Tandem jump: flying without a skydiving license
If you are wondering whether it is possible to skydive even without a license and without having taken courses, the answer is yes. With a tandem jump, everyone can try the experience safely by relying on experienced and qualified flight schools and instructors.
This type of jump is carried out with a tandem parachute, by which pilot and passenger fly together securely harnessed to each other. The experience begins with a briefing in which the principles of flying and all the rules of conduct and safety measures are explained. Then you board the plane and reach the jump altitude at about 4,000 meters above sea level.
At this point, your heart rate rises due to tension, you take a deep breath, rely on the instructor, and jump. The free fall lasts about 60 seconds and is a real adrenaline rush. A speed of about 200 km/h is reached, until the pilot opens the parachute and the flight continues at a slower speed that allows you to enjoy the view.
The open canopy flight takes 5 to 8 minutes. As you get closer to the ground, the landscape is filled with details that can only be appreciated from above. Not forgetting the excitement, the sense of freedom, and the satisfaction of successfully defying your fears. Landing is not a problem, as speed is reduced to allow as soft and gentle a contact as possible.
Requirements for skydiving
A tandem parachute jump does not require specific training or special physical skills. It can be done from a minimum age of 16 years with the only limit being body weight. For safety reasons, jumps with people over 100 kg must be evaluated by the flight school. In some cases, it is also required that the ratio of weight to height does not exceed a certain limit.
No fitness certificate is usually required, but it is a good idea to seek advice from your doctor, especially if you have any medical conditions. Otherwise, anyone can try one of the strongest and most sensational experiences out there. Flight schools are equipped for enabling people with disabilities to jump as well.
Seasonal sportswear and comfortable shoes should be worn. Those who wear glasses will need to wear contact lenses. The experience can be held year-round, weather permitting.
What sensations are experienced during a jump?
One of the most frequently asked questions from people who want to skydive concerns the sensations they experience. Of course, the experience is subjective and what you feel can change from person to person. However, those who have tried it say that during free fall you feel a strong acceleration the moment you jump. Then the speed becomes constant, and the feeling is that of having an “air cushion” that cushions the sense of falling.
Yo don’t feel any air pockets. The parachute is usually opened at an altitude of 1,700 to 1,500 meters. At this point, deceleration causes an upward sensation for a few seconds, until you stabilize and feel suspended in the air.
The descent is accomplished smoothly, and the landing is gentle. A few moments before touching the ground, the instructor asks the passenger to lift their legs so that they find themselves sitting on the ground and not suffer any bumps or blows to the lower limbs.
Skydiving Sicily: the best drop zones
Tandem skydiving in Sicily is practiced in Caltagirone and Syracuse. Carrying out the experience in Caltagirone, in the province of Catania, you will fly over the Sicilian hinterland in mainly hilly and wooded environments. Launching in Syracuse, on the other hand, will provide wonderful views of the sea and the southwest coast of Sicily. No other drop zones are currently active. For those who want to skydive in Palermo, the nearest place is Caltagirone.
How much does a tandem jump in Sicily cost?
Prices for tandem skydiving in Sicily range from 200 euros for a parachute jump in Syracuse to 230 euros for a jump in Caltagirone. By adding an extra fee, videos and photos of the experience can be requested. Absolutely recommended choice to relive the excitement even a while after taking part in the activity!
Gift a tandem skydiving experience
A parachute jump can be an original and surprising gift. Because of the uniqueness of the experience, it is suitable for people who love adventure and adrenaline and is ideal as a gift to celebrate milestones and important occasions. If you want to surprise someone, skydiving is the perfect idea. They will be amazed and will thank you for giving them the opportunity to experience one of the most intense sports out there!