DZONE abides by all federally mandated skydiving rules and regulations; moreover, we adhere to strict skydiving requirements that allow us to ensure safer, more rewarding experiences. If you’re planning a trip to one of our drop zones in Bozeman or Boise, then you’ll definitely want to be aware of these requirements for skydiving at DZONE:

1. Age Minimum: Every jumper needs to be at least 18 on the day of their jump. There is no age maximum, as long as you and your doctor agree that you’re in good health.
2. Identification: All jumpers must bring a driver’s license, passport, or government-issued ID.
3. Clothing: All jumpers must wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes, preferably tennis shoes.
4. Weight: For the sake of safety, skydiving weight limits vary between 220 and 254 pounds per person depending on your choice of dropzone.

Waiver: A signed waiver is required for all jumpers at DZONE®.

Skydiving Rules & Regulations

These requirements demonstrate what you need to do in order to jump—but many skydiving rules and regulations have less to do with you, and more to do with us! We want to ensure the safest possible experience for every person who jumps with DZONE. That’s why we’re proud to stick to the following mandates:

1. Weather: All skydiving flights must take place under the clear conditions identified by the FAA.
   1. Depending on the height of the flight, visibility for three to five miles is required.
   2. Additionally, parachute jumps can only take place if you’re far enough away from any cloud cover. For jumps more than 10,000 feet above MSL, the plane needs to be 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, or at least one mile horizontal from the nearest cloud cover.
   3. In the vast majority of cases, this means that skydiving in rain is not permitted. 
2. Drugs and Alcohol: The Skydiver information manual clearly states that skydiving under the influence of alcohol is not permitted. Other drugs that impact a person’s faculties in any way contrary to safety are also not allowed.
   1. The rules also do not allow skydiving if the jumper has consumed an alcoholic beverage within the last eight hours. 
3. Parachute Review: Each parachute that we use has received a Technical Standard Order (TSO) review from the FAA. This Order shows exactly how much weight the parachute is rated to carry.
4. Jump Height: The minimum jump height for tandem skydiving is around 8,000 feet. Here at DZONE, we jump from heights between 12,000 and 14,000 feet. Other types of skydiving may be possible at heights as low as 4,000 feet.

For the most comprehensive look at the skydiving rules and regulations in effect today, consult the latest version of the U.S. Parachute Association’s Skydiving Information Manual, or SIM.

Why Are the Requirements for Skydiving So Important?

Jumping out of a plane is inherently dangerous, but thanks to the rules, regulations, and requirements that surround skydiving, it’s actually safer than you might expect. Additionally, every instructor at DZONE must undergo many hours of training in order to earn a license!

Now that you know what you need to do, you might wonder about what you should do prior to your jump. Find out what to eat and drink on the day of the big event, and remember to talk to your doctor about any health conditions that may impact your experience. 

Book Your Skydiving Experience at DZONE®

Reading about how to skydive is one thing—experiencing the jump is another! If you’re ready to get first-hand experience with skydiving equipment and best practices, don’t wait to book your appointment! While you’re here, you can get an even better sense of how skydiving works by watching videos of experienced jumpers who were once just like you!

Ready to Feel The Freedom™?