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Pennsylvania skydiving sky. Backdrop for the Skydiving Hubs Pennsylvania drop zone directory

Skydiving · Pennsylvania

Skydiving in Pennsylvania

Jump 1 drop zone across Pennsylvania. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

Allegheny National Forest, the PA Wilds, and the Appalachian Plateau.

About Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania gives you a lot of ground to look at on the way down. Amish farm country rolls out flat and orderly in the southeast, the Appalachian foothills wrinkle the middle of the state, and river valleys cut through the rest. Drop zones sit where those landscapes open up, and they run the full range, a nervous first-timer on a tandem and a licensed fun-jumper looking for a Saturday load both find a home here.

Tandem is the usual door in, since it puts you in freefall after a short briefing rather than a training course, strapped to an instructor who has done it countless times. The state's drop zones fly modern aircraft with experienced staff, and the backdrops earn the trip: the wide Susquehanna below, the Pocono ridgeline blue in the distance. Each one of those first leaps tends to stick with people.

For anyone chasing a license, Pennsylvania runs solid Accelerated Freefall (AFF) programs. The training moves in a deliberate progression, building freefall stability and canopy control one level at a time. With instructors focused on safety and on each student's pace, you can climb from a first supervised freefall to an A-license, and the independent jumping and community that come with it, in state and well beyond.

Best time to go

When to jump in Pennsylvania

Full seasonality
Peak season Jun–Aug
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April through November.

  • 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
1
Best season
April through November

Plan your trip

Plan your trip to Pennsylvania

Jumping Season and Weather

Most Pennsylvania drop zones operate from early spring (April) through late fall (November). Operations are highly weather-dependent; jumps are postponed for high winds, rain, or low clouds. Always check with your chosen drop zone before traveling.

Tandem, AFF, and Licensed Options

Tandem skydiving is for first-timers, attached to an instructor. Accelerated Freefall (AFF) is a training program for those pursuing a skydiving license. Licensed jumpers can typically "fun jump" at any drop zone, provided they meet experience requirements and have current gear.

Age and Weight Requirements

All skydivers must be at least 18 years old. Most drop zones have a weight limit, typically ranging from 220 to 250 pounds, with some requiring a surcharge for jumpers over a certain weight. Verify specific limits with your chosen drop zone.

Your First Jump Experience

A tandem first jump involves a ground briefing, gearing up with an instructor, a scenic plane ride, a freefall segment, and a parachute ride to a soft landing. The entire process, from arrival to departure, can take several hours.

AFF Licensing Progression

The AFF program typically involves 7-10 levels, each with specific learning objectives and instructor supervision. Upon successful completion and meeting jump count requirements (usually 25 jumps total), students can apply for a USPA A-license, allowing them to jump solo.

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 Pennsylvania, including tandem students, must be at least 18 years of age on the day of their jump. This is a standard industry-wide requirement enforced by drop zones.

  • Health and Medical Disclosure

    Participants are required to sign waivers and disclose any relevant medical conditions that could pose a risk during skydiving. While a doctor's note is rarely required for tandem jumps, it may be necessary for certain medical conditions for AFF students.

  • FAA Operational Compliance

    All skydiving operations in Pennsylvania adhere to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, specifically Part 105, which governs parachute operations. Drop zones are responsible for ensuring compliance with these federal safety standards.

  • Equipment Standards

    All skydiving equipment, including parachutes, harnesses, and automatic activation devices (AADs), must meet strict technical standard order (TSO) requirements and be maintained by FAA-certified riggers. This ensures the airworthiness and safety of all gear used.

  1. 01

    Research Pennsylvania Drop Zones

    Start by scouting drop zones across the state. Weigh location, what they offer (tandem, AFF), the aircraft they fly, and what past jumpers report, then pick the one that fits your goals.

  2. 02

    Book Your Jump in Advance

    Summer and fall fill up fast. Lock in your reservation online or by phone, and confirm the date, time, and type of jump you want while you have someone on the line.

  3. 03

    Prepare for Your Skydiving Day

    On jump day, wear comfortable athletic clothes and closed-toe shoes. Eat something light, stay hydrated, skip alcohol and drugs, and show up well-rested and ready to go.

  4. 04

    Complete Paperwork and Briefing

    When you arrive, you'll finish the waivers and sit through a full safety briefing. Tandem students get paired with an instructor for one-on-one prep before the load.

  5. 05

    Embrace the Experience

    Follow your instructor, loosen up, and let the freefall and the quiet canopy ride land the way they're meant to. Most drop zones sell video and photo packages if you want to keep it.

01What is the minimum age to skydive in Pennsylvania?
You have to be at least 18 to skydive in Pennsylvania, tandem or AFF alike. Parental consent doesn't get you around the age requirement.
02Are there weight restrictions for skydiving?
Yes: most Pennsylvania drop zones set a weight limit, generally in the 220-to-250-pound range, driven by equipment and safety limits. Check your specific drop zone for its exact policy before you book.
03What should I wear for my skydive?
Comfortable athletic clothing, roughly what you'd wear to work out, and closed-toe shoes like sneakers, which are required. Leave the sandals, hook-equipped boots, and heavy jewelry behind.
04How long does the entire skydiving experience take?
The jump itself is short, minutes of freefall and 5 to 7 under canopy, but the whole visit, counting check-in, paperwork, the briefing, the plane ride, and the landing, usually runs 2 to 4 hours, and longer on busy days.
05Can I get photos or videos of my skydive?
Most Pennsylvania drop zones offer professional photo and video packages of your tandem. They cost extra, but they're how you walk away with a record of the jump.
06What is Accelerated Freefall (AFF)?
Accelerated Freefall (AFF) is the training path for anyone who wants to become a licensed skydiver. It's a series of progressively harder jumps with instructors, teaching you to exit the plane, hold freefall, deploy your own parachute, and land on your own.

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