Skydiving in Virginia

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

• USPA Membership for Progression

  Individuals pursuing an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) progression or licensed fun jumping in Virginia are required to hold current membership with the United States Parachute Association (USPA). This ensures adherence to national safety standards and provides insurance coverage. Tandem students are typically covered under the drop zone's insurance without needing individual USPA membership.

  USPA

• Minimum Age Requirement

  In Virginia, as with all USPA Group Member drop zones across the United States, all participants in skydiving activities must be at least 18 years of age. This applies to tandem skydives, AFF students, and licensed skydivers, and there are no exceptions for parental consent.

  USPA Basic Safety Requirements

• Medical Fitness and Disclosure

  While there isn't a specific state-mandated medical certificate for tandem skydiving, all participants are required to disclose any medical conditions that might affect their ability to jump safely. Drop zones often require a signed waiver attesting to good health. For AFF students, a doctor's note may be requested if there are pre-existing health concerns.

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Oversight

  All skydiving operations in Virginia, including aircraft, pilots, and general operational procedures, are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under Part 105 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. This federal oversight ensures strict safety standards for aircraft maintenance, pilot qualifications, and jump operations, though individual jumpers typically interact with USPA guidelines.