So you’ve decided to become a skydiver.
Whether it’s a lifelong dream or a spur-of-the-moment “let’s jump out of a plane” decision, welcome to a sport that’s equal parts adrenaline, community, and breathtaking views. Learning to skydive is an adventure in itself, and Skydive Arizona offers world-class training programs that take you from first-timer to licensed jumper in no time—weather permitting.
This guide walks you through what it takes to get your feet off the ground and into freefall.
What is Sport Skydiving?
Skydiving is as straightforward as it sounds: you jump out of a plane, freefall, and land under a parachute. But within that simplicity lies a whole world of techniques, gear, and methods to explore. There’s wingsuiting, free-flying, freestyle, canopy piloting, and Canopy Relative Work (CReW) to name a few disciplines.
There are several ways to get started, including:
- Static Line Training: An older method where a static line attached to the plane deploys your parachute as you exit. This is a solid choice—but not available at Skydive Arizona.
- Instructor-Assisted Deployment (IAD): Similar to static line but with a more active student role. Again, great for specific learning paths but not something we do here.
- Accelerated Skydiving Program (ASP): The program we specialize in at Skydive Arizona’s Adventures in Skydiving School. ASP combines in-depth training with thrilling, hands-on solo freefall jumps right from the start. It exceeds the requirements of the USPA’s Integrated Student Program.
Choosing the Accelerated Skydiving Program (ASP)
Skydive Arizona’s ASP is the fastest and most immersive way to learn to skydive. It’s based on the USPA’s Accelerated Freefall Program but adds a couple items we find important. Here’s how it works:
Tandem Skydive
Your skydiving journey kicks off with a tandem jump alongside an experienced instructor. This isn’t just a thrill ride—it’s your introduction to freefall dynamics, parachute deployment, and basic canopy control.
Ground School
Next, you’ll dive into ground school, where you’ll receive comprehensive training on essential skills like safety protocols, emergency procedures, proper body positioning, canopy handling, and landing techniques. This foundational knowledge prepares you for your solo progression.
Tunnel Time
To hone your body control in freefall, you’ll train in a vertical wind tunnel with an instructor. This session helps you master the stable belly-to-earth position and directional control, like turns, setting you up for success on your jumps.
First Jumps
Your initial skydives under the ASP program are conducted with two instructors, each gripping your harness as you exit the plane. They’ll guide you through maintaining a proper body position, deploying your parachute, and building confidence in freefall.
Progression
Once you demonstrate consistent stability and altitude awareness, you’ll graduate to solo jumps. During this phase, you’ll refine your canopy piloting, emergency response skills, and even learn how to pack your parachute. Each jump gets you closer to independence.
Earning Your A-License
By the end of the ASP program at Adventures in Skydiving, you’ll have completed the training requirements for the USPA A-License—your golden ticket to jumping solo at drop zones worldwide.
First-Jump Course (FJC)
Your ASP training begins with a 4-6 hour First-Jump Course, where you’ll cover:
- Equipment Orientation: Learn the ins and outs of your gear, from harnesses to altimeters.
- Body Position: Practice stability for freefall and the proper techniques for deploying your parachute.
- Emergency Procedures: Prepare for worst-case scenarios with hands-on guidance.
- Canopy Control: Understand how to steer and land your parachute accurately.
What It Takes to Earn Your A-License
Skydiving is broken into a structured eight-category progression (A-H) as outlined by the USPA. Here’s what’s required:
- Jumps: Complete 25 total skydives, including both instructor-assisted and solo jumps.
- Exams: Pass written and oral tests on skydiving principles, safety, and procedures.
- Skills Mastery: Show proficiency in stable freefall, canopy flight, and emergency management.
Adventures in Skydiving’s ASP program offers a streamlined approach to skill development, ensuring every jump gets you closer to your goal while keeping the experience unforgettable.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Skydiving is 90% mental and 10% physical. Here’s how to tackle common hurdles:
- Fear: Totally normal! Talk to your instructors—they’ve seen it all and know how to help.
- Body Awareness: Relaxation is key. If you’re tense, your movements will be jerky. Focus on breathing and trust your training.
- Landing: Canopy control takes practice, but you’ll get plenty of it during your training jumps.
Need extra practice before heading to altitude? That’s where the wind tunnel comes in.
SkyVenture Arizona: Your Secret Weapon
Located on-site at Skydive Arizona, SkyVenture Arizona is an indoor wind tunnel that lets you practice freefall skills without leaving the ground. Whether you’re mastering stability or fine-tuning turns, the tunnel is an invaluable tool for accelerating your progression.
Bonus: Tunnel time makes you more confident in freefall, giving you an edge on every jump.
Costs and Time Commitment
Skydiving isn’t cheap, but it’s worth every penny. For a detailed breakdown of costs, check out this article: How Much Does It Cost to Skydive?.
If you’re ambitious (and the weather cooperates), it’s possible to earn your A-license in as little as a week. That said, most people take a more relaxed approach, spreading out their training over several weekends.
Skydiving Risks: Real Talk
Skydiving is thrilling, but it comes with risks. Skydive Arizona operates under the USPA Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs), ensuring the highest industry standards for training and equipment. Your safety also depends on your personal accountability—listen to your instructors, stay alert, and don’t rush your progression, especially when it comes to downsizing and swooping.
Learning to skydive is a life-changing experience. At Skydive Arizona, we combine top-notch instruction with an unbeatable skydiving environment to help you take the leap with confidence. Ready to start your journey? Visit Adventures in Skydiving to book your First-Jump Course today.