Skydiving is one of the most exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping experiences one can have. The sensation of free-falling through the sky is unlike any other, and for many, it’s a bucket-list activity. However, before you take the plunge, you may have some questions about what to expect during the jump, including how long you will be in the air.
Understanding the time spent during a skydive is essential for both beginners and seasoned jumpers. The duration of your time in the air depends on various factors such as jump altitude, freefall speed, and whether you’re doing a solo or tandem jump. In this article, we’ll break down the different phases of a skydive, explain what affects the time spent in the air, and provide a comprehensive guide to how long you can expect to be airborne when skydiving.
The Phases of A Skydive
Before diving into the specifics of how long you’re in the air, it’s important to understand the different phases that make up a skydive.
These phases contribute to the overall time you spend in the sky, and each one has a distinct impact on your experience.
1. The Plane Ride
The first phase of any skydive is the flight to the jump altitude. Depending on the location and type of jump, this can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. During this time, you’ll be climbing to the correct altitude, typically between 10,000 and 14,000 feet. For higher altitudes, like in some drop zones that offer up to 18,000 feet, the plane ride may take a bit longer.
This part of the journey is often filled with excitement and anticipation, but it’s also a time for you to get mentally prepared for the freefall ahead. You’ll likely be surrounded by other jumpers, and if you’re doing a tandem skydive, your instructor will be going over important safety protocols and what to expect during the jump.
2. The Freefall
Once you exit the plane, you’ll enter the most thrilling part of the skydive: freefall. During freefall, you’ll be plummeting toward Earth at incredible speeds. The freefall phase is where most skydivers experience the intense rush of adrenaline that makes skydiving such a popular activity.
In general, freefall lasts for 60 to 90 seconds, depending on a variety of factors such as your jump altitude, body position, and the type of skydive. While it feels like a long time, the sensation of falling is often described as weightless, and the wind resistance makes it feel more like floating than falling.
3. Parachute Deployment and Glide Time
After the freefall, the next phase is the parachute deployment. Once you reach a predetermined altitude (usually around 3,000 to 5,000 feet), your instructor or you (in the case of solo jumpers) will pull the ripcord to deploy the parachute. This is a critical part of the skydive, and the parachute opens quickly, creating a noticeable deceleration.
The parachute descent is a much slower and calmer experience compared to freefall. Once your parachute is deployed, you’ll spend anywhere from 3 to 7 minutes gliding towards the ground. This part of the skydive offers you a chance to enjoy the views, control the canopy if you’re in a solo skydive, and prepare for landing.
In tandem skydiving, your instructor will guide you in making gentle turns and adjustments to control your descent, but overall, this part of the jump is peaceful and serene. Solo jumpers, on the other hand, may have more control over their movements and can actively steer the parachute.
4. The Landing
Finally, after the glide, you’ll touch down on solid ground. The landing is typically smooth, but it can vary depending on the conditions of the landing zone and the type of jump. For tandem skydivers, the instructor will guide the landing, ensuring you touch down safely. Solo jumpers will need to execute a landing maneuver, often referred to as a “flaring” technique, to slow down the parachute before hitting the ground.
The entire landing process is relatively quick, lasting only about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but it’s a crucial phase of the jump that requires the proper technique for a safe and comfortable touchdown.
How Long Are You in the Air During A Skydive?
Now that we’ve broken down the different phases, let’s look at the total amount of time you’ll spend in the air during a typical skydive. The duration is broken down as follows:
- Plane Ride: 10 to 20 minutes
- Freefall: 60 to 90 seconds (depending on altitude)
- Parachute Descent: 3 to 7 minutes
- Landing: 30 seconds to 1 minute
On average, most tandem jumpers spend between 4 and 7 minutes in the air, depending on the altitude of the jump. The freefall portion accounts for about 1 to 1.5 minutes, while the parachute descent takes the majority of the time.
Freefall Speed and Altitude Impact
Several factors can affect how long you’re in freefall and the overall time you spend in the air. One of the primary factors is freefall speed.
The average speed during freefall is typically around 120 miles per hour (193 km/h), although this can vary based on factors such as your body position (a skydiver in a belly-to-earth position falls slower than one in a head-down position).
The higher the altitude, the longer you will spend in freefall. For example, a jump from 10,000 feet will give you about 60 seconds of freefall, while a jump from 14,000 feet will give you closer to 90 seconds.
Higher Altitudes for Longer Freefall
If you opt for a higher altitude jump, such as those offered by certain drop zones that go up to 18,000 feet, you will spend more time in freefall, allowing you to experience a longer rush before your parachute is deployed. The increase in freefall time is due to the added height, which provides more space for you to fall before reaching the deployment altitude.
However, this also means that you will have to endure a longer plane ride, as the aircraft needs more time to climb to those higher altitudes.
Factors That Influence Time in the Air
While the basic structure of a skydive remains consistent, there are several factors that can influence the total time spent in the air.
1. Jump Altitude
The altitude from which you jump has a significant impact on the time you spend in the air. As mentioned earlier, a jump from 10,000 feet results in around 1 minute of freefall, while jumping from 18,000 feet can give you almost 2 minutes of freefall. The higher the jump, the longer you’ll experience freefall before deploying the parachute.
2. Body Position
Your body position during freefall can also impact how long you spend in the air. If you choose a belly-to-earth position, you will fall slower than someone in a head-down position, where the speed is significantly faster. The slower you fall, the longer your freefall experience will last.
3. Parachute Type and Deployment
The type of parachute used, as well as the deployment method, can influence your descent time. Modern skydiving equipment is designed for smooth and safe deployments, but some specialized parachutes may affect the glide rate and descent time. Ram-air parachutes are commonly used in modern skydiving, and these provide more controlled and stable descents compared to older-style round parachutes.
Conclusion
In summary, when you go skydiving, you can expect to be in the air for a total of 4 to 7 minutes. This includes the plane ride to the jump altitude, the exhilarating freefall, and the serene parachute glide down to the landing zone. The freefall itself lasts about 60 to 90 seconds, while the parachute descent can last anywhere from 3 to 7 minutes, depending on the jump altitude. Your experience will vary based on the altitude of your jump, your body position, and the type of skydive you’re doing. Whether you’re jumping from 10,000 feet or opting for a thrilling 18,000-foot jump, skydiving offers an experience like no other — a brief but unforgettable moment of pure adrenaline.