How Much Does it Cost to Get a Skydiving License?

Jumping into boundless freedom, enveloped by the sky’s windy embrace. Weightlessness. Adrenaline flowing through your veins. For once, your mind is completely calm and quiet – you are here, and this moment is all you have right now. Suddenly you feel an overwhelming sense of complete and utter joy. Life is really beautiful. You hope this feeling never ends …

And it doesn’t have to!

Getting a skydiving license grants you the freedom to have these moments of pure bliss forever, whenever you please (as long as the weather cooperates, of course). While getting to enjoy this experience again and again is priceless, the opportunity has requirements and comes at a cost – let’s talk about it!

How to Get Your Skydiving License

The most popular way of achieving your skydiving license is through the Acceleration Freefall Program, or AFF, that is designed to coach students through various levels of jumps in order to achieve their United States Parachute Association (USPA) A license. There are certain skydiving centers that offer these programs and are granted the freedom to tweak the program however they see fit, as long as it follows the Integrated Student Program (ISP) laid out by the USPA. 

This means that some dropzone require a tandem skydive before you can begin the AFF program, however, some dropzones don’t require any jumps to get a skydiving license – like us! 

Here at Skydive Paraclete XP, we offer one of the most comprehensive and sought after student programs in the skydiving industry, known as the Paraclete Student Program (PSP). And you can jump right in, with no prerequisites! 

Here are the skydiving A license requirements according to the USPA:

• 25 jumps
• 5 successful skydives with one or more people
• Completed and stamped USPA A License Proficiency Card
• Pass the USPA written/oral exam

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Skydiving License?

The costs associated with getting your skydiving license varies. Typically, the total cost to get a skydiving license can range anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 depending on location, program requirements, and repeated jumps. This number includes ground course training, the 25 prescribed jumps, and all necessary skydiving equipment.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Your Skydiving License at Skydive Paraclete XP?

The PSP, or Paraclete Student Program, is a high-quality student progression program developed by Skydive Paraclete XP. The PSP is designed to provide students with the best possible instruction and all the tools they need to skydive confidently and competently. Other than our world-class mentors, what really sets the PSP apart from traditional AFF programs is our 15 minutes of instructional time in our very own wind tunnel at Paraclete XP SkyVenture. In total, the PSP costs $3,836 – or $3,400 if you take advantage of our $436 discounted prepay option!

Is Skydiving an Expensive Hobby?

We’ll be honest, skydiving is an expensive hobby – especially the initial investment into achieving your skydiving license. The good news, as you progress throughout the program and once you’re a licensed skydiver, your costs per jump will significantly decrease. 

At Skydive Paraclete XP, jump tickets for licensed skydivers start at just $25 for a low altitude jump (hop & pop) and $32 for a full altitude jump (13,500 ft). When compared to a $249 tandem skydive, you can see how you would be saving in the long run!

However, you’ll need to consider the extra costs of renting gear and/or purchasing your very own skydiving rig, or parachute system. If you’re interested in renting gear from the dropzone, you’ll be paying about $40 in addition to the jump ticket price. 

If you’re looking to purchase your own gear, you’ll need to set aside a good chunk of change, skydiving gear is an important investment. So, how much does a parachute system cost? Skydiving gear costs depend on type, new/used, brand, customizations, availability, etc. but after all is said and done you’ll be looking at spending anywhere from $6,000 to $12,000 for a full skydiving setup. 

Becoming a Licensed Skydiver: Why is Skydiving Worth it?

After looking at the costs associated with getting a skydiving license, you may be second guessing your decision to become a skydiver. Fret not! Getting your skydiving license opens your eyes to a whole new world that you never even knew existed. Once you have your license you’ll be able to attend awesome skydiving events, jump with other skydivers, learn different disciplines, achieve other licenses, travel/jump at different dropzones, compete in skydiving competitions, meet some amazing people and become a part of our welcoming community. Here are just a few of the never-ending benefits of skydiving and why it’s absolutely worth it!

Discover an Exciting Hobby

Aside from the thrill of jumping out of an airplane, skydiving is a great way to learn new skills. With all of the different disciplines, you’ll never get bored of your new found love. Plus, telling other people that skydiving is your hobby gives you like a million instant cool points. Skydivers are interesting, exciting, and unique!

Spread Your Wings and Flex Your Freedom

Learning to skydive on your own gives you a sense of independence, empowering you to fly in your own style and control your own destiny (and canopy). You’ll take the toggles yourself, taking faith in your own hands rather than relying on someone else. And wow is it a powerful feeling!

Personal Growth and Achievement

Achieving the impossible, living a life of abundance, turning your cheek to fear, and embracing life’s journey in a unique way is a sure way to lift your spirits. You’ll gain self-confidence as you conquer new challenges and discover your true potential. Go you!

Community and Camaraderie

One of the biggest reasons skydiving is worth it is because of the AMAZING community of people from all walks of life that instantly become your new family. Our tight-knit crew of fun-loving, passionate, open-minded and adventurous souls are sure to make you feel right at home. You are welcome here!

Are you ready to change your life and start your journey to becoming a licensed skydiver? Register for a first jump course with one of the best skydiving schools in the biz and learn from the best at Skydive Paraclete XP. Blue skies!