Skydiving and parachute jumping in Houston, Texas and Clewiston, Florida

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Skydiver Training Program: Common Questions

Skydiver Training Program: Common Questions

Aug 22, 2012

Following are several frequently asked questions about the Skydiver Training Program at Skydive Spaceland. Please call our Houston location at 1-800-SKYDIVE or 281-369-3337, or our Clewiston, Florida location at 1-800-533-6151,  if you have any more questions. We’d love to talk to you!

How old do I have to be to learn to skydive?

At least 18 years old, and bring a valid photo ID to confirm.

Is there a weight limit for students in the STP program?

Yes… you will need to be under 250 pounds.

How many jumps are in the program?

Eighteen, not counting your two tandems or any levels that need to be repeated.

How much does it cost?

The solo transition class you take first is $60. STP levels 1-16 are $150 each, level 17 (lower-altitude jump) is $95, and your graduation jump (level 18) is free! Purchase STP skydives now…

How long is the class and when is it offered?

The class lasts about 4.5 hours, and it is offered at 6 p.m. on Fridays and at 8 a.m. on the first and third Sundays of the month.

Are there any discounts?

Yes! You can buy everything at once with our A license in a week package (includes all of the above plus five jumps on your own to reach the United States Parachute Association A license requirement of 25 skydives) for $2400–a $400 savings. You also get free stays in our bunkhouse during your student training.

You can also buy any two STP levels together and save $20.

Can I start the Skydiver Training Program without doing tandems first?

At Skydive Spaceland, we only offer tandem for your first and second skydives, where you are harnessed to an experienced instructor. Experience the thrill of skydiving with the comfort of an expert guide for every step of the way (plus it’s more time-efficient than jumping solo, which requires about a 4.5-hour instructional class before jumping). For tandem skydiving, you’ll learn the basics during a 30-minute class and we will get you skydiving soon afterwards.

How many jumps can I make in a day?

As many as you are ready for and the weather/our schedule permit! Usually students will do anywhere from 1 to 8 jumps per day.

Can I get video of my jumps?

Absolutely… and it’s free! Each instructor wears a video camera on his or her helmet on every Skydiver Training Program skydive so you get all the information on how your skydive went. We suggest bringing a USB/flash drive or purchasing one here to store your skydives so you can watch at home and show your friends!

Can I bring or wear a camera for my skydive?

Sorry, no. Cameras are great fun after a skydive, but during the jump they introduce a significant distraction to the person wearing it and this can create a variety of safety issues. The United States Parachute Association recommends that no skydiver wear a camera until they have at least 200 skydives and we follow this recommendation here at Spaceland. We do, of course, offer high-quality video and photographs shot by a highly experienced videographer for your first skydive. More information and examples…

If I get the A license in a week package, do I have to finish in a week? What if we get bad weather?

Our Skydiver Training Program does not have to be completed in any given time frame, even if you buy the A license in a week package. It could take you a few days or a few months, depending on your schedule, weather, etc. If you get weathered out, just come back later for another jump. However, you will need to be aware of our currency requirements. People learn new skills better when they stay current (i.e., without long breaks between jumps). Following are our currency requirements for Skydiver Training Program skydives:

  • Tandem Level 2: Within 90 days of Tandem Level 1 (or repeat Tandem Level 1 before Level 2)
  • STP Solo Transition Class: Within 2 weeks of Tandem Level 2 (or repeat Tandem Level 2 before class)
  • STP Level 1: Within 30 days of Tandem Level 2 (or repeat Tandem Level 2 before STP 1)
  • STP Levels 2-18: Within 30 days of previous level (or repeat previous level before moving on). If you don’t make a freefall jump within 30 days of the previous level, you’ll need to take a refresher class for $50 before your next jump.

What are the weather conditions that would stop me from jumping?

Clouds that prevent us from seeing the ground, precipitation, turbulent winds, or high winds.

What kind of gear do students jump at Skydive Spaceland?

We have state-of-the-art Javelin Odyssey containers with Sabre2 parachutes and Performance Designs reserves. Canopies range from 135 to 300 square feet. Each rig is also equipped with an automatic activation device (Cypres) that will activate the reserve parachute if needed.

 

Please call our Houston location at 1-800-SKYDIVE or 281-369-3337, or our Clewiston, Florida location at 1-800-533-6151,  if you have any more questions. We’d love to talk to you!