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  • What does it take to become a licensed skydiver?
    The short answer is: 25 skydives (including tandems), successful completion of Categories A-H of the USPA A License Progression/Integrated Student Program and a passing score on the USPA A License written exam. Additionally, to become a skilled and experienced licensed skydiver, students will need to have the capacity to learn, face their fears and take feedback. Skydiving is an incredibly rewarding activity, even more so when done solo. An A license is a large achievement that students will need to work hard for by training with their instructors and completing quizzes on the topics within the Skydiver's Information Manual after each category jump is completed. There is more to skydiving than just "falling with style". We will teach you everything you need to know, but you will be expected to show up "prepared and not scared" with a good attitude, clocked in and ready to learn.
  • How often are students REQUIRED to jump?
    The United States Parachute Association requires students to make at least one jump every 30 days. Otherwise, students must complete a “recurrency” skydive, which consists of repeating the maneuvers you have already successfully accomplished as well as a thorough emergency procedure review on the ground. We try our best to remind students when they are about to hit the 30 day mark, to avoid costly repeats. However, all logged jumps will always count towards your 25 jump requirement, even if you take a considerable amount of time off in between jumping.
  • How often does SSL SUGGEST students jump?
    We strongly urge students to jump at least once a week if possible. (It is quite challenging to master skills if you only practice for 50 seconds in freefall and 5 minutes under canopy once a month!) However, we do not require that students commit to any set amount of jumps to be in our program. Go at your own pace, set your own flow. You will progress much faster if you are able to jump frequently. But, we understand that many factors are at play such as finances and personal schedules.
  • Does SSL allow transfer students?
    Of course! If you completed some of your student jumps with another skydiving drop zone, you are still eligible to enter our program. Whether that be to finish up your A License with us or to just pop in for a jump or two while traveling to the Finger Lakes. Just make sure to bring your logbook and the info of the DZ where you last jumped, along with the correct date. This will help us ensure you receive the appropriate training for your experience level, and do not waste time and money repeating requirements on your progression card.
  • What is the maximum weight for student skydivers?
    When learning to skydive, it is imperative that each students uses the proper parachute size for their experience level and weight. Our student weight limit is 230 lbs. This is solely based on the student rental gear available. However, if you are over 230 and wish to skydive, please visit our tandem page. (Tandem weight limit is 270 lbs.)
  • Do students receive photos and videos from their jumps?
    Yes! All photos/videos of your student jumps are free to take home with you on the day of your jump. Media is an extremely valuable tool for learning. Our instructors will debrief with you using your freefall footage, showing exactly which maneuvers you exceled at and how you can improve. This helps to eliminate repeat jumps. We understand that those videos are also a memorable and exciting way for you to share your experience with your friends and family. Therefore, we do not hold your media hostage until you graduate, nor do we put a price tag on it!
  • What is your refund policy on the Jump Start Package?
    We do not offer refunds in the case of backing out of our program. If you do not give more than 72 hours notice that you are not attending the First Jump Course you signed up for, $200 will be deducted from your balance. You will still be able to use the remaining balance towards a tandem skydive or merchandise purchase. If communicate with our team in a timely manner that you will not be attending, all funds on your account will be available toward a tandem skydive or merchandise purchase. (Please note: This is the only service SSL requires students to pay for in advance. All other student jumps can be completed on a "walk-in" basis.)
  • How long does getting a license take?
    As stated above, we have no specific guideline for committing to our program. We have witnessed students complete their AFF/Coach jumps within a week or two, several months or even years. The more you jump, the better you will get. The more often you jump, the faster you will get better!
  • Are there age or health restrictions for student skydiving?
    Participants must be over 18 to skydive, both solo and tandem. However, there is no maximum age for our program. We do not require a doctor's note or an in-person physical examination to determine if you are qualified based on your age. Our community is comprised of skilled skydivers of all ages and we welcome everyone. But, always check with your doctor to ensure this experience will be right for you! Pre-existing health conditions may cause limitations. We are not physicians and therefore we are unable to determine if student skydiving will be safe for you specifically.
  • Is gear rental included for students?
    All student jump prices include the cost of rental gear, as well as the parachute pack job. Your instructor will help choose the parachute system, helmet, jumpsuit and altimeter that are right for you prior to each jump. You will continue learning more about the gear as you progress, including how to pack your own parachute!
  • Can I bring friends and family to watch?
    We allow spectators at all times while jump operations are ongoing. However, please note that student skydiving requires much more training time with your instructors than a tandem skydive does. Therefore, student skydivers are not allowed to bring any pets or small children to the airport if they are under the students' direct supervision. Students are welcome to bring their family as long as another caregiver is present to provide supervision. This is to help students have less distractions and interferences with their learning process.
  • Are reservations required for student skydiving?
    Reservations are required for First Jump Courses, Packing Classes and any other training seminar during the licensing process. However, much of your jump progression will depend on the weather. Due to students having a wind limit of 14 mph, our team monitors the aviation forecast closely and will coordinate with you on the best days and times to come out each week. This helps to ensure that students are able to jump on the days they visit the drop zone and do not get stuck on weather holds for wind limitations. Therefore, we do not require that students reserve slots for AFF/Coach jumps.

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