Q: At what altitude will I jump during a tandem skydive?
A: The minimal altitude is 9,500 feet AGL but unless overcast conditions lower the cloud base, you will jump at 13,000 feet AGL depending upon cloud cover.
Q: How fast do I fall?
A: Approximately 120 MPH.
Q: At what altitude will the parachute open during a tandem jump?
A: 4,500 feet AGL.

Q: How long will it take to make my first jump?
A: Allow for all day because you never know what the weather will do. Even if it's a clear day, wind speed, the number of people taking lessons, and unforeseen problems can delay the schedule. It's best to plan to make a day of it.
Q: Can you skydive at night?
A: Yes. Skydive Carolina! requires you to have a 'B' license or higher to do night jumps. Night jumps are required to get a 'D' License and must take place when there is a full moon, which occurs on the following dates. There are no night jumps during the AFF program no do we do Tandem jumps at night.

2004 2005 2006 2007
January 7 25 14 3
February 6 23 12 2
March 6 25 14 3
April 5 24 13 2
May 4 23 13 2 & 31
June 3 22 11 30
July 2 & 31 21 10 29
August 29 19 9 28
September 28 17 7 26
October 27 17 6 26
November 26 15 5 24
December 26 15 4 23
   
Q: How old do I have to be to jump?
A: 18 years old with a photo ID as proof of age.
Q: Is there a weight restriction to be able to skydive?
A: At Skydive Carolina! you must not weigh more than 225 lbs.
Q: Can I get pictures of my skydive?
A: Absolutely. We have a staff of videographers and photographers that provide this service.
Q: What does a skydive feel like?
A:

It doesn't feel like falling. It feels like flying. Ever done a swan dive. Well, do it from a 30 meter high dive platform and it feels a bit like flying yet you are so close to the ground that you have the added sensation of the things around you rushing past. You also do not reach what is called terminal velocity (the fastest speed attained in a flat and stable body position.

Now, do it from 13,000' above the ground moving at 120 MPH. The main difference is (a) the speed you reach and the "wind" against your body and (b) the fact that there is nothing around you in a fixed postion and rushing by you that gives the sensation of falling. Skydiving makes you feel like you are flying, just like Superman. It's exciting, peaceful, thrilling, exhilarating and breathtaking all at once. Many people say it is the most freeing feeling they have ever experienced.

Q: What kind of parachute do will I use?
A: A Strong SET 400 sq. ft. parachute made to hold two people. As a comparison, parachute sizes for individual jumpers range from under 100 sq. ft. to around 240 sq. ft.
Q: What happens if the parachute doesn't open?
A: Each parachute contains a reserve parachute for just such emergencies. Your instructor is fully trained in all emergency procedures required to deploy the reserve parachute. To date, we have never had a malfunction in an reserve parachute at Skydive Carolina!
Q: How long does it take to make one skydive?
A: The actual skydive takes about 60 seconds. The flight to altitude takes about 12 minutes.
Q: What kind of airplane will I fly in to make the skydive?
A: A DeHavilland Twin Otter, a very popular turbine jump ship carrying up to 23 jumpers.
Q: What certifies the staff at Skydive Carolina! to be an instructor?
A: Each member of the staff has completed thorough and extensive certification programs in accordance with the regulations of the USPA of which Skydive Carolina! is a member drop zone.
Q: Where will I land?
A: Under normal conditions and situations, you will land in a special pea gravel area (called the peas), which is 10 meters in diameter and is located 75 yards from where you board the aircraft.
Q: Is the landing hard?
A: Under most conditions, no. If you have observed a bird gliding to a landing on a branch or yard, it looks much like that. You will glide to the landing target, and at the last minute, your instructor will perform what is called a flare of the canopy. This technique causes the canopy to rapidly decelerate and lift, gently settling you to the ground.
Q: Is skydiving scary to do?
A: The unknown is always somewhat scary for human beings. Individual reactions to heights, speed, and the unknown vary from person to person. Our experience has shown that what one person fears, another does not. We have had experienced mountaineers (rock climbers) say the found skydiving less scary than hanging high on the side of a shear rock face. Most of our customers report a feeling of great thrill and exhilaration rather than feeling scared.
Q: What things could prevent me from making the skydive?
A: Mainly, changes in weather conditions, which are out of our control, of course. Our safety policy dictates that if for any reason, we determine it is unsafe for you to complete the jump, we will postpone the skydive until we are satisfied that conditions have returned to acceptable standards for safety. We can always reschedule the skydive. We cannot undo a bad decision to push an untenable situation that may jeopardize you, our staff, or our reputation and will not put you or us in that situation. This policy is nonnegotiable. Other things that might prevent you from making a skydive are simply running out of daylight due to delays caused by circumstances out of our control.
Q: Do I need to make an appointment, or can I just show up?
A: It's important that you contact us to make an appointment so we can schedule the necessary staff and equipment to accommodate you.
Q: What kind of investment will I need to make to be able to skydive without an instructor?
A: Under the current pricing in the AFF program, if you were to make every jump at all seven levels satisfactorily, you will invest less than $1,400.
Q: On average, what is the actual number of jumps an AFF student makes to complete the training program?
A: Phase I of the training consists of seven jumps (levels) and Phase II consists of 13 jumps with some of those being with a USPA coach. At the end of Phase II you will be issued a USPA Class A License. Moving to the next level is solely based on how well you performn at each level. We do not track statistics on how many times students typically repeat a certain level. We have had some progress through the program flawlessly without repeating a jump, while others have had to repeat one or more levels depending on how well the acquired the skills for each level.
Q: After I complete a the training program, what am I qualified to do?
A: You will have graduated from student status, you are designated as a novice skydiver. Under this classification, you may jump by yourself or with other jumpers without the direction of a jump instructor. The next step is to continue to make jumps and progress in skills and knowledge through the B, C, and D license ratings. Each license (as well as novice) has restrictions on where and what kinds of jumps you may make on USPA member drop zones.