Overview and key facts
Mile Hi Skydiving Center Inc is a skydiving facility that offers tandem jumps, training, and accelerated freefall programs for recreational jumpers. This profile explains what the center typically provides, how the experience is structured, and what you should confirm before reserving a jump. Topics include location and landing area considerations, certification paths, equipment standards, typical costs, and how weather and regulations affect day-of operations. The information below is intended to help you evaluate safety indicators and set realistic expectations for a first jump or repeat outing.
How a tandem skydive usually works
The prejump briefing and equipment fit
Before exiting the aircraft, you will receive a ground briefing covering body position, pull timing, and emergency procedures. You’ll be fitted with a harness and helmet, and your instructor will review the drogue and main parachute deployment sequence. Facilities generally conduct weight and health checks at this stage, since certain conditions or weight limits affect compatibility with standard gear.
The aircraft ride and exit
Tandem jumps usually depart from a small airport or dedicated pad, climbing to an altitude between 10,000 and 14,000 feet, depending on local terrain, airspace rules, and weather. The freefall lasts roughly 30 to 60 seconds, followed by a main parachute ride of about one to three minutes. Most centers emphasize stable exits and controlled separation from the aircraft to minimize collision risk with other jumpers.
Under canopy and landing
Your instructor will steer the parachute toward a designated landing area, using wind indicators and approach patterns to align with the runway. You will be prompted to lift your legs for a comfortable landing and guided through a short runout to release canopy tension. Upon returning to the facility, you can expect a debrief, photo review, and information on logging the jump and enrolling in further training if desired.
Typical services and program paths
Mile Hi Skydiving Center Inc generally lists several entry options, from single recreational jumps to structured training programs aligned with United States Parachute Association (USPA) guidelines. Recreational jumpers can usually choose between static-line progression, accelerated freefall, or Video Freeflow, each with distinct coaching strategies and gear configurations. Those interested in licensing may encounter step-by-step progressions that emphasize stability, altitude awareness, and canopy control, with periodic evaluations from certified instructors.
Safety considerations and risk factors
Modern skydiving relies on rigorously maintained equipment, regular reserve repacks, and multi-layer checklists to reduce risk. Common contributing factors to incidents include student-failure altitudes, inappropriate aircraft loading, and weather deviations. Reputable facilities actively manage these through instructor ratios, written and verbal checks, weather minimums, and conservative decision-making. If you are comparing centers, verify recent maintenance records, USPA affiliation, instructor certifications, and incident history rather than relying solely on marketing materials.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Typical exit altitude range | 10,000–14,000 feet MSL | USPA guidelines and operator SOPs |
| Average freefall duration | 30–60 seconds | Industry experience and operator data |
| Average canopy ride duration | 1–3 minutes | Instructor reporting and tandem profiles |
| Common training paths | Static line, AFF, Video Freeflow | USPA programs and center offerings |
| Recommended prejump checks | Weight limits, health considerations, gear service status | Facility SOPs and USPA best practices |
Day-of operations and weather dependency
Skydiving is highly sensitive to cloud ceiling, visibility, and surface winds. Many centers will not launch when cloud bases are below established minima, when visibility is reduced, or when winds exceed safe operating limits for landing patterns. On the day of your appointment, confirm the pickup time, aircraft type, and backup schedule, because weather-related delays or cancellations can occur with little notice. Plan for early arrival to complete paperwork, attend briefing, and suit up, which reduces pressure if the window tightens.
Logistics, costs, and what to verify
Costs and inclusions
Tandem jump prices typically cover training, equipment, altimeter usage, and a video or photo package, though optional add-ons can raise the final bill. Some centers include memorabilia or digital downloads in the base rate, while others itemize lodging, transportation, or admin fees separately. Before paying, request a written summary that lists exactly what is included, what taxes or facility fees apply, and whether refunds or credits apply for weather-related changes.
Location and landing area
The exact site and surrounding terrain influence approach patterns and landing options. Verify nearby obstacles, livestock or populated areas, and whether the center uses a single primary runway or multiple drop zones. If you plan to drive a personal vehicle, check parking availability and road conditions, especially if the airfield is in a rural area not directly served by major highways.
First-time jumper checklist
- Verify USPA or equivalent affiliation and instructor credentials.
- Review published weight, health, and age policies, and confirm any required waivers are completed in advance.
- Confirm exit altitude, freefall time estimate, and canopy ride duration for your chosen option.
- Ask about weather minimums, backup dates, and cancellation or rescheduling terms.
- Inspect equipment service status and reserve repack intervals, or request recent maintenance documentation.
- Plan arrival time, attire, and personal items, avoiding loose accessories that could compromise safety or equipment.
Bottom line
Mile Hi Skydiving Center Inc functions as a venue for recreational and training skydives, with experiences structured around a prejump briefing, tandem freefall, and supervised under-canopy flight. Your safety and clarity depend on confirming instructor credentials, equipment maintenance, USPA alignment, realistic cost breakdowns, and transparent weather policies. By focusing on these operational details rather than promotional claims, you can judge whether the center meets your expectations for a safe, well-run jump and a clear path toward further training if you choose to progress.