Skydiving is one of the most thrilling and exhilarating experiences, and for many, the excitement of free falling is the heart of the jump. As you leap out of an aircraft, you enter a unique and gravity-defying world, surrounded by the open sky.
However, the question that often comes to mind for both beginners and seasoned jumpers is, “How long do you free fall when skydiving?” The answer depends on a range of factors, including the altitude from which you jump, the type of jump you are performing, and how fast you are falling.
The Basics of Free Fall in Skydiving
When you free fall during a skydive, you are in a state of acceleration due to gravity. Once you exit the plane, gravity pulls you down, accelerating your body towards the ground. The feeling of free falling is both thrilling and intense, often described as a combination of weightlessness and a rush of wind. However, free fall is not endless, and how long you remain in this state before deploying your parachute depends on several key factors.
Factors Influencing Free Fall Duration
Several factors impact the duration of your free fall. These include:
Altitude: The higher you jump from, the longer you will fall before deploying your parachute.
Free Fall Speed: The speed at which you fall is crucial to determining the duration of free fall. The terminal velocity, which is the fastest you can fall without accelerating any further, plays a significant role here.
Body Position: The way you position your body in free fall can affect your speed, thus influencing how long the free fall lasts.
Type of Jump: Different types of skydiving, such as tandem jumps or solo jumps, can result in varying free fall durations.
Average Free Fall Duration
On a typical skydive, the free fall duration will range based on the altitude of the jump. Skydiving from 13,000 feet (around 4,000 meters) is common in many locations, and here is what to expect:
At 13,000 feet: A standard tandem jump, which is one of the most common types, will last about 60 seconds of free fall before the parachute is deployed.
At 15,000 feet: If you skydive from 15,000 feet, your free fall will last about 70-75 seconds.
At 25,000 feet: Professional skydivers, including those performing high-altitude jumps, may free fall for up to 90 seconds or more from 25,000 feet.
Understanding Terminal Velocity
Terminal velocity is the maximum speed a skydiver reaches during free fall. For most skydivers in a belly-to-earth position, terminal velocity is around 120 miles per hour (193 km/h). Once you reach terminal velocity, your speed remains constant, as the force of gravity pulling you downward is balanced by the air resistance pushing against you.
However, terminal velocity varies depending on your body position. In a belly-to-earth position, you will fall at a relatively steady speed. But if you change positions, such as diving headfirst, you can increase your speed significantly, potentially reaching speeds of 180 miles per hour (290 km/h) or more.
Free Fall Duration by Jump Type
There are several different types of skydiving, and each has its own unique free fall duration:
Tandem Jumps
In a tandem skydiving, a student is attached to an experienced instructor, and the jump typically starts at an altitude of around 10,000 to 15,000 feet. The free fall lasts between 30 and 60 seconds, with the parachute deploying after that time.
This is the most common type of jump for beginners, and the duration can be shorter than solo jumps due to the lower altitude and the instructor’s involvement.
Solo Jumps
In a solo skydive, experienced jumpers typically exit the aircraft from altitudes ranging from 12,000 feet to 15,000 feet. Free fall in a solo jump typically lasts between 60 and 90 seconds, depending on the altitude and the skydiver’s body position. More advanced jumps can involve higher altitudes, leading to longer free falls.
High-Altitude Jumps
Some professional skydivers perform high-altitude jumps, sometimes from as high as 25,000 feet. These jumps can provide an extended free fall, lasting up to 90 seconds or more. The high altitude also means that the skydiver will experience a longer time before reaching terminal velocity, as they accelerate for a longer period before air resistance fully kicks in.
The Role of Altitude in Free Fall Duration
Altitude plays a crucial role in how long you fall before deploying your parachute. Here’s an outline of typical altitudes and the corresponding free fall times:
- 10,000 feet: Free fall lasts around 30 seconds
- 12,000 feet: Free fall lasts around 45 seconds
- 13,000 feet: Free fall lasts around 60 seconds
- 15,000 feet: Free fall lasts around 75 seconds
- 25,000 feet: Free fall lasts up to 90 seconds or longer
Why Do Skydivers Love the Free Fall Experience?
The free fall experience in skydiving is often described as one of the most exciting and unforgettable sensations a person can experience. The combination of speed, the wind rushing past you, and the sense of weightlessness creates a feeling of pure freedom. For many skydivers, it is the ultimate thrill, with the added bonus of seeing the world from a completely unique perspective. Whether you’re plummeting toward the ground or performing aerial stunts, the free fall is the heart of the skydive.
Safety and Preparation for Free Fall
While free falling is exhilarating, it is essential to remember that skydiving comes with risks. Proper preparation, training, and safety measures are crucial to ensure a successful and safe jump. Skydivers undergo rigorous training to understand the equipment, body positioning, and procedures required for a safe free fall and parachute deployment. Additionally, instructors are trained to handle various situations that may arise during free fall, adding an extra layer of safety for jumpers.
Conclusion
The duration of free fall in skydiving is determined by a combination of factors, including altitude, jump type, body position, and the skydiver’s experience. On average, free fall lasts between 30 and 90 seconds, with the longest falls occurring at higher altitudes. For most skydivers, this brief yet thrilling experience remains one of the most exciting aspects of the sport. Whether you’re a first-time jumper or a seasoned professional, the feeling of free falling is an unforgettable part of the skydiving adventure.