Skydive Pittsburgh, at Skydive Pennsylvania,skydiving school, north of Pittsburgh, PA

Why Would Anyone Jump Out of a Perfectly Good Airplane?
Because skydiving is so much fun! There is nothing that compares to the world's most exciting sport. Advances in equipment and training have made it safer and easier for more people than ever to enjoy the incredible experience of falling from an airplane or surfing the clouds under a modern sport parachute.

Where and When can I jump?
Skydive Pennsylvania is located just north of Pittsburgh, 50 minutes from downtown, thirty minutes from Youngstown. From Pittsburgh take I-79 North to Exit 113 Grove City. Make a left on 208 West and travel one mile to a blinking yellow light at Old Ash Road (ignore signs for the airport). Make a right on Old Ash and the building is 1/2 mile on the right. Skydive Pennsylvania flies Wednesdays through Sundays during daylight savings time. Jumping slows dramatically during the winter months.

What does freefall feel like?
NOT LIKE FALLING. Freefall feels like flying or floating, not like falling. Some people say it's like zero gravity, but windy. Freefall will not cause someone to "lose" their stomach like a rollercoaster and it rarely bothers those with a fear of heights.

How do I sign up?
Choose a date that fits your schedule, then call Skydive Pennsylvania at 1-800-909-JUMP (5867) or send email to jump@skydivepa.com to register. Although we welcome "walk-ins," for Tandem jumps those pre-registered and with a $35 dollar deposit will be accommodated first. You can send your deposit by check in the mail, call with a credit card, or stop by the drop zone sometime before your scheduled date. Deposits are refundable by calling at least seven days in advance. Pre-Registration and a $100 deposit is required for Instructor Assisted Freefall and Static line first time jumps.

How can I make my frist jump and what does it cost?
There are three accepted practices for teaching someone to make their very first skydive and parachute jump. Skydive Pennsylvania Center offers all three: Option One: Tandem Skydiving Option Two: Instructor Assisted Freefall (IAF) Option Three: Static Line

Which type of jump is the best?
That's a very tough one to answer. A lot of the answer depends on your goals. If you'd like to experience freefall and canopy flying with very little training, tandem is probably for you. If you want to make just one parachute jump by yourself for the least amount of money, static line is probably for you. If you want to learn to skydive, IAF is the easiest, fastest and ultimately the most inexpensive way to learn to jump. Any first jump is an unmatched experience for the money.

Are there group rates and discounts?
Yes. We offer a $10 discount per person for groups of five or more. It is worthy to note that we offer extremely modern, well maintained equipment and we offer a turbo prop aircraft flying to the highest altitudes for jumping in Western Pennsylvania therefore, it is difficult to offer the same discounts you may find elsewhere.

How long is the class and can I jump the same day?
Tandem jumps you will need a short briefing, about one half hour to an hour, but plan on spending at least half the day. Static line classes take approximately four hours. Instructor Assisted Freefall takes about five hours. You should make sure you can stay until dark due to weather, aircraft and instructor availability.

How do I get a license and skydive on my own?
After someone makes their first jump and would like to take up the sport, they go through a 15 level program, which teaches them the skills for the A license of the United States Parachute Association. The total cost is approximately $1700 to $1900.

What about the weather?
Skydiving is definitely a weather-regulated sport. Solid cloud layers, depending on their height, can keep us from making tandem or IAF jumps very simply because you cannot see the ground. Cloud bases need to be 3500 feet for static line jumps. IAF and Static line first jump training courses are held regardless of conditions so that students are ready to jump the first chance weather permits.

Is there a weight and age limit?
Yes. The age limit is 18 regardless of parental consent. The weight limit is 230 pounds. Participants should be in good physical and mental condition.

What should I wear?
You should wear comfortable sneakers and clothes appropriate for the season. Shorts and a T-shirt on a hot day and if it is a cooler day, long pants and a long sleeve shirt. When making the jump we provide jumpsuit, helmet and goggles.

Is there insurance?
No. There is no insurance carried by any skydiving school that covers the student. Only the jumper can buy insurance for him or herself.

What happens if the parachute does not open?
In the unlikely event that the main parachute does not open properly, all sport parachute systems contain two parachutes, a main and a reserve. The reserve can only be inspected and maintained by an FAA certified parachute rigger. No one would skydive if reserve parachutes were not as reliable as they are.

Will I be scared?
Maybe or maybe not. It's human nature to be frightened of the unknown. You will definitely feel a surge of excitement and anticipation before the jump. During the jump itself, you'll probably feel a thrill that you've never experienced before - you'll love it.

After I get my license what will it cost to jump?
Once you have completed the 15 levels of the IAF program, the cost to jump is your altitude plus the rental of equipment. A jump from 13500 feet allowing for a 60 second freefall would cost $20 plus $25 for the gear. A jump from 3500 feet allowing for a 10 second freefall would cost $10 plus $25 for the gear. Skydiving equipment can be purchased from $2500 for good used gear up to $4500 for brand new, top of the line, custom colored gear.

Can I get pictures of my skydive?
Yes. You can capture your experience of a lifetime with a professionally edited video and 35mm stills. The cost is $89.

Why Choose Skydive Pennsylvania for your first jump?
SAFETY, QUALITY, HONESTY. Skydive Pennsylvania is a USPA affiliated full time commercial skydiving school. Skydiving is not our hobby or a supplement to our income, it is the focus of our existence! Our equipment is modern and well maintained, equipped with square main and reserve parachutes with automatic activation devices on the reserves. Our instructional staff are well paid, very experienced instructors. Our flight line includes a Pilatus Turbine Porter that carries nine jumpers to 13500 feet in less than 15 minutes. We have the most progressive training program in Pennsylvania, which exceeds USPA standards. Skydive Pennsylvania is an easy all interstate drive from Pittsburgh, Erie or Youngstown. The drop zone is located on 25 acres of private property dedicated to thrillsport and adventure lovers. Come and join us, bring a smile.