What Is: Skydiving Center?
Skydiving centers, also called drop zones or skydiving schools, are businesses offering skydiving instruction, training, and licensing programs. Currently, there are over 220 drop zones in the United States affiliated with the United States Parachuting Association (USPA), a non-profit membership organization dedicated to promoting the safe practice of skydiving by setting safety guidelines and certifying skydiving instructors, who must pass an Instructor Certification Course and have held a USPA "jumpmaster" rating for at least one year. USPA skydiving centers can be found in every state, are always located at an airport or airstrip, and are generally within driving distance of major cities. Non-affiliated centers may employ non-certified instructors; prospective skydivers should always inquire before making a reservation or deposit. While prices vary by location, the typical first skydiving experience will be a tandem jump (the novice is strapped to a certified skydiver who will deploy the single parachute) and cost about $200. Skydiving centers also sell skydiving gear and offer group and competitive skydiving.
