Are there weight limitations for tandem skydiving?

Yes. The tandem instructors at Piedmont Skydiving can fly with a tandem passenger weighing up to 230 lbs. We regret that passengers over 200 lbs. must be physically fit in order to jump, for the safety of both passenger and tandem instructor.

Are there age limitations for tandem skydiving?

Yes. Skydivers carry a valid photo ID proving that they are at least 18 years old. We regret that parents cannot sign for jumpers under 18 for any reason, under any circumstances. We do not enforce an upper age limit.

What clothing should I wear for my tandem skydive?

Piedmont Skydiving will provide you with goggles. Wear casual, seasonally appropriate clothing and lace-up sports shoes to the drop zone. Do not wear heels, sandals or jewelry.

Instructors & Safety

How dangerous is it to skydive at Piedmont Skydiving?

We firmly prioritize safety at Piedmont Skydiving. We take pride in following all Federal Aviation Administration requirements for parachute safety, which specify that “all intentional parachute jumps must be made with a single-harness, dual-parachute system with both a main and a secondary [reserve] parachute.” If the first (main) canopy malfunctions, another one is waiting to take its place. Piedmont Skydiving ensures that all reserve parachutes are inspected every 180 days by an FAA-certified parachute rigger, whether or not they’ve been used.

All of the parachutes at Piedmont Skydiving are equipped with a computerized Automatic Activation Device (AAD). The AAD is designed to activate the parachute automatically in the event that the skydiver is unable to do so.

All of our tandem skydiving instructors have undergone rigorous training and national USPA certification. We strictly adhere to all FAA and USPA guidelines on safety. If you’re curious or concerned about the general safety of skydiving, we invite you to research the the excellent records maintained by The United States Parachute Association (USPA).

How experienced are the instructors?

Our instructors are all friendly, USPA-licensed Tandem Instructors and have logged thousands of successful jumps each.

Should I tip my instructor?

They’d deeply appreciate it! A tip is a great way of communicating your satisfaction with the jump – and making your hard-working instructor smile.

About the Experience

Will I be scared?

Yes — but that’s part of it, and it’s nothing to worry about. Being nervous about jumping from an airplane is totally normal. Most first-timers report that they felt the most apprehensive during the 12-minute ride to exit altitude. Once your feet are out the door, that nervousness will dissolve into pure, heart-pumping joy.

How high is the skydive?

Our typical skydive is 12,500 feet. We also offer high altitude skydives on weekends April-October from 17,500 feet at an additional cost.

How long will I fall?

You will free-fall for the most exhilarating 50 seconds of your life. Then, you expect a beautiful parachute ride for about 4-7 minutes over the beautiful Carolina landscape. 

How fast will I fall?

Freefall speeds average 120 miles per hour. It doesn’t feel like falling, though — it feels like being supported by air.

Should I expect a hard landing?

No. We use large parachutes, and we only employ highly skilled instructors. You can expect a landing that results in a less jarring impact than you’d experience if you jumped from a chair.

Rates & Refunds

What does it cost?

Take a look at our Pricing Page for all pricing information!

What about inclement weather?

Due to FAA restrictions, skydiving can only take place in clear skies. Clouds, rain and wind may cause delays.

Always call us before making the drive out, especially on weekdays, at (704) 603-7920. It’s also a good idea to call ahead of time on weekends due to our limited lift capacity. Scheduled students always take priority over walk-ins, so calling first is always a good idea.

Are you jumping with a group? Then life just got a lot more flexible. If you’ve organized a group of 4 or more jumpers, we will rev up the plane for you any day of the week (weather permitting, of course). Just give us a call a couple of days ahead of time to place your reservation.

Do you do refunds?

If, due to weather, you cannot jump the day you’re scheduled to jump, you can reschedule your jump at Piedmont Skydiving or get a full refund.

Can I cancel?

We ask that you give us at least 96 hours notice to cancel or change a reservation. Canceling within 96 hours of your reservation will result in the loss of your $50 deposit. For large groups (6+) we ask that you give us 5 days notice to cancel or change a reservation, failure to do so will result in the loss of the $50 deposit per cancellation/change. Please understand that our instructors have been scheduled to accommodate your reservation.

Groups & Special Events

How many people can jump at one time?

If you want to jump with a friend or friends, you’re in luck! Depending on the day of the week and the plane being used we can take 2 to 6 tandem pairs up on a load, so you can share the experience with someone special (or someone who’s just awesome).

Do you offer group rates?

Yes. See our excellent group rates for a fun outing with your most adventurous friends, church buddies and coworkers!

Can I propose while skydiving? How about a gender reveal?

Absolutely! At Piedmont Skydiving, we’d love to help you take a special experience and make it even more exciting! Please contact us directly for more information on special events.

Want to learn more? Click here for our Groups & Events page

Photos & Videos

Can I bring my own camera on the jump?

No, we do not allow outside video equipment on the plane or the skydive. You are more than welcome to take as many photos as you would like on the ground before and after your skydive.

Do separate video and/or picture packages need to be purchased for each individual skydiver?

Yes, due to the nature of the skydive, each tandem pair will be around 1/4 mile away from the next tandem pair. At this distance it is impossible to film both tandem pairs with one camera.

Click here to view our photo & video package options!