FAQ’s

If you feel butterflies in your stomach when you think about jumping out of an airplane, skydiving is definitely for you!  

Skydiving is like any other extreme sport: there are inherent risks that require careful training and execution.  Failure to follow that training can lead to serious injury.  Skydiving is as safe as individuals make it.  On our part, we provide, the latest in equipment, highly experienced staff, a comprehensive training program, and a lot of back up systems.

Yes, gift certificates are available for any amount.  We guarantee this will be a once in a lifetime present that will never be forgotten.  They are refundable within 30 days (less a $15 processing fee) and are transferable.  They do not expire and can be purchased over the phone.

There is no roller coaster feeling when you jump out of the airplane.  The sensation of freefall is more like flying than falling, and is intensely exciting and liberating.  The parachute flight is quiet and inspiring, however, if you like roller coasters, ask your instructor and you will experience the most exciting ride ever!

No, there is no maximum age limit.  Our oldest student to date was 86 years young.  Think you can top that? You must be at least 18 years of age to skydive within the United States.

Yes.  Our weight limit is 280lbs.  However, students that weigh 200 lbs, and over, need to be aware of the following restrictions: 200-240lbs -$50 surcharge, exit altitude 8,000′ 240-280lbs – $100 surcharge, exit altitude 6,000′ The reason for the altitude restrictions is that with increased weight, terminal velocity is higher and therefore the parachute deployment is harder which in turn increases the possibility of parachute damage – we are minimizing this risk. The lower the altitude, the slower the speed (terminal velocity), the slower the opening. The reason for the surcharge is that heavier students put more strain on our equipment and are more demanding on our instructors during exit, opening, and especially for landing. Our instructors are experienced enough to safely skydive with heavier students, however, it is fair to pay them more for a higher workload.

We have taken people with many different disabilities.  We have some of the most experienced Tandem Instructors here at AtmosphAIR.  If you have a special requirement, please call us.  We can make your dreams of flight come true! If you have a special medical concern, please contact your doctor.

As far in advance as you can, especially if you have a large group that wants to jump with you.  However, if you get the urge at the last minute, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’ll do our best to fit you in.

Yes.  Please click here to see our group rates and specials.

Jumping by yourself on your first skydive is highly over-rated.  Think about it, would any pilot in training want to receive ground training and then hop in an airplane and go fly around by themselves? Of course not!  At AtmosphAIR, just like at most advanced skydiving centers throughout the United States, you will be harnessed to your instructor on your first jump, referred to as a tandem jump.  You are on the front so it may very well feel like you are on your own, but you have your instructor with you as backup. Only one tandem is required and it counts towards your licensing requirements.  It is a great introductory skydive and after doing a tandem you will know if skydiving is indeed the sport for you.

It will take 15 minutes to climb to altitude, you will freefall for one minute and you will fly your parachute for 6 to 7 minutes.

The average size person freefalls at a speed of 120 mph.  The heavier the person, the faster the freefall.  The descent rate  under parachute is about 1,000′ per minute.

You will need a valid government issued photo ID.  You will also need to wear gym shoes.  And by all means, bring lots of family and friends to cheer you on! Read more here.

Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.  Sorry no checks, cash, or Amex.

Plan on spending a half day, unless you are part of a big group, in which case plan on spending the whole day. Skydiving is dependent on weather factors so don’t make any plans for after your jump unless they can be postponed if necessary. Weather conditions and schedule permitting, you can easily train and jump the same day- or even make a second and third jump!!!

Most landings are quite soft, with many people doing nice stand-up landings.  Sometimes, especially on calm days, the forward speed of the parachute will provide you with a “sliding” landing through the grass.  As long as you follow instructions, you will be alright.

At AtmosphAIR, we use only the very best equipment.  All our parachute systems are equipped with main and reserve ram air (square) canopies.  Square canopies are superior to older style round canopies in their opening reliability, maneuverability, accuracy, and landing performance.

Although it is very unlikely that your main parachute will fail to open properly, it can occur and this is a common question.  On every jump, we are equipped with a main and a reserve parachute as a back up.  In addition, all of our reserve parachutes are equipped with an Automatic Parachute Deployment system (commonly referred to as a Cypres or AAD).  This unit will automatically deploy the reserve parachute should the jumpers be unable to.

Don’t assume that the weather is going to be bad and that you won’t get to jump.  Forecasts are generic, and historically have been inaccurate.  We have jumped on many days when, according to the forecast, we were not supposed to.  If you have any weather concerns, please feel free to call us the day of your jump to check on the weather conditions in Ft. Atkinson.

Yes, in fact about 95% of our first time students request a video of their skydive.  Our expert freefall videographers will capture your entire experience: your training,  gear up, boarding the airplane, the ride up to altitude, your exit, parachute flight, landing, and of course the best part…. FREEFALL!  That’s right, your videographer accompanies you through freefall and captures your expressions as you fly at 120 miles per hour!  For a professional quality video, we use state-of-the-art digital video equipment and edit the footage from your skydive in our studio to make a mini motion picture of your skydive.   All this is done in only 10-15 minutes so you get to relive your skydive right away on our big screen TV,  with your family and friends.  Every time you watch this video, or show it to your family and friends, it will bring back the excitement!   You make your first skydive only once, capture it and relive the moment! *We are so certain you’re going to love your video that we offer a money back guarantee if you’re not absolutely delighted with it!

No, the time/distance gap between jumper exits precludes a camera person from being able to film more than one student at a time.

Please bring out your cameras to take shots of yourself and your group on the ground.  However, you are much too busy on your skydive to worry about your camera.  If very easily could get lost of broken and we cannot risk dropping it in freefall or under  parachute.  Your friends and family can take pictures of you once you land.

Our instructional class lasts for one hour.

You have two choices: We have many people that return two or three times every year to make a skydive, those people continue to do Tandem Skydives so as not to be burdened with too much information.  They organize annual outings with their friends and family and come back for the thrill and the rush.  The other option is getting certified, those people transition into our Accelerated Freefall Program.