General > Tandem > RAPS > AFF Level 1

This is probably the most commonly asked question. A fear of heights can often be confused with a natural and healthy respect for the inherent dangers of high places. This respect is necessary and essential to survival!

Can you breathe in freefall?

Yes! Your freefall speed is about 120 mph, so it will feel fairly breezy! If you let out a scream upon leaving the aircraft ("Geronimo!" or something similar) then that will release a lot of the tension you might have been feeling, and subsequently allow you to breathe freely.

Will I need insurance?

Registration at the airfield for your jump will automatically cover you for Personal Liability (3rd party insurance). If you require Personal Accident insurance cover you will have received an insurance form with your booking details for ExtremePlus which you can complete or you can arrange alternative insurance beforehand

Can I skydive if I am disabled?

Disability is not necessarily a barrier. Tandem skydiving has made it possible for many people to participate, who would otherwise be unsuitable for solo parachute training. The Declaration of Fitness form gives comprehensive information on issues relating to disability and parachuting. It is worth noting that the final responsibility, and therefore the final decision as to a person's suitability, rests with the Tandem Instructor.

Is there an age limit for skydiving?

The lower age limit for all types of parachuting in the UK is 16. There is no upper age limit for Tandem skydiving. If you are aged 40 or over, you will need to have your Declaration of Fitness form (enclosed with info pack) signed and stamped by a doctor. As stated in the last answer, the final decision as to a person's suitability, rests with the Parachute Instructor.

I wear spectacles / contact lenses. Will this be a problem?

No. Goggles to fit over spectacles will be provided, and these will securely retain your spectacles in place. Goggles will also protect contact lenses and prevent them from being displaced.

What if the weather is bad on the day of my jump?

All aviation activity is dependant on suitable weather conditions Parachuting is no exception. UK weather is notoriously difficult to predict, especially more than 24 hours in advance. The normal procedure would be to phone the evening before or on the morning your booked to jump to check the local weather. If necessary, we would reschedule your jump.

What type of jump do you recommend?

I personally recommend Tandem as a first time jump as you get to experience free fall which for me is what skydiving is all about, you also have the shortest training time and you get to fly under a square parachute. In all I believe that Tandem lets you see what parachuting / skydiving is all about so that you can decide if you would like to carry on in the sport and if so you can cross over to either RAPS or AFF.