We’ve put together a list of all the different heights you can exit a plane from, whether it would be a tandem skydive for a beginner, for somebody more advanced, or even an indoor skydive. And if you're wondering what the record height for a skydive is, then we've put that in there as well.
What height do you skydive from?
The average skydiving height when you jump from a plane is around 10,000 feet. This altitude is usually determined by the aircraft type used, the terrain’s starting field elevation, or by flight restrictions. You can exit a plane at up to 15,000 feet, but above this height you would be required to wear an oxygen mask.
Beginner skydiving height
There are three ways you can make your first jump:
The most common option people take is a Tandem skydive. Here, you would be securely attached to an experienced tandem instructor, who takes charge of the vital functions, such as opening the parachute and landing safely. During a tandem skydive, you will probably exit the plane at around 10,000 feet.
A Static Line is where a descent can be made after about 6 hours of ground training . Usually involving the student jumper leaving the aircraft at 3500 feet, the main parachute is deployed using a device called a ‘static line’. This is a length of webbing attached to the aircraft at one end and the bag, in which the main parachute is kept, at the other. As the jumper falls away from the aircraft, the static line pulls the main parachute out and begins the deployment.
Accelerated Freefall is an intensive course, where your first descent would be from 12,000 feet accompanied by two highly specialised instructors. They will guide you in freefall by way of hand signals and under canopy with radio communication. You will experience 40-45 seconds of freefall before you open your own parachute at around 5,000 feet.
Advanced skydiving height
Skydiving above 15,000 feet is not uncommon in the professional skydiving world. Highly experienced skydivers performing large formation skydives may exit the plane from an altitude of 19,000 feet. Mount Everest has the highest skydiving height, where a skydive takes place from 23,000 feet. But these higher altitude jumps require the use of oxygen masks. At higher altitudes, the air becomes thinner, and if a skydiver doesn't get enough oxygen, they can suffer from hypoxia.
Estimated times to fall
Estimated freefall times for different heights:
- 10,000 feet – 45 seconds
- 15,000 feet – 60 seconds
- 30,000 feet – 120 seconds
Once your parachute is opened at around 5,000 feet, it will take you about 5 minutes to drift to the ground, whilst you take in the wonderful views.
FAQs
What is the minimum skydiving height?
The minimum skydiving height that most licensed skydivers will jump from is between 3,000-4,000 feet. For tandem skydiving, the minimum altitude is around 8,000 feet. Although, because the minimum tandem skydiving deployment altitude is 5,000 feet, a skydive from this height leaves little time to enjoy freefall.
How high up do you go in indoor skydiving?
The average height for indoor skydiving is about 6ft, but for experienced flyers this could increase to 39 feet, depending on the facilities.
Can skydiving help you get over a fear of heights?
When you’re about to jump from a plane, the world below doesn't look like it does from the edge of a cliff or a building. It looks more like a map, so because of this, the triggering sense of depth is removed. So a fear of heights doesn't really engage from an airplane; the stimulation comes from the new environment; the sounds and new sensations.
But everyone is different and it could well help you get over a fear of heights, but you won’t know until you’ve tried it!
At what skydiving height do you need oxygen?
Above 15,000 feet, you would normally need to wear an oxygen mask. Because at higher altitudes, the air becomes thinner, and without getting enough oxygen, you can suffer from the effects of hypoxia, where you would struggle to breathe.
What is the highest skydiving height record?
On October 24, 2014, Alan Eustace jumped from 135,889 feet! Eustace’s descent lasted 4 minutes and 27 seconds and reached a speed of 822mph, setting new records for the highest skydive and total freefall distance of 123,414 feet!
Summary
Hopefully by now you’ve got a better understanding of what heights you can skydive from - whether indoors or outdoors, with other people or by yourself, as a beginner or an expert. If you’re interested in doing a skydive for yourself, then why not check out our indoor and outdoor skydiving experiences.
