Tandem skydiving is a popular way for beginners to experience the thrill of skydiving. In this type of jump, you are attached to an experienced skydiving instructor via a special harness system. The instructor handles all the technical aspects, such as exiting the aircraft, controlling the fall, and deploying and steering the parachute. This allows you to enjoy the experience without the need for extensive training. The tandem setup typically includes a main parachute system and a reserve parachute for safety. The instructor will brief you on the process before the jump, including how to assume the correct body position and what to expect during the fall. Now, let’s dive into the question of how fast you fall during a tandem skydive.
The Freefall Phase: Reaching Terminal Velocity
What Is Terminal Velocity?
When you first jump out of the airplane, you start to accelerate due to gravity. However, air resistance, also known as drag, opposes your motion. As your speed increases, the air resistance also increases. Eventually, the force of air resistance becomes equal to the force of gravity, and you stop accelerating. At this point, you reach a constant speed called terminal velocity. Terminal velocity is the maximum speed you will achieve during freefall. It depends on several factors, including your weight, the surface area you present to the air (your body position), and the density of the air. In tandem skydiving, the combined weight of the student and the instructor plays a significant role in determining the terminal velocity.
Typical Terminal Velocity in Tandem Skydiving
In general, the terminal velocity for a tandem skydive is slightly lower than that for a solo skydiver in a typical freefall position. This is because the tandem pair has a larger combined mass, but they also present a larger surface area to the air due to their connected position. On average, a tandem pair can expect to reach a terminal velocity of around 120 miles per hour (mph), which is equivalent to about 193 kilometers per hour (kph) or 54 meters per second (m/s). This is a rough estimate, and the actual speed can vary depending on several factors, which we will discuss in more detail later.
How Long Does Freefall Last?
The duration of the freefall phase depends on the altitude from which you jump. Most tandem skydives take place from altitudes between 10,000 and 15,000 feet. Let’s look at some examples:
10,000 feet: At this altitude, the freefall time is typically around 30-40 seconds before the parachute is deployed.
12,500 feet: Freefall time increases to about 45-55 seconds.
15,000 feet: This is a common altitude for tandem jumps that offer a longer freefall experience, lasting around 60-70 seconds.
During freefall, you will feel the rush of air as you fall through the sky. It’s important to maintain the correct body position, which typically involves arching your back, keeping your legs slightly bent, and your arms outstretched. This position helps to maximize stability and control during the fall.
Factors That Affect Falling Speed in Tandem Skydiving
Weight of the Tandem Pair
The combined weight of the student and the instructor is one of the most significant factors affecting terminal velocity. Heavier tandem pairs will generally have a higher terminal velocity than lighter pairs. This is because a greater mass experiences a stronger force of gravity, requiring a higher speed to generate enough air resistance to balance the force of gravity. For example, a tandem pair with a combined weight of 250 pounds (113 kg) may reach a terminal velocity slightly higher than 120 mph, while a pair weighing 200 pounds (91 kg) may have a terminal velocity closer to 115 mph. However, it’s important to note that most skydiving operations have weight limits for tandem jumps to ensure safe terminal velocities and parachute performance.
Body Position and Air Resistance
Your body position during freefall can also affect your falling speed. By adjusting your body position, you can change the surface area presented to the air, which in turn affects the amount of air resistance.
Arched Position: The standard arched position used in tandem skydiving creates a relatively aerodynamic shape, allowing for a more stable and controlled fall at a moderate terminal velocity.
Head-Down or Vertical Position: Some experienced skydivers use a head-down or vertical position to achieve higher speeds. However, this is not typical in tandem skydiving, as the focus is on safety and comfort for the student.
Spread Eagle Position: Spreading your arms and legs wide (like a “spread eagle”) increases your surface area and creates more air resistance, which can slow down your fall. This position is sometimes used for training or to adjust the fall speed during the jump.
The instructor will guide you into the correct body position to ensure a safe and enjoyable freefall. If you accidentally change your position, the instructor can make adjustments to maintain stability.
Air Density and Altitude
Air density decreases as altitude increases, which means there is less air resistance at higher altitudes. This allows skydivers to reach higher terminal velocities at higher altitudes compared to lower altitudes. At sea level, the air is denser, and terminal velocity is slightly lower. As you ascend to higher altitudes, such as 15,000 feet, the air is thinner, and you can fall faster. However, the difference in terminal velocity between low and high altitudes is relatively small in tandem skydiving, especially when compared to the effects of weight and body position.
Weather Conditions
Wind: Strong winds can affect your horizontal speed, but they have little effect on your vertical terminal velocity. However, high winds may cause the aircraft to fly at a different altitude or speed, which can indirectly affect the jump.
Temperature and Humidity: Warmer air is less dense than cooler air, which can slightly increase terminal velocity. Humidity also has a small effect on air density, but it is generally a secondary factor compared to temperature and altitude.
In most cases, skydiving operations will monitor weather conditions closely and make adjustments to jump plans as needed to ensure safety.
The Parachute Deployment Phase
What Happens When the Parachute Deploys?
After the freefall phase, the instructor will deploy the main parachute. The deployment process typically involves pulling a ripcord or using an automatic activation device (AAD) that deploys the parachute at a predetermined altitude. When the parachute first opens, you will experience a sudden deceleration as the parachute canopy fills with air and creates a large amount of air resistance. This deceleration can feel like a sharp pull, but it is usually brief and followed by a smooth glide to the ground.
How Fast Do You Fall After the Parachute Is Deployed?
Once the parachute is fully deployed and stable, your falling speed decreases significantly. The descent speed under a parachute depends on several factors, including the type and size of the parachute, the weight of the tandem pair, and the parachute’s trim settings. In general, a tandem parachute is designed to provide a safe and comfortable descent speed. The typical descent speed under a tandem parachute is between 10 and 15 mph (16-24 kph or 4.5-6.7 m/s). This is much slower than the freefall speed, allowing for a gentle landing. The instructor can control the descent speed by adjusting the parachute’s steering toggles. For example, by pulling down on the toggles, the instructor can increase the parachute’s angle of attack, which increases air resistance and slows down the descent. Conversely, releasing the toggles allows the parachute to glide more efficiently at a slightly faster speed.
Comparing Tandem Skydiving to Solo Skydiving Speeds
Solo Skydiving Terminal Velocity
Stable Belly-to-Earth Position: A solo skydiver in a typical belly-to-earth position (lying on their stomach) usually reaches a terminal velocity of around 120 mph, similar to tandem skydiving.
Head-Down or Vertical Position: Skydivers performing freefall maneuvers in a head-down position can reach much higher speeds, often exceeding 200 mph (322 kph or 89 m/s).
Wingsuit Flying: Wingsuit skydivers wear a special suit that creates lift, allowing them to glide through the air at lower vertical speeds and higher horizontal speeds. Their terminal velocity is typically lower than traditional freefall, around 50-60 mph (80-97 kph or 22-27 m/s) vertically, with significant horizontal movement.
Why the Difference in Tandem Skydiving?
The main reason tandem skydiving terminal velocity is similar to solo belly-to-earth freefall is the combined weight and body position. While the tandem pair is heavier than a single skydiver, their body position (with the student in front of the instructor) creates a larger frontal area, increasing air resistance. This balance of weight and air resistance results in a terminal velocity comparable to solo skydiving in a stable position. Additionally, tandem skydiving prioritizes safety and comfort over speed. The instructor’s focus is on maintaining a stable and controlled descent, ensuring that the student has a positive experience and that the jump is completed safely.
Conclusion
In tandem skydiving, freefall typically reaches a terminal velocity of around 120 mph (193 kph/54 m/s), influenced by weight, body position, and altitude—similar to solo belly-to-earth diving. The stable speed during freefall creates a unique sensation, allowing tandem pairs to experience the rush of wind and the expansive views of the landscape below. This phase also offers a brief moment of weightlessness, adding to the adrenaline-fueled excitement of the dive. Upon parachute deployment, descent speed drops to 10–15 mph (16–24 kph/4.5–6.7 m/s) for a smooth landing. Led by an instructor, this accessible experience lets beginners focus on the thrill while understanding speed factors enhances preparation. Safe and unforgettable, it’s a rush worth trying.