Skydiving is an exhilarating extreme sport that involves jumping out of an aircraft at high altitudes and freefalling before deploying a parachute to land safely. One of the most common questions among beginners and enthusiasts alike is: How high is the plane when you skydive? This article provides a detailed explanation of typical skydiving altitudes, the factors influencing these heights, and the specific speeds experienced during freefall.
Typical Altitudes for Skydiving
Most skydiving jumps occur from altitudes ranging between 8,000 and 14,000 feet above ground level (AGL), with the average exit altitude being around 10,000 feet. This altitude range offers a balance between giving jumpers enough freefall time and ensuring safety and operational efficiency.
Why 10,000 Feet Is Common
The prevalence of the 10,000-foot exit altitude is largely due to the type of aircraft commonly used in skydiving operations.
The Cessna 182 is the workhorse of many dropzones because it is reliable and cost-effective. However, it typically maxes out at about 10,000 feet, which sets a practical limit on jump altitude.
Higher Altitudes and Specialized Aircraft
Some dropzones operate more powerful turbine aircraft, such as the Beechcraft King Air or the PAC 750XL, which can reach altitudes of 14,000 feet or even higher, sometimes up to 18,000 feet for special jumps. These higher altitudes are often used for tandem jumps or experienced licensed jumpers who want longer freefall times or participate in high-altitude jumps.
Minimum Altitudes for Different Jumpers
Tandem skydivers usually jump from a minimum of 8,000 feet to ensure enough time for safe parachute deployment, considering the added weight and complexity of tandem setups.
Licensed solo jumpers can jump from lower altitudes, sometimes as low as 3,000 to 4,000 feet, depending on their experience and the type of jump.
The minimum parachute deployment altitudes vary by license level, with students and tandem jumpers needing to open at higher altitudes (around 3,000 to 5,000 feet) compared to experienced jumpers who can deploy as low as 2,500 feet or less.
Factors Determining Skydiving Altitude
Several factors influence the altitude from which skydivers exit the plane:
Aircraft capability: Smaller planes like the Cessna 182 are limited to about 10,000 feet, while turbine planes can climb higher.
Dropzone location: Elevation of the airfield and local airspace restrictions affect maximum altitude.
Type of jump: Tandem jumps, student jumps, and experienced solo jumps have different altitude requirements.
FAA regulations: Flight restrictions and safety rules influence operational altitudes.
Flight Speed During Skydiving
Once a skydiver exits the plane, they accelerate due to gravity until reaching terminal velocity, where the force of gravity is balanced by air resistance, and the speed stabilizes.
Terminal Velocity Speeds
In the common belly-to-earth position, terminal velocity is about 120 mph (193 km/h), which is typical for tandem and solo skydivers.
In a head-down freefly position, which reduces air resistance, speeds increase to around 150-180 mph (240-290 km/h).
Highly skilled speed skydivers can streamline their bodies further to reach speeds exceeding 300 mph (480 km/h), and in rare cases, like Felix Baumgartner’s stratospheric jump, speeds have exceeded 800 mph (1,300 km/h) due to thin air at extreme altitudes.
Speed Progression in Freefall
After exiting the plane, it takes about 12 seconds for a skydiver to reach terminal velocity. During this time, the speed increases rapidly from zero to the terminal velocity depending on the body position and mass.
Flight Speed of the Aircraft
The aircraft used for skydiving typically cruises at speeds between 100 and 150 mph, depending on the model and altitude.
For example, the Cessna 182 climbs at about 90-110 mph, and turbine aircraft can fly faster, enabling quicker ascents to jump altitude. The flight speed is steady and controlled to ensure safe and timely exit for jumpers.
Summary
| Aspect | Typical Value / Range |
| Average skydiving exit altitude | 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) |
| Altitude range for jumps | 3,000 to 18,000 feet (depending on jump type and aircraft) |
| Minimum tandem jump altitude | 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) |
| Minimum solo jump altitude | 3,000 to 4,000 feet (914 to 1,219 meters) |
| Terminal velocity (belly-to-earth) | ~120 mph (193 km/h) |
| Terminal velocity (head-down) | 150-180 mph (240-290 km/h) |
| Maximum speed in speed skydiving | Over 300 mph (480 km/h), record over 800 mph (1,300 km/h) |
| Aircraft climb speed | 90-150 mph (145-240 km/h) |
Conclusion
Skydiving is a carefully regulated extreme sport where altitude and speed play crucial roles in the experience and safety.
Jumping from around 10,000 feet allows for a thrilling freefall lasting about 45 to 60 seconds, with speeds reaching up to 120 mph in the typical belly-to-earth position. Higher altitudes and specialized aircraft enable longer freefall times and specialized jumps, while the speed varies greatly depending on body position and skill level. Understanding these elements helps skydivers prepare for the adrenaline rush and technical demands of the sport.