Fallskjuling

Fallskjuling is the Norwegian term for parachuting or skydiving. It involves the act of jumping from an aircraft with a parachute in order to descend safely to the ground. The sport has its roots in military training during the early 20th century, but civilian parachuting clubs and competitions spread worldwide after World War II. In Norway, the first organized jumps began in the 1930s, and today the sport is governed by the Norwegian Air Sports Federation.

A typical fallskjuling jump uses a half‑rigid or fully airbag‑packed main chute, often supplemented by a reserve parachute. Modern parachutes come in a range of sizes to accommodate diverse body weights and desired performance characteristics. Skydivers wear specialised harnesses, helmets, and impact protective gear, and many use altimeters and activation systems such as automatic activation devices (AADs). Technological advances have made jumps far safer; a typical open‑chute canopy flight lasts about 60–80 seconds before landing.

Training for fallskjuling spans from introductory courses that cover basic body positions and gear use, to advanced courses that address wing or terminal velocity parachutes and high‑altitude jumps. Certified instructors conduct flight training in tandem with student jumps. National and international organizations, including the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale and the United States Parachute Association, establish standards for instructor certification, equipment inspections, and safety protocols.

The sport is popular in many countries, with active communities in Scandinavia, North America, and parts of Asia. Recreational jumps attract thousands of participants each year, while competitive events such as accuracy landing, speed flying, and formation flying showcase skill and precision. Despite being a high‑risk activity, rigorous training, stringent equipment inspection, and adherence to safety guidelines have made fallskjuling one of the safest forms of extreme sports.