​Skydiving Frequently Asked Questions:
How old do you have to be to skydive?
You must be at least the legal age of 18 in order to skydive without exception. Unfortunately a parent or guardian cannot sign a release of liability on your behalf. This law is governed by both the United States Parachute Association as well as the manufacturers of the skydiving equipment.
How much does skydiving cost?
A Tandem Skydive is $250 per person. This includes everything from the gear rental to the instruction as well as the jump itself. There are NO hidden fees. The only additional cost would be for an optional media package if you so choose. See all skydiving prices.
How high do I skydive from?
At Skydive Sussex, we skydive from up to 14,500ft - the highest tandem skydive in the northeast!
What do I wear when skydiving?
Athletic wear or active wear like gym shorts, leggings/yoga pants, or t-shirts are our first choices for what to wear skydiving when it is warm. If the weather is cool, layer up! Thin insulated base layers beneath long sleeves and long pants make for the perfect chilly skydiving attire.
How far do I fall when skydiving?
Once you exit the aircraft, you will freefall for about 60 seconds at speeds near 120mph!
How long is the parachute ride when skydiving?
A typical skydive lasts five to six minutes, with approximately 60 seconds of that spent in freefall and four to five minutes on the parachute ride down.
What is the maximum weight limit for skydiving?
The weight limit for tandem skydiving is 200lbs for women and 220lbs for men. These limits are flexible up to 280lbs based on height compared to weight for an additional fee.
How safe is skydiving?
Tandem skydiving has the strongest safety statistics of any type of jump, with only 0.003 fatalities per thousand jumps over the past 10 years. You're more likely to be struck by lightning or win the lottery than to die on a tandem skydive. In fact, it can be said the most dangerous part of skydiving is driving to the dropzone. The United States Parachute Association publishes current safety information which is available on their website.
Can I wear my own camera when skydiving?
According to the United States Parachute Association, licensed skydivers with a minimum of 200 skydives are allowed to wear a camera with the proper training and safety measures in place. You will not be permitted to bring a phone or camera on a tandem skydive as it poses safety concerns to both you and your instructor, as well as anyone on the ground.
Can you breathe in freefall?
Of course! While you will be experiencing the rush of adrenaline in freefall, you will still be able to breathe normally.
What if the parachute doesn't open?
Parachutes are designed to open! In the unlikely event you experience a problem with the main parachute, you can rest assured there is always a secondary back-up reserve parachute. Thanks to technology we even have a small computer on board called an automatic activation device that will automatically deploy the reserve parachute if need be.
Can two people share a video/media package?
Due to the nature of tandem skydiving, each person skydiving will need to purchase their own video media package in order to get footage while in freefall, however we can always get group shots together while on the ground, in the aircraft and upon landing.
Can friends and family watch me skydive?
Absolutely! We welcome spectators and have picnic tables and outdoor seating available for those wishing to join in on the fun from the ground. Our viewing area is adjacent to our landing area, providing an up-close picture perfect view to watch your loved ones come in for landing. The Airport Pub and New Airport Diner are also located on our airport allowing non-jumpers indoor seating, food and beverages for purchase and a place to relax while waiting for you to complete your skydive.