skydive

Skydive, or skydiving, is the recreational or professional activity of jumping from an aircraft and using a parachute to descend and land safely. Jumps may be performed solo or with an instructor and are commonly conducted from altitudes of 10,000 to 15,000 feet above ground level, though high-altitude jumps exist.

Equipment used in skydive includes a parachute system with a main canopy and a reserve canopy, a harness and container, deployment bag and lines, and toggles for steering. An altimeter (analog or digital), a helmet, and a jumpsuit are typically worn. Many systems include an automatic activation device for certain conditions. Training covers exit technique, body position in freefall, canopy control, and landing.

Training and licensing programs are standardized in many countries. In the United States, the USPA issues ratings (A, B, C, D) based on experience, knowledge, and required jumps, often obtained through accelerated freefall or tandem progression before solo jumps. Similar structures exist worldwide. Jumps progress from assisted or solo exits to freefall, canopy deployment, and landing.

Jumps can be categorized by method and discipline. Tandem jumps involve a student harnessed to an instructor and are commonly used for beginners. Accelerated freefall (AFF) allows independent freefall under supervision. Static-line jumping uses a cord to deploy the main canopy automatically for beginners. Other activities include formation skydiving, accuracy landing, and canopy piloting.

Safety and risk management are central to the sport. Proper equipment checks, weather assessment, and adherence to training standards reduce risk. The sport has a long history dating from early parachute experiments to modern organized competition and recreational jumping.