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Skydiving · New York

Skydiving in New York

Jump 7 drop zones across New York. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

Adirondacks, Catskills, the Finger Lakes, and the Long Island shore.

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About New York

New York gives you a lot of country to fall through. Drop zones sit where the views earn their keep: the vineyard rows and glacial lakes of the Finger Lakes, the peaks of the Adirondacks, the broad sweep of the Hudson River Valley. On a tandem you clear the plane with barely any training and the landscape does the rest, opening up under you with the occasional far-off glint of the Atlantic or the Great Lakes.

Students on the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) track get full training programs run to strict safety standards, with experienced instructors teaching what it takes to jump solo. You work through the USPA curriculum jump by jump, building freefall skills and canopy control while flying over some of the more varied airspace in the Northeast.

Licensed fun-jumpers find real communities at New York's drop zones, with events on the calendar and a mix of aircraft to load. The state's spread means you can pick your atmosphere, a busy center near the metro one weekend, a laid-back rural strip the next. Each field opens its own doors: formation work, canopy piloting, or just the long ride down over that much open ground.

Best time to go

When to jump in New York

Full seasonality
Peak season Jun–Aug
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May through October. Peak fall color late September to mid-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
7
Best season
May through October

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7 drop zones

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Jumping Season and Weather

Most New York drop zones operate from April or May through October. Skydiving is highly weather-dependent, requiring clear skies, light winds, and no precipitation. Always confirm your reservation on the day of your jump.

Tandem vs. AFF vs. Licensed

First-timers typically begin with a tandem jump, securely harnessed to an instructor. Accelerated Freefall (AFF) is for those seeking solo certification. Licensed jumpers must hold a valid USPA license and adhere to FAA regulations.

Age and Weight Requirements

All jumpers must be at least 18 years old, as mandated by the United States Parachute Association (USPA) for solo or tandem jumps. Weight limits vary by drop zone, typically ranging from 220 to 250 pounds, with some requiring a surcharge for heavier individuals.

Your First Tandem Jump

A tandem jump involves a brief ground training session, usually 15-30 minutes, covering safety procedures, body position, and canopy control basics. You will then be paired with an experienced instructor for the entire experience.

AFF Licensing Progression

The Accelerated Freefall program is a structured curriculum designed to teach students the skills needed for solo skydiving. It typically involves 7-10 coached jumps, followed by supervised solo jumps and a packing course, leading to a USPA A-license.

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

  • Age Requirement for Skydiving

    All individuals participating in skydiving activities, whether tandem or solo, must be at least 18 years of age. This is a standard requirement adopted by United States Parachute Association (USPA) affiliated drop zones across the country, including New York.

  • FAA Medical Certificate (Licensed Jumpers)

    The FAA does not require skydivers to hold a medical certificate: that is a USPA Basic Safety Requirement, not a Part 105 rule, and it applies to all jumpers. It is satisfied by any one of a current FAA third-class medical, a physician's certificate of physical fitness for skydiving, or agreement to the USPA medical statement (the health form tandem and AFF students sign), a Class 3 medical is not mandatory.

    FAA Medical Certification

  • USPA Membership (Licensed Jumpers & AFF Students)

    Licensed skydivers must maintain current membership with the United States Parachute Association (USPA). While not strictly mandated for tandem students, USPA membership is highly recommended for AFF students and often required by drop zones for progression.

    USPA Membership
  1. 01

    Research Drop Zones

    Start with USPA-affiliated drop zones in New York that fit your location and what you want out of it. Weigh proximity, aircraft type, and the programs on offer (tandem, AFF).

  2. 02

    Book Your First Jump

    Once you've picked a DZ, schedule your tandem ahead of time. Weekends and holidays fill up fast, so book early, especially in peak season.

  3. 03

    Prepare for Your Jump

    Check the drop zone's rules on attire, weight limits, and arrival time. Show up rested and hydrated, and skip the alcohol and drugs beforehand.

  4. 04

    Complete Ground Training

    When you arrive you'll get a safety briefing and ground training. Listen closely to your instructor, that's what keeps the tandem safe and worth doing.

  5. 05

    Consider AFF Progression

    If the first jump hooks you, talk to your instructors about Accelerated Freefall (AFF). They can lay out the steps from tandem to licensed solo skydiver.

01Do I need a license to skydive for the first time in New York?
No. Your first jump is a tandem, harnessed to a certified instructor who handles the technical work while you take in the experience, barely any training required beforehand.
02What are the typical age and weight restrictions for skydiving in New York?
You have to be at least 18. Most drop zones cap weight somewhere between 220 and 250 pounds, sometimes with a height-to-weight factor, so confirm the exact limits with your DZ before booking.
03What happens if there's bad weather on my scheduled jump day?
Weather runs the day and safety comes first. High winds, heavy cloud, or rain will get your jump pushed to another slot, and the drop zone will reach out to reschedule you.
04How long does a typical tandem skydiving experience last from arrival to departure?
The freefall and canopy ride are short, but the whole visit (check-in, ground training, the wait, the climb, the jump, the landing), runs several hours. Plan for a half-day, more on a busy weekend.
05What should I wear for my skydive?
Comfortable athletic clothes for the weather: a t-shirt, shorts, or light pants. Sneakers are ideal. Skip open-toed shoes, hook-laced boots, and anything that could work loose in freefall.
06Can I get photos or videos of my skydive in New York?
Most drop zones sell photo and video packages as an add-on, shot by a dedicated videographer or a hand-camera instructor from ground training through landing. Ask about the options when you book.

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