Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ’s

Which jump do you recommend ?

The Tandem skydive is an excellent way to experience the sport without hours of training. We advise that unless you are looking to become a qualified skydiver, the Tandem is the most suitable course. If you get the bug for skydiving you could consider a solo course at a later date.

Is there an age restriction ?

The minimum age to do any type of skydive in the UK is 16. Under 18’s must have a consent form and a medical form signed by a parent or guardian. See restrictions for the forms required.

Is there a weight restriction ?

Weight limits apply to all courses. The tandem skydive has a standard weight limit of

15 st/95kg. If you are over this weight limit please contact us for further information.

We use a height to weight ratio ( Body Mass Index ) for solo courses.

Please refer to restrictions to check your height and weight on the BMI chart.

Are there any health restrictions ?

There are certain conditions which may prevent you from skydiving.

Please see restrictions to view the tandem or solo medical forms. You would need to have the relevant medical form signed by your GP if you suffer from ( or have suffered from ) any of the conditions listed.

For safety reasons your Instructor has the final decision on your suitability to do the jump.

Can I skydive if I’m disabled ?

Disability is not necessarily a barrier. Whilst solo courses may not be suitable, Tandem skydiving has made it possible for many disabled people to experience the sport. The Tandem medical form gives comprehensive information on issues relating to disability and skydiving. Please see restrictions to view the medical form. For safety reasons your Instructor has the final decision on your suitability to do the jump.

I wear spectacles/contact lenses, will this be a problem ?

No ! Goggles are worn by all skydivers and these will keep your spectacles or contact lenses protected and firmly in place.

What if I’m afraid of heights ?

This is a very commonly asked question. Many people who have come along to skydive have believed they have a fear of heights. We all have a natural awareness that heights can be dangerous and this can easily be confused with a phobia. If you really had an intense fear of heights it is very unlikely you would be thinking of doing a skydive ! If you have no fear of flying it is unlikely you will have a problem. Unlike standing at the top of a ladder or looking over a tall building you will have no real comprehension of how high you are. How many of us think about being 33,000ft up when we are jetting off on our holidays !

Can you breathe in freefall ?

Yes ! Your freefall speed is around 120mph but the air doesn’t enter your lungs at that speed. The air is slowed by your nose and mouth and at the altitude we jump from the oxygen levels are still fairly high.

How much does it cost ?

See prices for full details.

What is your refund policy ?

All deposits and gift vouchers are non-refundable. However, we would transfer the skydive to a person of your choice should you need to do so. The person replacing you must conform to the relevant age, weight and health requirements ( see restrictions for details). Any transfer of name must be done prior to the jump date or voucher expiry date.

How do I book ?

Book online

The most simple and secure way is to book online. All you have to do is complete the form giving your details and chosen jump date. We will then send you information about your training, arrival time, directions etc. Your deposit can be paid by debit or credit card.

We advise that you book as far in advance as possible. Ideally a weekend jump date should be booked a minimum of 4 weeks ahead and 2 weeks for a mid-week date. We are able to take a booking months in advance.

By post

If you prefer to pay by cheque simply print and complete the booking form and post to Tandemjump.co.uk, 43 John Street, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY8 5YS.

Cheques should be made payable to Tandemjump.co.uk

By phone

This may be advisable for large group bookings. Please have the names, ages, heights and weights of all those jumping. The booking deposit can be paid by debit or credit card.

The booking office can be contacted from Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 5pm.

Telephone number 01384 351050.

Do you offer group discounts ?

For Tandem and RAPS courses we offer the following group discounts.

Group of 6-10 people all booking at the same time = £10 per person discount.

Group of 11 or more people all booking at the same time = £15 per person discount.

Any discount must be mentioned at the time of booking and is deducted from the deposit payment.

The group must be booking in at the same time for the same centre and jump/course

date.

Do you offer gift vouchers ?

Yes. Gift vouchers are available for each course and location. The voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Vouchers are non-refundable.

If you need to we can transfer the voucher to another name.

This would be subject to the usual age, height /weight and health restrictions.

The expiry date would remain the same.

Can I extend my gift voucher ?

Yes. There is a standard £50 fee to extend the voucher for 12 months. Vouchers can only be extended once. You would also need to pay any difference in price since the voucher was purchased.

To extend a voucher simply call our office giving the voucher number.

Refer to the contact us page for details.

Where is my nearest centre ?

We have 13 centres in the UK. To find the one closest to you go to locations and refer to the UK map. Directions will be included with your booking confirmation.

Will I need insurance ?

Temporary membership to the BPA ( British Parachute Association )is included in the price of your jump. Anyone doing any type of skydive in the UK must have this membership. Third party insurance is covered by the BPA as a part of the membership.

Full personal insurance cover is not compulsory but if you would like further details please see insurance. You will find details for Extremeplus, an insurance company who specialise in sports cover.

What if the weather is unsuitable?

All aviation activity is dependant on suitable weather conditions. UK weather is notoriously difficult to predict, especially more than 24 hours in advance.

Rain, heavy low cloud or high winds can all prevent your skydive going ahead. If you cannot complete your skydive due to weather conditions you will be able to arrange another date at no extra cost. You have up to 12 months from your original jump date in which to re-book.

We advise that you call the centre on the day before your skydive to check the local weather. The number will be shown in your booking confirmation.

What should I wear ?

This will depend on the time of year you are jumping. During the colder months it is advisable to wear several warm thin layers. In the summer you could wear shorts and a t-shirt !

Trainers or flat soled shoes are ideal footwear.

You will be given a jumpsuit to wear over your clothing along with a helmet and goggles.

What time should I arrive ?

This will confirmed in your booking details. Some centres offer both morning and afternoon arrival times. Please go to locations and select your nearest one for further details.

We do work on a ‘first come, first served’ basis so please be as close to your allocated arrival time as possible. If you are the first person to arrive and book in you will be the first on the list to jump !

Can I bring spectators or pets ?

With the exception of Netheravon and South Cerney ( which are both Military bases ) there is no limit on the number of spectators.

For Netheravon and South Cerney there is a limit of 4 adult spectators per skydiver( under 16’s are not included in this number ). If possible you should all arrive at the same time which allows the visitors pass to be issued.

Further details are included with your booking confirmation.

Children must be supervised at all times. No alcohol can be consumed until the centre has completed all parachuting operation for the day. Most centres have somewhere to get drinks and snacks and all have spectator areas.

All centres have a no pets policy due to airfield safety requirements.

What is the BPA ?

The British Parachute Association ( BPA ) is the governing body for skydiving in the UK. All of our centres are BPA affiliated and safety and training regulations are strictly monitored.

How experienced are your Instructors ?

All of our Instructors have gained their qualification through the BPA.

A RAPS Instructor must have a minimum of 200 jumps and 2 years as a qualified skydiver before applying for a place on the BPA Instructor course.

A Tandem Instructor must have a minimum of 800 jumps and an AFF Instructor 1,000 jumps before being allowed to apply for the BPA course to gain their rating.

How safe is skydiving ?

Thousands of people skydive in the UK every year. Skydiving is an adventure sport and as a result there are risks attached. However, compared to other adventure sports such as skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing etc. skydiving has far less injuries.

In statistics provided by the BPA approximately 1 in 700 tandem students will have some type of injury. An injury is classed as anything from a bruise to a fracture.

Safety procedures are strictly monitored by Instructors and the BPA.

What happens if my parachute doesn’t open ?

The simple answer is that all skydivers carry a main and a reserve parachute. If the main parachute fails to open the reserve would be used. If you are a Tandem student this would be done by your Instructor. If you are a RAPS or AFF student your course covers training on how to operate the reserve parachute.

In addition there is a device known as an Automatic Activation Device ( AAD ).
Which would open your reserve parachute if you were unable to do so.

Can I have my skydive filmed ?

Yes it is possible to have your skydive filmed. Each centre has its own camera team and prices vary accordingly. For price details go to locations and then select the name of the centre you wish to jump at. For the Tandem skydive your cameraman will exit the aircraft with you to capture your freefall descent. As a result it is only possible for each cameraman to film one person at a time. Prices are shown per person.

There is no need to pre-book or pre-pay to have your skydive filmed. You can simply arrange this on arrival at the centre when you do your booking in and paperwork.

When are you open ?

Most of our centres are open every weekend from early February to mid December.

Some also open on various mid-week days. For details go to locations and select your nearest centre for opening times.

The majority of our centres close over the winter months and the worst of the cold weather ! Dates vary from year to year but will usually be from mid December to early February.

Is there somewhere local to stay ?

We have a list of accommodation for each centre. If you go to locations and click on the name of the relevant centre you will find contact details.

Still not found what you are looking for ?

If your question hasn’t been answered please email us at info@tandemjump.co.uk

Alternatively you can call us between 9.30am and 5pm, Monday to Thursday on 01384 351050.

FAQ’s quick reference