How many drop zones operate in Arkansas?

Skydiving Hubs lists 2 drop zones and tandem operators in Arkansas, covering tandem, AFF, fun-jump, and (where available) wingsuit and canopy progression.

Skydiving · Arkansas

Skydiving in Arkansas

Jump 2 drop zones across Arkansas. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

Ozark hardwoods, Ouachita mountains, and the Buffalo National River.

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About Arkansas

Arkansas hands skydivers a lot of different ground. The Ozark Mountains crumple the northwest, the Ouachita National Forest rolls through the west, and the Delta flattens into farmland in the east. Jump over the forests of Northwest Arkansas, trace the Arkansas River near Little Rock, or watch the patchwork fields of the eastern plains slide by, the topography changes enough that no two drop zones give you the same view of the Natural State.

Tandem skydiving is the easy way in. First-timers get an exhilarating jump with almost no training, clipped to an experienced instructor so all they have to do is take in the freefall and the canopy ride. The drop zones cluster near regional hubs like Fayetteville, Little Rock, and Fort Smith, which puts them within reach of locals and visitors both.

If you want more than one jump, the Accelerated Freefall program runs at select Arkansas drop zones. AFF walks students through a structured curriculum built around safe solo technique: comprehensive ground school first, then a run of instructor-assisted jumps that grow your freefall skills and canopy control until you're eligible to apply for a license. Arkansas's generally mild climate keeps the training days coming.

Licensed jumpers passing through find drop zones set up for experienced flyers: fun jumping, coaching, organized events. The state's spot in the middle of the country makes it a reasonable target for jumpers from neighboring states, and there's a real community around it. The scenery earns its keep too, especially the spring bloom and the autumn foliage, for anyone chasing new horizons and a welcoming place to jump.

Best time to go

When to jump in Arkansas

Full seasonality

Peak season Jun–Aug

PeakGoodFairOff

March through November. Fall color peaks late October.

June–September: the heart of the season, most events and loads
Spring and fall jump well on clear, calm days
Winter: many DZs limited, so call ahead

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Quick facts

Drop zones listed: 2
Best season: March through November

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2 drop zones

across Arkansas

Paradise Valley Skydiving

Paradise Valley Skydiving, Clarksville, AR

Drop zone in Clarksville, Arkansas offering tandem jumps and sport-jumper operations. Rated 4.9 by 102 reviews.

Tandem JumpAFF Training

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Skydive Fayetteville

Skydive Fayetteville, Fayetteville, AR

Tandem and AFF drop zone in Fayetteville, Arkansas serving the Ozarks region. Rated 5.0 by 111 reviews.

Tandem JumpAFF Training

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Plan your trip

Plan your trip to Arkansas

Jumping Season & Weather Windows

Most Arkansas drop zones operate primarily from March through November, with limited winter operations depending on weather conditions. Jumps are highly weather-dependent, requiring clear skies, low winds, and no precipitation. Always confirm current conditions and operational status with your chosen drop zone.

Tandem vs. AFF vs. Licensed Options

Tandem skydiving is suitable for beginners, requiring minimal training. Accelerated Freefall (AFF) is for those seeking to become licensed solo skydivers, involving structured progression. Licensed jumpers must hold a valid USPA license and adhere to drop zone specific requirements for gear and experience.

Age and Weight Requirements

All skydivers, whether tandem, AFF, or licensed, must be at least 18 years old. Weight limits are strictly enforced by drop zones, typically ranging from 220 to 250 pounds, with some requiring an additional fee for jumpers near the upper limit. Consult your drop zone for their specific policies.

What a First Jump Involves

A first tandem jump involves a brief ground orientation, being fitted with a harness, and securely attaching to an instructor. You'll then board the aircraft, ascend to altitude, and exit for a freefall experience followed by a parachute ride and guided landing. The entire process from arrival to departure can take several hours.

AFF Licensing Progression

The AFF program typically consists of 7-10 levels, starting with ground school covering theory and emergency procedures. Each level involves jumps with instructors, focusing on body position, stability, and canopy control, progressively building skills towards solo jumping and ultimately, USPA A-license eligibility.

Confirm current requirements with the state agency before your trip. Rules and fees change every season.

Age Requirement
All individuals participating in skydiving activities in Arkansas, including tandem jumps, AFF progression, and licensed fun jumps, must be a minimum of 18 years of age. This is a standard requirement across all USPA-affiliated drop zones and is often reinforced by state contract laws.
USPA Membership for Licensed Jumpers
Licensed skydivers planning to jump at Arkansas drop zones are generally required to hold current United States Parachute Association (USPA) membership. This ensures jumpers adhere to established safety standards and best practices within the sport. Tandem and AFF students are typically covered under temporary memberships or the drop zone's operational umbrella.
Medical Fitness and Self-Certification
While a formal medical examination is not typically required for tandem or AFF student jumps, participants must sign waivers attesting to their good health and physical fitness. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions should consult their physician and the drop zone prior to booking to ensure it is safe to jump.
Gear Inspection for Licensed Jumpers
Licensed skydivers bringing their own equipment to an Arkansas drop zone must ensure their gear is airworthy and in good working order. Under FAA Part 105, the reserve parachute must have been packed by an FAA-certificated rigger within the previous 180 days; the main parachute must also have been packed within 180 days, though it may be packed by a certificated rigger or by the jumper making the jump.

01
Research Drop Zones
Start with the USPA-affiliated drop zones in Arkansas near you. Dig into reviews and safety records, and confirm they run the jump you want: tandem, AFF, or fun jumping.
02
Choose Your Jump Type
Decide whether you want a first-time tandem or you're ready to commit to the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program toward a license. Licensed jumpers should double-check the specific DZ's requirements.
03
Book Your Reservation
Call your drop zone and book the jump. Reservations matter, especially for weekend slots and peak-season dates, when availability tightens up fast.
04
Prepare for Your Jump Day
Wear comfortable athletic clothes for the weather and closed-toe shoes. Make sure you clear the age and weight requirements, and stay off alcohol and drugs before your jump.
05
Arrive Early and Be Ready
Get there 30 to 60 minutes ahead of your scheduled time for check-in, paperwork, and any required training. Build in patience for weather delays too.

01Is skydiving in Arkansas safe?

Skydiving carries real risk, but modern gear and rigorous training standards make it remarkably safe. USPA-affiliated drop zones in Arkansas run strict safety protocols, and the instructors are experienced and certified with jumper safety as the first priority.

02What are the age and weight restrictions for skydiving in Arkansas?

You must be at least 18. Weight limits run drop-zone to drop-zone but usually land between 220 and 250 pounds. Check the exact requirements with your facility, some carry extra restrictions or charge a surcharge for heavier jumpers.

03Do I need any experience to do a tandem skydive?

No. A short ground orientation covers the basic procedures and safety, and then you're harnessed to an experienced instructor who runs every part of the jump. Your only job is to take it in.

04How long does the entire skydiving experience take from arrival to departure?

The freefall and canopy ride last only minutes, but the full visit (check-in, paperwork, training, weather windows, and loading the aircraft), runs 2 to 4 hours, longer on busy days. Set aside a good chunk of the day.

05Can I get my skydiving license in Arkansas?

Yes. Several Arkansas drop zones run the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program, the fastest route to solo jumping and a USPA A-license. It moves from ground school through instructor-assisted jumps to solo jumps that ready you for licensed skydiving.

06What should I wear for my skydive?

Comfortable athletic clothes suited to the day's weather, and layers are a good call. Closed-toe shoes like sneakers are required, no sandals, no boots with hooks, nothing that can come off or snag. Drop zones usually give you a jumpsuit to wear over your clothes.

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Skydiving in Arkansas

When to jump in Arkansas