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Skydiving Questions
Do I have to make a reservation to go skydiving, and if so, how far in advance?
Before Your Jump
Will I have to sign a waiver?
During Your Jump
What can I see up there?
Skydiving QuestionsDo I have to make a reservation to go skydiving, and if so, how far in advance? Reservations are important for your benefit, but walk-ins are always welcome. Customers with reservations will be offered priority service over walk-Ins. So if you make your reservation with as much advance notice as possible, we'll hold open the best time slot for you. It is also best to make your reservation at the beginning of your vacation. This way if we have weather issues you will be able to reschedule for another day. What about transportation? We offer complimentary shuttle service from the Las Vegas strip normally twice a day at 8:00 am and 12:00 noon depending on the season. The pickup and drop-off location is the McDonald's parking lot directly across the Strip from the Mandalay Bay Hotel. We are only minutes away from the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, so if you drive yourself here you can visit these historic landmarks and Boulder City. What kind of parachute system will we use? Skydive Las Vegas uses the Sigma Parachute System. The Sigma Parachute System is the most advanced technology parachute system available today. To make sure that our customers always get to use the newest equipment, we rotate out our gear after it is a year old and replace it with brand new equipment. This includes the main parachute, reserve parachute, student harness, the Sigma container and the automatic opener. What type of airplane will we use? We operate a brand new 2009 PAC-750XL skydiving airplane that can carry up to 8 tandem jumpers (16 people) at a time. This plane is made in New Zealand specifically for skydiving. Unless you are very rich it will probably be the newest airplane you will ever fly in (this includes the airlines). All of our planes are maintained by FAA Certified Mechanics, and flown by FAA Licensed Commercial Pilots. How long does the entire process take? Plan on spending at least 3 - 4 hours from the time you arrive to the time you leave (longer for large groups). We can usually get you skydiving sooner, but many variables such as weather, air traffic control and other students could extend your stay with us. Feel free to bring books, magazines, or other things to do just in case. Bringing light snacks and water is also highly recommended. What will the skydive feel like? The sensation of freefall is more like flying than falling, and the parachute flight is quiet and inspiring. Are there any age limitations or physical restrictions? You must be 18 years old and show a valid ID. There is no upper age limit as long as you are in good health and physical condition, and weigh 240 lbs or less. Skydiving is a physical sport; so being in good physical condition is imperative. Should I tip my instructor? Tipping is not expected, but is always greatly appreciated. Everyone likes to feel appreciated and be acknowledged for doing a good job. If you feel your instructor has done an especially good job, let them know about it. Everyone at Skydive Las Vegas works hard to help make your first jump safe and enjoyable. If I am under 18 can I still jump if my parents sign for me? Unfortunately, no. The age requirement of 18 is set forth due to the "hold harmless" waivers every skydiver must agree to and sign. These waivers are only binding if the person signing is at the age of consent, 18, or older. I am a little overweight, is that going to be a problem? Most people who live an active lifestyle can go skydiving. There is a weight limit of 240 lbs, height / weight proportionate, to make a tandem skydive. Please contact us directly if you have any questions regarding weight requirements. If you are over 240 lbs and are physically fit some exceptions MAY be made on a case-by-case basis. Please note that there may be an additional charge if you are over 240 lbs. How experienced are the instructors? Our instructors are all United States Parachute Association (USPA) qualified and have between 3,000 and 14,000 jumps. Is skydiving dangerous? Of course it's dangerous. You jump out of a plane 15,000 feet. The only thing to slow a skydiver down is a chunk of nylon about the size of your living room. Then again, danger is part of the point. Is it safe? Skydive Las Vegas owns the latest tandem gear. All of the equipment used at Skydive Las Vegas is serviced and maintained by FAA Master Parachute Riggers. While skydiving is an inherently dangerous sport, just as driving a car is an inherently dangerous activity, we take every precaution to ensure your safety while on our drop zone. So, the short answer is that the sport of skydiving has been made as safe as possible with the current technology and training methods available. What if the weather is bad? High winds, low clouds, or rain may prevent us from jumping, but classes are held regardless of the weather. This way you'll be prepared to jump when the weather clears or we have to reschedule you. Neither we, nor the weathermen, are 100% accurate at predicting the weather. Please show up for your scheduled appointment, and a decision can be made at that time. If for some reason we need to cancel, we'll give you a call. Can I jump with my friends? Sure, that's usually not a problem. With our new 2009 PAC-750XL, it holds 17 people including the pilot, which means we can carry as many as 8 tandem pairs per airplane load. Before Your JumpWill I have to sign a waiver? Yes. Everyone at Skydive Las Vegas is required to sign a waiver. Skydiving is not an amusement park ride. Nothing can guarantee that if you jump from a plane you won't get hurt or worse. Skydiving can seriously injure or kill you. On the bright side, accidents are extremely rare in skydiving and we do everything possible to ensure your safety. Can I have a beer before I jump? Drinking alcoholic beverages before your skydive is not only not advised, we won't even take you skydiving. If you want to have a drink after your skydive, that's up to you. Skydiving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is just a bad idea. What you do on your own time is up to you. What you do when you're with us is our business. Can I get a video or pictures of my jump? Yes. Still and video services -- complete with a music soundtrack (in freefall, no one can hear you scream) -- are available. May I bring my dog? Unfortunately, no. We love dogs too, but for many reasons dogs are not allowed on the airport property at any time. Please remind your spectator friends. What should I eat? Eat a nutritious breakfast or lunch. Light carbohydrates and plenty of water or juice. Do not over eat. What do I wear? Wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes. On warm sunny days you may choose to jump in shorts and a t-shirt. On cooler days jeans and a long sleeved shirt or sweatshirt may be appropriate. No bare feet, boots or sandals are allowed. Skydive Las Vegas will provide a jumpsuit and goggles and all necessary skydiving equipment. During Your JumpWhat can I see up there? From 15,000’ over the Boulder City Airport, you can see the Las Vegas Strip Hotels and Casinos, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Colorado River, Valley of Fire, Mt. Charleston, Red Rock Canyon, and 4 States. The view is incredible. Where will we land our parachute? Our landing area is right next to our facility on the airport. Once you land your parachute you can walk right back into our facility and you're done. This also makes it ideal if you have friends and family coming out to watch you skydive. They can watch your entire experience all the way from gear-up to landing your parachute. How will I feel when the parachute opens? You will definitely know something is happening, but few people have complained about any discomfort. How long does the skydive last? You will freefall for up to one minute and the parachute flight will be about 5 to 7 minutes. Will I be scared? Maybe, and maybe not. You will definitely feel a surge of excitement and anticipation before the jump - this is a normal part of the experience. During the jump itself, you'll probably feel a thrill such as you've never experienced, which is the point - so enjoy it! How long do I freefall? You will freefall up to 60 seconds. Are the landings hard? Normally, there is less impact than jumping off a chair. Can I breathe in freefall? Yes, however the excitement may leave you breathless! What does it feel like? We cannot describe the unique sensations you will feel, but we will tell you that it will be your most exhilarating experience yet! What if the parachute doesn't open? Every skydiving rig is equipped with both a main and a reserve parachute. As a tandem skydiver, you are with a trained professional who knows how to handle a malfunction and deploy the reserve parachute if it's necessary. Skydive Las Vegas takes your safety very seriously and has never had a student fatality. What if the instructor gets knocked out and can't pull the ripcord? All of Skydive Las Vegas’s parachute systems are equipped with a device called an Automatic Activation Device (AAD). This device constantly measures your speed and altitude during your skydive and -- if you are going too fast too low -- it will deploy your reserve parachute for you. How fast do I freefall? Freefall averages 120 – 140 miles per hour or 200 feet per second. |
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