madrid is located in the Central Spain region of the northern hemisphere. The area's inland and urban geography provides good visibility for jumps. The Mediterranean climate means weather conditions are generally favorable year-round, though seasonal variations apply. Check weather forecasts 24-48 hours before your jump date.

Jump Types & Options

Tandem Jumps: First-time jumpers typically start with tandems. You're attached to a certified instructor who handles all technical aspects. Expect to spend 15-20 minutes on ground training learning body position and emergency procedures. The entire experience takes 2-3 hours from arrival to landing, including gear fitting, aircraft boarding, freefall (30-60 seconds depending on exit altitude), and canopy descent (4-6 minutes).

Cost range: $200-350 depending on altitude and add-ons. Higher altitude jumps provide longer freefall time. Video packages add $100-150. Book at least 7-14 days ahead for weekends, 2-3 days for weekdays.

AFF Training: For those pursuing a solo license, AFF (Accelerated Freefall) is the standard training method. The program consists of 7-8 levels. Initial levels include two instructors, final levels are solo with instructor observation. Plan on 1-2 weeks for intensive training or spread over months if booking individual sessions.

Total AFF cost typically runs $2,500-3,500 including instruction, jumps, and gear rental. Additional consolidation jumps may be needed between levels.

Licensed Jumper Services: Experienced skydivers can bring their own gear or rent equipment. Per-jump costs run $25-35 for lift tickets. Gear rental adds $30-50 per jump. Most dropzones require current license verification and reserve repack dates within limits (180 days for most countries).

Planning Your Visit

Booking Timeline: Reserve weekends 1-2 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (May-September). Weekday availability is usually better with 2-3 days notice. Some dropzones accept walk-ins but call ahead to confirm weather and aircraft schedule.

Time Requirements: Block out a half day minimum for your first tandem jump. Weather delays are common—have flexible plans. Licensed jumpers doing multiple jumps should expect 30-45 minutes between loads depending on dropzone size and aircraft capacity.

Requirements: Minimum age 18 (some allow 16 with parental consent). Weight limits typically 220-240 lbs for tandems (varies by dropzone). Wear comfortable athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes. Avoid loose items that could fall during freefall.

Getting There

By Air: Madrid's main airport has connections to major cities across Spain and international hubs. From the airport, dropzones are typically 30-75 minutes away. Factor in travel time when booking jump slots.

Ground Transport: Car rental offers maximum flexibility ($40-70/day). Public transit may reach some dropzones but schedules can be limiting. Taxi/rideshare to dropzones runs $40-80 each way. Some dropzones offer shuttle service from the city center—inquire when booking.

Driving Directions: Most dropzones are outside the city in rural areas with good road access. GPS coordinates are usually provided. Look for small aircraft, windsocks, and landing areas. Parking is typically free at dropzones.

Weather & Seasons

Best Conditions: Late spring through early fall offers the most consistent jumping weather in the northern hemisphere. Expect 70-90% jumpable days during summer, dropping to 40-60% in winter.

Weather Minimums: Dropzones require minimum 3,000-foot cloud ceilings, visibility 3+ miles, and winds under 20mph (varies by dropzone). Rain, lightning, and low clouds ground operations. Check weather forecasts but understand that conditions must be assessed on-site.

Seasonal Considerations: Summer brings longer operating hours (sunrise to sunset) and warmer temperatures at altitude. Winter jumping requires warmer clothing—temperatures at 10,000+ feet can be 20-30°F colder than ground level. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures with more variable weather.

Accommodation

Budget Options ($40-70/night): Hostels, budget hotels, and chain motels available in Madrid and surrounding areas. Basic amenities, clean rooms, usually include WiFi. Book via standard accommodation sites.

Mid-Range ($80-150/night): Comfort hotels, business chains, smaller boutique hotels. Often include breakfast, more amenities, better locations. Good value for multi-day trips.

Premium ($150+/night): Full-service hotels, boutique properties, resorts. Higher comfort level, additional services, often closer to city attractions.

Dropzone Camping/Bunkhouses: Some dropzones offer on-site camping ($10-25/night) or bunkhouse beds ($30-50/night). Basic facilities but unbeatable convenience—wake up at the dropzone. Popular with jumpers doing multi-day training or jump camps.

Location Strategy: Staying near the dropzone saves commute time and gas. Staying in Madrid provides more dining/entertainment options and easier airport access. Consider your priorities.

Costs & Budgeting

Single Tandem Jump: $200-350 (jump) + $100-150 (video optional) + transport + food = $350-550 total day cost.

Weekend Trip (2 tandems): $700-1,100 for jumps, plus accommodation ($80-300 for 2 nights), meals ($100-150), transport ($100-200) = $980-1,750 total.

AFF Training (1 week intensive): $2,500-3,500 (training) + accommodation ($400-700) + meals ($300-400) + transport ($200-300) + gear rental if needed = $3,400-4,900 total.

Licensed Jumper Weekend (10 jumps): $250-350 (lift tickets) + $300-500 (gear rental if needed) + accommodation + meals + transport = $850-1,650 total.

Payment methods accepted vary but most take credit cards. Some offer package discounts for multiple jumps booked together.

Local Information

Food: Most dropzones have basic food available (snacks, drinks, sometimes hot food). Madrid has full restaurant options for sit-down meals. Budget $30-50/day for food if eating in the city, $15-25/day if staying at the dropzone.

Activities: Between jumps or during weather holds, options include exploring Madrid's local attractions, relaxing at accommodation, or socializing at the dropzone. Many jumpers use downtime to watch others jump, pack parachutes, or study for their next AFF level.

Medical Facilities: Madrid has medical facilities including hospitals and clinics. Skydiving injuries are rare but dropzones maintain first aid equipment and staff trained in emergency response.

The Skydiving Scene

The skydiving operations in Madrid maintain professional standards across all facilities. Here's what to expect at typical dropzones in the area.

Facilities: Dropzones are equipped with manifest areas (where you check in and register for loads), gear rooms for packing and equipment storage, student training areas with mockup aircraft, and hangar space for parachute storage. Most have restrooms, changing areas, and lounges with seating. Larger operations include on-site cafes or food service. Some have swimming pools, camping areas, or overnight accommodations.

Aircraft: Fleet composition varies by dropzone size. Smaller operations typically use Cessna 182s or 206s (4-6 jumpers per load, 15-20 minute climb to altitude). Mid-size dropzones often operate Cessna Caravans or similar (15-20 jumpers, 12-15 minutes to altitude). Larger facilities may have Twin Otters, Skyvans, or even turbine aircraft (20+ jumpers, 8-12 minutes to altitude). Faster climbs mean more jumps per day.

Equipment Standards: All gear meets national safety standards. Tandem rigs use larger canopies (300-400 sq ft) designed for two-person loads with extra safety margins. Student gear uses docile, large canopies (220-260 sq ft) for stable, predictable flights. Experienced jumper rental gear typically ranges from 150-200 sq ft depending on experience level and weight.

Automatic Activation Devices (AADs): All student and rental gear includes AADs—electronic devices that automatically deploy the reserve parachute if you're still in freefall below a set altitude (typically 750-1,000 feet). This backup system activates even if unconscious. AADs are calibrated and maintained according to manufacturer specifications.

Inspection Protocols: Tandem and student gear is inspected before every jump. Reserve parachutes are repacked every 180 days by certified riggers (or more frequently if used). Main parachutes are inspected for wear, line damage, and proper packing. Harness and container systems are checked for secure closures and proper fit.

Instructor Qualifications: Tandem instructors hold specific ratings requiring 500+ jumps minimum plus manufacturer-specific training for the tandem system they use. AFF instructors need 500-1,000+ jumps plus instructional rating. Coach ratings for licensed jumpers require 200+ jumps and specific training. All instructors must maintain currency (minimum jumps per timeframe) and renew ratings periodically.

Video Services: Most dropzones offer video packages. Standard options include GoPro mounted on tandem instructor's wrist (included in many packages) or dedicated camera flyer who jumps alongside you. Edited videos are usually delivered same-day or within 24-48 hours via download link or USB drive. HD and 4K options available. Reserve video services when booking your jump—camera flyers have limited daily availability.

Safety Briefings: First-time tandem jumpers receive 15-20 minute ground training covering body position during exit, freefall, and landing; emergency procedures; hand signals used in freefall; and what to expect during the entire experience. AFF students receive significantly more training (6-8 hours ground school before first jump). Listen carefully and ask questions—your instructors want you informed and confident.

Weather Assessment: Dropzones monitor weather continuously. Decisions to ground operations are made conservatively—safety over schedule always. Typical weather limits include winds over 20mph, clouds below 3,000 feet, or precipitation. Experienced skydivers can jump in windier conditions than students or tandems. If grounded, ask staff for estimated weather window updates.

Manifest System: Check in at manifest when you arrive. You'll complete waiver paperwork (required by insurance), show ID, pay fees, and be assigned a load (aircraft departure). Loads are called by number or time. Listen for your load call, gear up, and proceed to the aircraft boarding area. If you need to use restroom or step away, inform manifest staff so they don't delay the load waiting for you.

Typical Day Flow: Arrive at designated time → Check in at manifest → Complete paperwork → Gear fitting → Wait for your load call → Board aircraft → Climb to altitude (10-20 minutes) → Jump → Land → Debrief → Video review if purchased. Total time 2-3 hours for first jump, subsequent jumps are faster as you're already processed.

Currency & Experience Requirements: Licensed jumpers should have current licenses (USPA, BPA, or equivalent) and be within currency limits (typically one jump within previous 60-90 days, though requirements vary). If you've been out of the sport for extended periods, consider booking a coach jump for your first one back. Bring your logbook for verification.

Skydive Lillo, Madrid, Spain Swoop Pond

No ratings yet

Skydive Lillo offers AFF courses in English, German, French, Portuguese and Spanish Language. We teach both the BPA, USPA and DFV syllabuses, depending on where the student lives and will jump. Please check out on our website about our Formation Skydiving Coaching, our Freeflight School and our C...

View Details