Learn To Skydive

How To Get A Skydiving License

Skydiver learning to skydive in CT 

Are you ready to go beyond the tandem skydive? At Skydive Danielson you can learn to jump solo by joining our skydiving licensing program called Learn To Skydive. After you earn your license to skydive you will be able to skydive with other licensed skydivers. This program will develop your skill set to become a safe, skilled and competent solo skydiver. Our program is geared towards people looking to get into the sport of skydiving. For those of you who want to skydive more often this is the program is for you!

The USPA A license is just the introductory license in skydiving. You can also earn a B, C or D license as you become more proficient. Skydive Danielson offers training for all licenses.

How many jumps does it take to get your skydiving license? 

To become a certified skydiver you will need to complete 25 skydives. Our program is designed to take you all the way through these 25 jumps and complete a USPA Proficiency Skill Card which earns you the "A License".

USPA "A License" Requirements

The Skydive Danielson Difference

Student skydivers learning to skydive

Skydive Danielson takes pride in our training program. You can train anywhere, but why not train with the best?

Key Features

  • One-on-one parachute training
  • Open 7 days a week (April-Oct)
  • Brand new student equipment with updated safety features

Tandem Training Progression

Two training tandem skydives are required to start our licensing program. Why? Because it makes you a better skydiver. It's a safer method and it enhances learning. Learn how to land your parachute from the professionals before flying one by yourself. 

Indoor Wind Tunnel (offsite at SkyVenture NH)

Learning how to have a stable body position in a controlled environment is very helpful and boosts confidence.  We are fortunate to have a wind tunnel in nearby Nashua, NH.  Please see one of our staff members for more information on this valuable training tool.

Skydiving License Cost

Skydive Danielson offers a complete training program to earn your A license.  Total cost is approx $3999, depending on skill level.  These costs cover:

  • First Jump Course
  • Packing Classes
  • 25 Skydives including gear rental and packing costs
  • All newer model student parachutes and harness systems
  • Helmets, jumpsuits, and altimeters used during your student progression
  • Mentorship from our community of experienced skydive instructors

How Long Will It Take To Earn A Skydiving License?

Get your license to skydive in CT

Skydiving students take a varying range of time to complete their license. We have had students who have earned their license in 3 weeks and we have had students who completed it in 1 season.. It really depends on how much time you have to commit to skydiving, how flexible your schedule is to come jump on good weather days and what the weather conditions are like when you are at the dropzone.

A skydiving license is not about the destination - it is about the journey. If it takes a long time to learn to skydive you will be a much more knowledgeable skydiver. Being knowledgeable in this sport helps you stay safe. You will spend many days at the skydiving center not skydiving, but you have lots to learn on the ground!

How Do I Start Learning To Skydive?

Start learning to skydive

To join our training program:

  • We recommend doing 1 skydive just for fun before beginning training!
  • Book Your Jump
  • Choose Tandem Skydive
  • At check-in, let our staff know you wish to join our next AFF class.
  • Meet our weight requirement of 225

USPA A License 

Exiting the airplane while learning how to skydive

Tandem Training Progression Cat A & B

Start your training off with 2 one-on-one tandem skydives. These jumps are going to be different than what you may have previously experienced on your 'just for fun' tandem skydive.  Being attached to a USPA Instructor as you learn how to fly a parachute safely to the ground is the best learning technique available for parachute flight.

What you will learn on the skydive

Start skydiving - learn hand signals

  • Hand signals
  • Altitude awareness
  • Parachute deployment

What you will learn during parachute flight

  • How to determine if your main parachute is safe to land
  • Wind direction / flight patterns
  • Avoiding other parachutes
  • Flare technique

4-6 Hour First Jump Course

How many skydives does it take to get a skydiving license

We will focus on preparing you for solo jumps during your Ground School.

Topics Discussed

  • Solo equipment orientation
  • Airplane safety
  • Freefall body position
  • Malfunctions
  • Landing

AFF (Accelerated Freefall) Cat C2-E2

Get your license to skydive

Congrats, you have graduated past tandem skydives! Time to put your hard earned skills to the test. Your first jump will be with 2 instructors holding onto your harness followed by jumping with just 1 instructor for the next few skydives.

Goals

  • Maintain stable body position
  • Altitude awareness
  • Land a parachute 

Coach Jumps Cat F-H and Solos

After meeting the requirements for jumping solo you will graduate onto coach jumps and solo skydives. All coach jumps include a complimentary video of your skydive and full debrief. A total of 25 skydives is needed to graduate with your "A License".

What you will learn 

  • Group free fall skills
  • Learn how to skydive with friends!

Parachute Packing Class

Student skydiver packing parachutes

Attend a half day packing class with a parachute packer. Learn what each component does and how it all fits together. Spend time with your instructor packing your parachute until you understand the method. Gain confidence in your equipment through knowledge.

Wind Tunnel

While wind tunnel training is optional, it is highly recommended. The wind tunnel uses the most advanced form of training available for learning how to skydive, without getting onto an airplane.  

Spending 15 minutes in the wind tunnel gives you the equivalent of 15 skydives worth of free fall training. The advantage you gain from that training may even save you the cost of repeating a skydive in your student progression. 

Talk to one of our staff for more information on this valuable tool.

 

Total Cost and Additional Info

  • Learn To Skydive approx $3999
  • USPA membership required - $98 for 1 year membership
  • Skydives may need to be repeated if learning objectives are not met on each skydive or student goes past 30 day USPA currency requirement. Program cost may vary if student needs to repeat any jumps or goes past the 30 day currency requirement.
  • If you pass 30 days without jumping as per the USPA you are required book a Refresher Ground School course. Cost - $75.
  • If you pass 60 days without jumping you just retake the First Jump Course. You are also required to repeat your last completed skydive category.