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We've listed below the answers to many common questions prospective skydivers have asked our staff. The valuable information included here should aid you in planning your skydiving trip.
Why would anyone jump from a perfectly
good airplane?
Can I really learn to skydive?
When can I attend classes and make my jumps?
Do I have to start with a Tandem Jump?
Do I need to make an appointment?
How do I prepare for my Jump?
What do I need to bring to the drop zone with me?
What if the weather isn't so good?
How much of my time will it take?
How safe is skydiving?
...And regarding Safety, is there anything else I should
know?
How much does it cost?
Why would anyone jump out of a perfectly good airplane?
There are almost as many different answers to this question as there
are skydivers. Skydiving is exciting, challenging, dynamic, and life affirming.
It can provide you with a 'Once-In-A-Lifetime' experience or a lifetime
of amazing experiences. And above all else, it is FUN!
FAQ's
Can I really learn to skydive?
Yes! You need only meet these requirements:
Prospective skydivers must be at least 18 years old and should be in generally
good health (see medical statement below); and weigh (subject to age and
physical condition) no more than 230 lbs. Occasionally we can take people
over 230 lbs, but you will be asked to pay $1 per lb that you are over
the limit. If you weigh over 230, please tell us when you book so that
we can arrange for staff that can work with you.
Skydiving requires more precision and technique than strength, and therefore
allows men and women to participate equally at all levels. It's one of
the few sports in the world today where women successfully compete alongside
men at the most elite National and International Championship events.
All Jumpers will be required to sign documents affirming that they do
not suffer from any physical infirmity, chronic ailment, or injury of
any nature which may effect the outcome of their jump; that they are not
currently taking any medication of any kind; and that they have never
been treated for any of the following: cardiac or pulmonary conditions
or disease, diabetes, fainting spells or convulsions, nervous disorders,
kidney or related diseases, high or low blood pressure. Persons unable
to so affirm must bring a doctor's note authorizing their participation
in skydiving activities.
Tandem Jumping has allowed more persons than ever before to experience the thrill of skydiving. Tandem Students are regularly the most senior of senior citizens; and have included persons who are deaf or blind, persons who are amputees, and persons who are paraplegic or even quadriplegic. If you feel you may have special needs, contact the drop zone for further information.
When can I attend classes and make my jumps?
We are open every Saturday and Sunday and will teach Accelerated Freefall classes of any size both days, classes usually begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. We also offer classes on weekdays as well, whenever there is demand. Check our calendar or call the drop zone for details. Weekday and Weeknight classes can be scheduled here at the drop zone or at a conference center near your location by request (larger groups only).
Do I have to start with a Tandem Jump?
Not at Skydive Palatka -- we give you a choice. Many dropzones require all of their skydiving students jump Tandem (harnessed with an instructor) once or twice (or more) before allowing them to transition to a solo-harness training program (Accelerated Freefall or Static-Line). While we do believe that Tandem Jumping is the safest way for any novice to be introduced to the sport (your Tandem instructor can control the freefall 100% and will also take control of the parachute during landing), we know that with the proper training and equipment -- which we provide -- there's no reason why you can't safely skydive on your own if you choose. Therefore, our First Jump Courses in Accelerated Freefall requires no previous experience. Tandem jumps do take less time to complete (because they do not require extensive training -- only 15 minutes) and require less of dropzone staff (in time and personnel) so for these reasons smaller centers and others have found it more economical, or more profitable, to funnel all of their business into Tandem.
Do I need to make an appointment?
For the AFF First Jump Course, appointments are required. We highly recommend
Tandem students and returning AFF students make appointments as well,
but walk-in traffic will be happily accepted on a space-available basis.
To make an appointment, call the drop zone at 386-328-0606. We will request
a credit card deposit of $25 per person to secure the reservation. Large
groups (10 or more) earning discount rates may be required to pay a portion
of their fees in advance.
Please get a good night's rest. (We highly recommend you don't show up
at the drop zone hung-over from partying late the night before -- save
the celebration till after you jump). Remember that our first-jump classes
will demand your attention for the better part of a day, and that you
should want to be fresh and alert when falling from a plane at 120 mph.
You must not consume any alcohol within the eight hours previous to your
jump. In addition, you should not scuba dive within the 24 hours previous
to participating in this or any other aviation activity.
What do I need to bring to the drop zone with me?
The drop zone will provide all the equipment you need to successfully
make your parachute jump (including gear, altimeter, radio, jumpsuit,
helmet, and goggles), so just dress comfortably and bring a good fitting
pair of tennis shoes or sneakers. In the summer, shorts and t-shirts are
recommended.
Also bring enough cash, check or credit to pay for your jumps and video,
souvenir t-shirts, and anything else you may find to your liking in our
store. :-)
You may wish to bring a lunch meal - you may use our refrigerator, microwave,
and gas barbecue grill - or you may visit one of the dozens of eateries
in town just a couple of miles away.
What if the weather isn't so good?
Florida weather changes every 20 minutes and every 20 miles. Our site has a link to the local weather conditions on it, but always call us if you have any doubts. You will be expected to show at the time of your appointment unless we call you to cancel or reschedule your jump. We will not jump in poor weather conditions, but can often operate around the scattered clouds and rain showers common to Florida in the Summer.
How much of my time will it take?
Expect your first jump experience to take most of the day if you're an AFF student, and half of the day if you are a Tandem student. Once you're hooked, expect skydiving to take up ALL of your free time. First Jump Classes start at 9 a.m. and usually last about 6-7 hours (AFF). Weather permitting, you will jump the same day (in the early or late afternoon).
Safer than you may think, but there is still some degree of risk. You will be required to sign a waiver stating that you understand that your participation in this sport can possibly result in serious injury or death, and that you accept full responsibility and liability for your actions. We do, however, provide modern, well-maintained aircraft and equipment; top-quality instruction, and strictly follow all industry safety standards. We are members of the United States Parachute Association™ (USPA), a national self-regulating but FAA recognized organization dedicated to the development of safe skydiving in the United States of America. Follow the link above to learn more about the USPA, skydiving safety, and to view USPA's accident statistics. Call the drop zone if you have any other questions or concerns.
There's never been a fatality at Skydive Palatka; and serious injuries (broken bones) -- though they have happened -- are very rare, and have usually been the result of relatively experienced skydivers having a moment of carelessness on an unforgiving high-performance parachute.
...And regarding Safety, is there anything else I should know?
Yes! The Management will appreciate its customers observing these few rules:
- The use or possession of controlled substances will not be tolerated on Kay Larkin Airport or at Skydive Palatka. Skydive Palatka is a DRUG FREE DROP ZONE The consumption of alcoholic beverages at Skydive Palatka and on Kay Larkin Airport is prohibited until all skydiving and aviation activity has completed for the day. Federal law and the USPA dictate no person shall participate in skydiving activity within 8 hours following the consumption of alcohol. The management reserves the right to refuse service to any persons who appear to be intoxicated or impaired.
- Smoking is not permitted indoors, in or around aircraft, near the aircraft refueling area, near parachute equipment or around the parachute packing area. Please deposit cigarette butts in the cans provided.
- Please refrain from bringing your pets to the drop zone.
- Children are welcome (Especially when well-behaved) but you are responsible for their supervision at all times.
- Spectators should take care not to wander into the Parachute Landing
Area and cause a hazard. Please only approach aircraft and the aircraft
boarding areas with an instructor or staff member escort.
