Become a skydiver
From customer
to skydiver.
A tandem jump is something you do. Becoming a skydiver is something you are.
Find skydiving training near youDiscover
Read about the sport, visit a drop zone, watch people land. Drop zones are welcoming places, and most are happy to show you around.
First jump
Most people start with a tandem skydive. Many training programs ask for one tandem before you begin, so you know how freefall feels. First jump guide →
Typical cost $250–$350
Train
The most common path in the U.S. is AFF (Accelerated Freefall): a first-jump course on the ground, then a series of jumps with your own parachute while instructors fly next to you and hold on at first. Some drop zones use other methods, such as instructor-assisted deployment or tandem progression.
Solo
Once your instructors clear you, you jump on your own, practicing skills like turns, tracking, canopy control and landing patterns. You'll also learn to pack.
License
The USPA A license is the first license in the U.S. Requirements include a minimum of 25 jumps, completing the skills on the A-license proficiency card, and passing a written and oral exam. With it you can jump at drop zones around the country and keep learning.
Typical total from first training jump to A license $2,000–$4,000
Skydiver
After your A license, solo jumps usually cost around $30–$40 each at many U.S. drop zones. From here: coaching, disciplines like formation skydiving, freefly or wingsuit, events and boogies, and new drop zones to visit.
for the USPA A license
at USPA drop zones
varies by drop zone
Requirements are set by the United States Parachute Association and may change; confirm current requirements with USPA and your drop zone. Cost ranges as published by U.S. drop zones and skydiving publications, e.g. Skydive Mag, Skydive New England. Checked September 2026.
Find skydiving training near you
Drop zones with a student program, closest first.