Dropzones in United States
Discover the best skydiving locations in United States. Connect with fellow jumpers and explore new heights.
About Skydiving in United States
Soaring the Skies: A Comprehensive Guide to Skydiving in the United States
The United States stands as the global powerhouse of the skydiving world. With its vast, diverse landscapes, and a deeply established culture of aviation, the country offers unparalleled opportunities for both first-time jumpers and seasoned veterans. From the coastal views of the Atlantic and Pacific to the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, the US boasts an incredible array of jump locations.
As the leading nation for the sport, the US hosts a phenomenal number of operations. If you are looking to jump into the American skies, you are choosing a nation with an extensive infrastructure dedicated to freefall. With over 332 registered dropzones operating across the country, skydivers have access to a rich community, advanced facilities, and a commitment to safety that governs operations nationwide.
The Regulatory Backbone: USPA and FAA
Unlike some countries where government agencies exclusively dictate every aspect of the sport, skydiving safety and regulation in the United States is a partnership between a federal body and a highly respected self-governing association. The two principal authorities ensuring safety are the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the United States Parachute Association (USPA).
The FAA is the governmental body that enforces the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), specifically Part 105 which governs all parachute operations. The FAA oversees aircraft maintenance, pilot certification, and certain aspects of equipment standards (like reserve parachute requirements).
However, the FAA largely relies on the USPA—a non-profit, voluntary membership organization—to set the standardized training and operational guidelines. The USPA’s document, the Skydiver’s Information Manual (SIM), outlines the Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs), which are the widely accepted standards that the vast majority of reputable skydiving centers adhere to. Being a USPA Group Member is a strong indicator of an operation's commitment to these robust safety standards.
Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) Compliance
The FAA mandates specific operational parameters, primarily concerning airspace and equipment integrity.
Airspace and Visibility Requirements
Federal regulations prohibit any person from conducting a parachute operation:
- Into or through a cloud.
- In specific weather conditions that do not meet minimum visual flight rules (VFR) requirements. This is critical for preventing mid-air collisions with other aircraft.
- Jump operations must be coordinated with Air Traffic Control (ATC), particularly when operating near controlled airspace (Class A, B, C, and D).
Parachute Equipment Standards
All parachutes used in the US must meet FAA standards, known as Technical Standard Orders (TSOs), confirming the equipment is built to rigorous specifications. The FAA is particularly strict regarding the reserve parachute:
- A reserve parachute must be inspected and repacked by an FAA-certificated master or senior parachute rigger at least once every 180 days, regardless of whether or not it has been used. This stringent requirement ensures the secondary system is always maintained by a professional and in ready-to-use condition.
The USPA Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs)
The BSRs, accepted as community standard across the country, provide clear guidelines for individuals participating in the sport.
Age and Medical Requirements
The most widely enforced requirement for first-time jumpers (tandem) and students is the age minimum:
- All skydivers making jumps within the U.S. and its territories must be at least 18 years of age. This is a firm requirement driven by legal considerations regarding the signing of liability waivers.
- Regarding medical fitness, participants are typically required to sign a statement asserting they have no known physical or mental infirmities that would impair their ability to jump safely. While a full physical is generally not mandatory for recreational jumpers, any conditions that could cause incapacitation, such as heart problems or epilepsy, must be disclosed.
Alcohol and Substance Prohibition
The USPA maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding impairment:
- No person may attempt or make a parachute jump if they are or appear to be under the influence of alcohol or any drug that affects their faculties in any way contrary to safety.
- Specifically, the BSRs prohibit jumping within 8 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage.
Minimum Deployment Altitudes
Deployment altitude is one of the most vital BSRs, establishing a non-negotiable floor for opening the main canopy. These altitudes are measured Above Ground Level (AGL):
- Tandem Jumps: 5,000 feet AGL.
- Student and A-License Holders: 3,000 feet AGL.
- B, C, and D-License Holders: 2,500 feet AGL. (Note: A waiver can be obtained for C and D license holders to descend to 2,000 feet AGL for certain pre-approved operations).
Progression and Licensing in the U.S.
The U.S. system provides a clear pathway from first jump to expert status, all regulated through the USPA licensing program.
First Jump Methods
The two primary methods for initial training are:
- Tandem Skydiving: A student is harnessed to a USPA-rated Tandem Instructor who handles all equipment deployment and flight duties. This is the most common first jump method.
- Accelerated Freefall (AFF): A comprehensive training program where the student exits the aircraft with two, and later one, certified AFF Instructor(s). Students wear their own equipment, and instructors maintain physical contact during freefall until the student is stable and deploying independently.
The USPA License Structure
Obtaining a USPA license is the benchmark for independent skydiving globally, recognized by dropzones worldwide.
- A License (The Solo Skydiver): The entry-level license, requiring a minimum of 25 jumps, five successful freefall skills jumps, and demonstrated ability to land within 50 meters of a target. This allows for self-supervision.
- B License: Requires 50 jumps, freefall and canopy skills, and a water landing training requirement. This opens up opportunities for basic flocking and more complex jumps.
- C License: Requires 200 jumps and allows participation in certain demonstration jumps and camera flying.
- D License (Expert Skydiver): The highest non-instructional license, requiring 500 jumps and substantial experience. This is the prerequisite for obtaining advanced instructional ratings.
The Diversity of the American Skydiving Landscape
With 332 dropzones, the U.S. offers every type of skydiving environment imaginable. The scale of the country allows operators to cater to niche experiences:
- Mountain Jumps: Operations in states like Colorado offer high-altitude jumps, providing breathtaking views of peaks and valleys.
- Coastal Jumps: Dropzones in California, Florida, and Hawaii provide the iconic experience of landing near or on sandy beaches.
- High-Volume Centers: Many large centers operate robust, multi-aircraft fleets, focusing on getting jumpers up quickly and frequently, supporting major events, and training large numbers of students efficiently.
Regardless of the location, the combination of FAA oversight and USPA standardization ensures a consistent baseline of safety and training quality, making the United States a premier destination for anyone seeking to experience the thrill of freefall.
DISCLAIMER:
It is essential that all skydivers, regardless of experience level, contact their chosen dropzone directly and review the latest version of the USPA Skydiver’s Information Manual (SIM) and Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) relevant to parachute operations. Dropzones may impose additional rules that are stricter than the BSRs. Always verify specific weight limits, equipment restrictions, and local weather policies before planning your jump.