Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is skydiving safe?

Yes. While skydiving is an extreme sport, it's statistically very safe when done through a certified school with trained instructors and modern equipment. Automatic parachute Activation Devices (AADs) and strict safety procedures greatly reduce risks. At Skydive Academy, we prioritize your safety - you'll only jump when both you and your instructor are confident you're ready.

Are there age and weight limits?

• Tandem (Croatia): Minimum age is 14 with legal guardian consent
• Tandem (Slovenia): No age limit, but minimum height is 135 cm
• We do not recommend skydiving for children under 9 due to ear development
• Courses: Minimum age is 16 with legal guardian consent
• Weight limits: 115 kg for tandem jumps, 100 kg for courses
• No maximum age, but your instructor can refuse the jump based on health or fitness concerns

Do I need experience to skydive?

Not for tandem jumps! Just show up - we'll guide you through a short briefing. If you're enrolling in a course, you'll attend ground school before your first jump.

Are there medical restrictions?

• For tandem jumps, if you're in good health and can lift your legs for landing, you're likely good to go.
• Conditions like heart problems, epilepsy, or joint issues should be discussed with a doctor.
• Skydiving Courses require a basic medical exam - comparable to a driver's license check.

What happens if the parachute doesn't open?

Every rig includes a main and reserve parachute, plus an AAD that deploys automatically if needed. Total system failure is extraordinarily rare.

How often do accidents happen?

The fatality rate for tandem jumps is about 1 in 500,000. Most injuries come from improper landings, not equipment failure.

How high do we jump from?

Usually from 3,000 to 4,000 meters (10,000-13,000 feet), with 40-60 seconds of freefall.

What does freefall feel like?

Like flying - not falling. There's no rollercoaster drop sensation. Wind holds you up, creating a thrilling yet stable feeling.

Can I breathe during freefall?

Yes! You can breathe normally through your mouth. If you feel winded, yell - it resets your breathing.

What's the difference between tandem and solo skydiving?

Tandem is a shared jump with an instructor. Solo skydiving (AFF or Static Line) means you jump alone from the start - under guidance, of course.

How do I become a licensed skydiver?

You'll complete a certified course (like AFF or Static Line), pass skill tests, and meet jump requirements. Then you apply for a license with a national or international skydiving body.

How many jumps are needed to graduate?

To obtain an A license in Croatia, you need 25 jumps with self-deployment of the parachute. Since in the AFF program you deploy your parachute by yourself from the very first jump, this will ultimately be 25 jumps. In the Static Line (SL) program, the first 6 jumps (at minimum) must be done with automatic parachute deployment, which means you need to complete at least 31 jumps in total.

What gear is used?

We provide all student gear: rig, AAD, helmet, altimeter, radio, and jumpsuit. All gear is inspected and parachutes are packed by certified riggers.

Do I need my own equipment?

No. We provide everything for training. You can invest in your own gear after getting licensed.

Is ground school required?

Yes, it's essential for solo jumping. It's usually 5 days of classes that cover everything from equipment to emergency procedures.

Can I fail or get removed from the course?

You can repeat levels as needed - many students do. You won't be kicked out for a mistake, but intentional unsafe or disrespectful behavior can get you removed.

How long does certification take?

It depends on the weather and your schedule. Motivated students can finish in 2-4 months. Others can take up to a year.

What if I get scared during training?

That's normal. Fear is part of the journey. Instructors are trained to help you work through it. We move at your pace.

What is static line skydiving?

Static Line (SL) skydiving is a method of skydiver training where the parachute is automatically deployed via a static line attached to the aircraft. You exit solo from around 1,000 - 1,200 meters (3,000 - 4,000 feet), and your main canopy opens immediately.

Do I jump alone right away?

Yes, you exit the plane by yourself, but you're supervised and guided by ground instructors via radio, and the parachute deploys automatically. You don't freefall on your first jump.

Is static line skydiving safe?

Yes, it's one of the safest methods for beginners. Your parachute is automatically deployed, and you're jumping from a lower altitude. Equipment is rigorously checked, and emergency procedures are thoroughly trained.

How long is the training before the first jump?

The first-jump course typically lasts 4-5 days, covering equipment, body position, aircraft procedures, landing techniques, emergency scenarios, legal requirements and weather conditions.

What are the age and health requirements?

• Minimum age is usually 16. Students younger than 18 require a written consent of a legal guardian.
• You must be in good general health and within the weight limit. At Skydive Academy the limit is 100 kg.
• A LAPL medical license is required.

What should I wear?

Comfortable sports clothing. Athletic shoes are recommended. Jumpsuit, goggles and helmet will be provided.

What if the parachute doesn't open?

A reserve parachute is packed yearly and maintained by certified riggers. You will be trained to handle every malfunction, and we utilize many systems like the Automatic parachute Activation Devices (AADs) for added safety.

What happens during the Static Line jump?

• You exit the plane at ~1,200 m and assume a stable position.
• The static line deploys your main parachute.
• You steer your canopy under instructor guidance provided through radio.
• You land using techniques taught during training.

How many jumps are needed to progress?

After a few successful static line jumps (usually 6), you may transition to freefall progression.