Height of Skydiving Leaps
Skydiving, an exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping sport, involves jumping from great heights and free-falling before deploying a parachute to safely return to Earth. Here's a look at the various altitudes associated with skydiving, as well as the tools used by skydivers to maintain control during their descent.
Measuring Altitude
The majority of skydivers rely on wrist-mounted altimeters and audible altimeters to measure barometric pressure and speed, and to determine their altitude during a jump. Audible altimeters are mounted within the helmets of skydivers and give off different beeping sounds at different altitudes, ensuring "altitude awareness."
Common Skydiving Altitudes
The most common exit altitude for skydiving is 10,000 feet, a height that offers a balance between free fall time and safety. However, larger skydiving operations that use turbine aircraft often drop skydivers between 13,000 and 14,000 feet.
For tandem skydiving, the lowest altitude is between 7,500 and 8,000 feet, while the deployment or "pull" altitude is between 5,000 and 6,000 feet.
Higher Altitudes and Oxygen Use
Going to a higher altitude (beyond 15,000') requires more preparation, the use of oxygen, a longer flight time, and is generally more expensive. Higher altitude jumps (above 15,000 feet) require the use of oxygen to avoid hypoxia. The highest altitude reached by Skydive Orange, a popular dropzone, is approximately 13,000 feet (about 4,000 meters).
Skydiving students learn to skydive from the full exit altitude of 14,000' at Skydive Orange, and the dropzone routinely drops skydivers from 14,000 feet. Skydive Orange also offers HALO (High Altitude, Low Opening) skydives from 17,500' between May and October.
The Best Skydiving Altitude
The best skydiving experience often involves jumping from 13,000' or higher because it allows for more free fall time without the use of oxygen. Exiting from 14,000' allows for approximately one minute of free fall. As a skydiver builds speed and reaches terminal velocity, the descent rate is approximately six seconds for every thousand feet.
In conclusion, skydiving offers an unparalleled adrenaline rush and a unique perspective of the world. By understanding the various altitudes associated with skydiving and the tools used to maintain control, you can make informed decisions about your skydiving adventures. Whether you're a seasoned skydiver or a first-timer, the thrill of free fall awaits at altitudes ranging from 3,000 feet to 17,500'.
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