Frequently Asked Questions

The basics

What is Indoor Skydiving?
Indoor skydiving is a safe way to experience true human flight as skydivers do. It accurately simulates free-fall at speeds of 120 to 150+ miles per hour. SkyVenture represents the latest technology in wind tunnel design, stood up on its side!

Is it safe?
Indoor skydiving is extremely safe. Gone are the many risks that are inherent in real skydiving. There are no airplanes or parachutes to worry about. Our highly trained instructors are right beside you, to assist you in learning basic maneuvers and to make sure you feel completely in control throughout your entire flight. The flight chamber has a trampoline-like floor made from super-strong aircraft cable, which you can walk and rest your body on. Most flying is done within a few feet above the floor, so there is almost no risk of injury due to falls.

Is it scary?
Not at all! There's no jumping, falling, or heights to worry about. You'll be flying only feet off the floor, and within arms reach of your instructor. How does it compare to real skydiving? Although the basics are quite easy to learn, more advanced tunnel fliers will tell you that flying in SkyVenture can be even more challenging and rewarding than normal skydiving! Because it is an enclosed space, fliers become more disciplined with their maneuvers. In fact, since the proliferation of SkyVenture throughout the world began, it has become a necessary and significant part of the training used by athletes in the world of competitive skydiving. With SkyVenture, you can fly for as long as you would like, well beyond the 45 seconds of flight you would experience on a real skydive. Flight at SkyVenture requires much less training than does jumping out of an airplane.

Who can fly?
Almost anyone can fly, even children as young as 3 years old, and senior citizens. If you weigh more than 250 pounds, please call to ask if we can accommodate you. Children under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian present to fill out and sign the necessary waiver forms. Those of you with a history of back problems or shoulder dislocations should check with your physician before flying.

Is it difficult?
The basic maneuvers in the tunnel are surprisingly easy to master. For repeat flyers, coaching is available to guide you through our advanced training program.

Is it tiring?
Most beginning flyers will begin to tire after 4 to 10 minutes of flight time. Physically speaking, it is a workout similar to swimming.

Are Gift Certificates Available?
Yes! A variety of options are available. Call our ticket office, or book online. It makes the perfect gift!

What to expect

What can I expect to accomplish during my first flight?
During your first flight, your instructor will help you to learn to balance your body on the wind, to hold your position both, horizontally, vertically, and rotationally. If you have accomplished that on your first flight, you are doing great! Many first-timers begin to try turns to the left and right, and sliding forward, back, and to the sides. If you really want to show off, we recommend upgrading to an extended session before you begin your flight. You'll get a special discount, and you'll show your friends how it's *really* done!

What can I expect if I would like to fly regularly?
SkyVenture has a multi-part program of body flight, designed by professionals. You'll continue flying on your belly until you've mastered turns, movement in all directions, and fall-rate control (vertical movement). From there, you'll progress through various stages including back flying, sit-flying, all the way to the most challenging position, head-down!

Can I do tricks and flips in the tunnel?
Tricks and flips are done by experienced flyers. We do offer training programs and camps that will develop your skills safely so you can do many exciting stunts in the tunnel.

Can I fly with my friends or family members?
You will be part of the same group (classes are made up of up to twelve people). Beginning flyers are not able to fly with each other. You will be able to watch your friends and/or family members fly. Training programs are available that will allow you to obtain the experience required to fly in groups. Ask your instructor for more information.

Planning

What should I wear?
Before your flight, you'll be outfitted with a jumpsuit, goggles, a helmet, and earplugs. You should wear comfortable clothes and athletic shoes. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you may use them underneath the goggles.

Do I need to make a reservation? Reservations are highly recommended as we do book up in advance. The observation deck is open daily, where you are welcome to stop and watch flyers almost any time.

How long does it last? Plan for your experience to last about one hour, including training, suit-up, and flying time.

Skydiving

What do real skydivers think of SkyVenture?
Much of SkyVenture's business comes from real skydivers, who appreciate the unique advantages and challenges that the tunnel offers. Many competitive skydivers train in the tunnel. In short, skydivers love SkyVenture!

Does SkyVenture experience count towards learning to skydive?
Learning to skydive is a step-by-step process where you demonstrate mastery of a set of skills, one jump at a time. Although a SkyVenture experience cannot take the place of a real jump, you can learn to fly in a stable, controlled manner, which will give you a better chance of passing each jump. A bit of practice in the tunnel goes a long way, since the instructor has an excellent vantage point and can give you instant feedback on your performance. Many skydiving schools do take students to wind tunnels in order to accelerate they’re learning in a cost-effective way.

Why SkyVenture?

What makes skyventure so unique?
SkyVenture is the world's most advanced vertical wind tunnel, designed by aeronautical engineers. Air is propelled by high-powered fans at the top of the tunnel, which draws air through the flight chamber at a speed set in the control room. The air enters the bottom of the flight chamber through a large opening, which narrows, creating a venturing effect, and 120 to 150+ miles per hour of smooth air on which to fly.

How is SkyVenture different from other skydiving simulators?
First generation wind tunnels have propellers directly under the flight chamber, which creates turbulence and inconsistent wind. The wind is stronger near the center and weaker near the sides, making it more difficult for beginners to learn to fly. By drawing the air through the tunnel by suction, SkyVenture provides a very smooth, experience simulating free-fall that is much safer than first-generation tunnels. SkyVenture effectively has made these older tunnels obsolete.

Is this at all like the zero gravity room at NASA?
There is no such thing as an anti-gravity machine. Videos you may have seen of people experiencing weightlessness are actually traveling in a large airplane. This airplane dives toward the earth at high speeds for about 60 seconds at a time. It's a lot of fun, but not something that is available to most of us non-astronauts! Weightlessness, in which you cannot control your body's position or movement without touching another object, is quite different than flying in a wind tunnel. At SkyVenture, the wind supporting your body allows you to control your position and perform maneuvers, the closest thing to true flight that a human being can directly experience.