How Long Does Skydiving Last? Freefall, Canopy, and Total Time Explained

Key Takeaways 
The full skydiving experience, from check-in and briefing to the jump and celebration, usually takes 2-4 hours due to preparation and possible weather delays. The skydive itself is short but intense. You experience about 30-60 seconds of freefall and 4-7 minutes under the parachute, totaling roughly 7-8 minutes in the air. Including the 10-15 minute plane ride, the airborne part lasts about 20 minutes. Plan to spend at least half a day at the dropzone to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

How long does skydiving last? While freefall lasts under a minute, a full first-time skydiving experience typically takes 2-4 hours from arrival to landing. That may seem like a long time, but it makes sense when you break it down. Let’s take a deep dive into how long skydiving takes!

How Long Does Skydiving Take From Start to Finish?

How long does the average skydive last? From check-in to landing, the typical tandem skydive lasts about an hour. Although the actual parachute jump lasts less than 10 minutes, we recommend that you plan to spend at least half a day with us. Why? Variability! Airport traffic, weather, and other extraneous factors can require that we hold the process up. 

Here’s a quick break-down of the components that make up your skydiving day: 

• Check-In ~30 minutes
  Getting to the dropzone is more intimidating than the jump itself, we promise! Checking in entails watching a video about tandem skydiving, signing a waiver, and learning about parts of the jump – including the option of getting photo and video.
• Safety Briefing ~ 15 minutes
  Your instructor introduces themselves and walks you through every aspect of the skydiving experience. This is a great opportunity for you and your instructor to get to know each other, and for you to voice any pressing questions or concerns you may have.
• Plane Ride ~ 15 minutes
  The airplane ride up to exit altitude is full of excitement, camaraderie, views of the Charlotte and Greensboro landscape, and last-minute thoughts before you take the leap! 
• Skydive ~10 minutes
  The door of the airplane opens, a rush of wind bursts in, and suddenly you’re skydiving! Freefall is adrenaline-packed and incredibly liberating. The vibe shifts once the parachute opens – it’s super chill and peaceful. 
• Post-Jump Celebration ~10 minutes
  Upon landing, you’ll be met with an unparalleled feeling of accomplishment! Want to do it again? See how to get your skydiving license.

How Long Is Skydiving: Frequently Asked Questions 

Let’s address some frequently asked questions about the duration of skydiving. 

How long does a skydive last in freefall and under the parachute? It depends! The entire freefall and parachute experience generally lasts around 7-8 minutes. This timing is contingent on the altitude you jump from, how aggressively you fly the parachute (will you be flying mostly straight with small turns or really whipping around?), and for experienced skydivers, the orientation you fly in. 

How long do you fall when skydiving? How long you are in the air when you skydive depends on the type of jump. For tandem skydiving, you can count on freefall lasting 30-60 seconds and the parachute ride taking anywhere from 4-7 minutes. This means that with a quick plane ride up to altitude, the entire skydiving experience (plane + skydive) takes about 20 minutes.

When you skydive, how long are you in the airplane? The amount of time you spend on the jump plane depends on the type of aircraft. At Piedmont Skydiving, we fly a turbine aircraft, which means the powerful engine gets us up to 12,500 feet in about 10-15 minutes. Smaller, single-engine airplanes, like the common Cessna 182, take about 20 minutes to get to 10,000 feet.

How long does a parachute jump last when it’s from an extra high altitude? A high-altitude skydive is any jump that takes place above 15,000 feet. At Piedmont Skydiving, our HALO skydives exit at 17,500 feet and give you around an 80 second freefall! 

Is the weather really that big of a deal? Yes! Sometimes, skydivers will be placed on a “weather hold”. This is time spent on the ground waiting for unfavorable weather to pass through the area. Skydiving is a weather-dependent sport, and if the skies aren’t blue, the wind isn’t calm, and the temperatures aren’t favorable, we may have to wait it out. In the Carolinas, a hold may be a few minutes to a couple of hours. We work with what the weather gods give us!

Have other questions about tandem skydiving? Check out our FAQs page, or get in touch – we’re here to help.

Planning Your Skydiving Day 

You will never get your first skydive back – plan ahead to avoid feeling rushed on one of the most exciting days of your life! 

• Get a good night’s rest
• No alcohol at least 8 hours ahead of check in
• Dress in weather-appropriate athletic clothing
• Eat a normal breakfast
• Get to the dropzone on time (or, better yet, early)
• Bring water and snacks
• Prepare to spend half a day with us

Don’t let the idea of a wait stress you out – the dropzone is one of the happiest places on the planet! Skydiving centers celebrate learning, encouragement, and empowerment. All day every day, people kick their fears straight out the airplane door! 

Is Skydiving Worth the Time?

Yes, skydiving is 100% worth the time! Skydiving is a bucket-list item, and taking a few hours to check it off is nothing in the grand scheme of things. Accomplish the extraordinary – book your skydive today! We can’t wait to share the sky with you!