Student FAQs

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.

The United States Parachute Association requires students to make at least one jump every 30 days. If you exceed 30 days, you’ll need to complete a recurrency ground training and skydive, including a review of previously completed maneuvers and emergency procedures.We do our best to remind students when they are approaching the 30-day mark to help avoid unnecessary repeats. All completed jumps will always count toward your 25-jump license requirement, regardless of how much time passes between jumps.Going more than 60 days without jumping requires a new First Jump Course ($150) before returning to the sky.We understand that staying current year-round in the Finger Lakes can be difficult without traveling south for the winter. We’re happy to recommend southern drop zones where you can continue jumping during the off-season.SSL Returning Student Policy: Students who have previously completed a First Jump Course and at least one AFF jump with SSL may attend our first First Jump Course of the new season, typically held in late April, for free to regain currency.

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 30-50 seconds in freefall and 5-7 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. Please see the above listed question on requirements for student jumping set forth by USPA.

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.

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 210 lbs. This is solely based on the student rental gear available. However, if you are over 210 and wish to skydive, please visit our tandem page. (Tandem weight limit is 270 lbs.)

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!

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"/pay as you jump basis. This is because courses occur on days the drop zone is otherwise closed and must be planned in advance to coordinate ensuring staff such as pilots and parachute packers are willing and able to work on their day off in order to send flights if participants choose to make their Cat A skydive after the classroom portion of the course, and weather allows for it)

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!

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. To help determine if solo skydiving would be a good hobby for you, Please ask yourself:Are you able to comfortably run, squat, kneel, lie on your stomach, and get up from the ground without assistance?Are you able to maintain an arched body position for an extended period without significant pain or limitation?Do you have any limitations involving your neck, back, hips, knees, shoulders, wrists, or ankles that could affect your ability to skydive, deploy a parachute, or land safely?Can you comfortably lift and carry approximately 30–40 lbs?Have you had any recent surgeries, significant injuries, or conditions that could affect your ability to participate safely?Is there anything about your physical ability that you believe could make an emergency procedure or landing more difficult?

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!

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.

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.

Similar to tandem skydiving, wear athletic clothing appropriate for the day's weather. Unlike tandem skydiving, you will be mandated to wear a jumpsuit on your student jumps, over your clothing. Your instructor will help you choose the right suit for your build while helping you select your gear. You must wear sneakers. Cowboy boots, combat boots, crocs or other various shoe options are not allowed. Dress the way you would to go to the gym. Remember, skydiving is a sport--not a fashion show!

A skydiving A license is a large financial commitment, as it includes 25 skydives, likely over 100 hours of instruction all together, gear rental, video/photos and several trips to the drop zone. It typically ranges between $3,000-$5,000 total, depending on if a student has multiple repeated jumps due to not completing the set maneuvers USPA requires per each category. As SSL is a USPA group member drop zone, we follow USPA's Integrated Student Program, detailed in the Skydiver's Information Manual. Each Category will have a full check list students must complete prior to moving onto the next category. The harder you work on the ground, the less repeats you will have in the sky.