The cost to skydive solo varies significantly depending on whether you are doing a single introductory jump or training to become a licensed skydiver. A single, one-off solo jump can cost anywhere from $300 to $400 USD, while the full training to become a licensed skydiver typically costs $3,500 to $5,000 USD.
Single Introductory Solo Jump
For a beginner's first solo jump, also known as a static line jump or Instructor Assisted Deployment (IAD), the price generally falls within the following ranges:
- US/International: $300 – $400 USD (around ₹25,000 – ₹33,500 INR)
- India: ₹16,500 to ₹36,000 INR, depending on location and operator.
In this scenario, you receive ground training and jump alone from a lower altitude (around 3,500–5,000 feet), but your parachute is deployed automatically or with instructor assistance.
Becoming a Licensed Solo Skydiver
If you want to become a fully licensed skydiver who can jump solo at various drop zones around the world, you must complete a full training course, most commonly the Accelerated FreeFall (AFF) program. This is a significant financial investment:
- Total Course Cost: The entire AFF course, including all levels, gear rental during training, and initial jumps, generally costs between $3,500 and $5,000 USD (around ₹2.9 lakhs to ₹4.2 lakhs INR).
- Individual Levels (Pay-As-You-Go): Some drop zones offer a pay-per-jump option:
- Ground School: ~$100 – $1,400 USD.
- AFF Levels 1-8: ~$175 – $399 USD per jump.
Costs Per Jump for a Licensed Skydiver
Once you have your A-license and your own equipment, the cost per jump (known as a "lift ticket") drops significantly:
- Jump Ticket: $25 – $45 USD per jump.
- Gear Rental (if needed): An additional $25 – $35 USD per jump.
Additional and Ongoing Costs
- Skydiving Gear: A full set of new equipment (container, main parachute, reserve parachute, AAD, altimeter, helmet) can cost between $4,000 and $10,000 USD.
- Membership Fees: Annual membership to a governing body like the USPA (United States Parachute Association) is required.
- Reserve Repacking: Your reserve parachute must be inspected and repacked regularly by a certified rigger, typically twice a year, at a cost of around $70+ per repack.
- Wind Tunnel Practice: Optional but highly recommended for skill progression, this adds to the overall cost.
