Safety Information & Credentials

Is Skydiving Safe?

So you’re thinking about jumping out of a plane, but is it safe? While nothing in the world is totally without risk, the short answer is YES, skydiving is safe! Looking at the most current data, skydiving in the 2020s is safer than it has ever been in human history.

The Record-Breaking Reality ›

In 1961, the risk was real: there were 11.12 fatalities for every 100,000 jumps.

Fast forward to 2024, and the sport reached a historic milestone with a record low of 0.23 fatalities per 100,000.

To put that in perspective: you are statistically more likely to be struck by lightning or choke on your lunch than to have a fatal skydiving accident.

Why the Sport Is Getting Safer ›

The dramatic drop in risk isn't luck—it's engineering and education. Let’s get into it!

MODERN SKYDIVING GEAR:
The AAD — Modern rigs are equipped with an Automatic Activation Device (AAD). This micro-computer measures your altitude and speed; if you’re still falling too fast and your altitude is too low, it automatically opens your reserve parachute for you.

Modern Parachutes — Parachutes have evolved from round, uncontrollable "military-style" chutes to soft landing, highly maneuverable square wings.

TRAINING – Tandem Skydiving ›

Tandem skydiving is the safest way to make your first jump. Tandem skydiving has the lowest injury rate of any type of jumping, with many years seeing zero tandem fatalities worldwide!

THE BOTTOM LINE

Skydiving has evolved from a "daredevil" stunt into a highly regulated, technology-driven aviation sport. While no extreme activity is without risk, the numbers show that the "danger" of skydiving is largely a myth of the past.

Certified Tandem Instructors - Watch Video

Frequently Asked Questions

Is skydiving safer than driving?

Statistically, yes. According to the National Safety Council, the odds of dying in a motor vehicle crash are about 1 in 93 over a lifetime. In contrast, the 2024 skydiving fatality rate was roughly 1 in 435,000 jumps. You are statistically safer under a parachute than you are behind the wheel on your way to the dropzone.

What happens if the parachute doesn't open?

Every skydiver carries two parachutes: a main and a reserve. If the main canopy has an issue, the jumper performs a "cut-away" and deploys the reserve. Reserve parachutes are packed only by FAA-certified riggers and are designed for extreme reliability.

What if I pass out or forget to pull the cord?

Modern tandem and student skydiving rigs are all equipped with an AAD (Automatic Activation Device). This is a small computer that monitors your altitude and speed. If you are still in freefall at a dangerously low altitude, the AAD automatically fires a cutter to release your reserve parachute for you.

How often do parachutes fail?

Total equipment failure is incredibly rare. Approximately 99% of skydiving accidents are attributed to "human error"—such as making a mistake during a high-speed landing or failing to follow safety protocols—rather than the gear itself failing.

Is tandem skydiving safer than jumping solo?

Yes. Tandem skydiving (where you are harnessed to an instructor) has the highest safety rating in the sport. Before a skydiver can become a tandem Instructor they must have at least 500 jumps and 3 years in the sport before they can even begin training for their tandem instructor rating. The equipment used for tandems is specifically over-engineered for maximum safety.

Howy's Bio

Howy Hensen is a veteran skydiver and instructor with over 35 years and 6,000 jumps. Howy comes from a competitive skydiving background. He played a foundational role in organized competitive skydiving in the Illinois and Wisconsin area in the 1990’s. He completed his competitive career by participating in a 300 person skydiving formation in 2002. This was a world record at the time.

The Midwest Skydiving League (MWSL): Howy was the first director of the MWSL (formerly the Illinois Skydiving League) starting in the late 1990s.

Competitive Career: He was a formation skydiving competitor who competed for 5 years at the USPA Nationals, medaling 1 time each in the 4-way FS intermediate class and advanced class. He also medaled 1 time in the intermediate 8-way FS class. He completed his competitive skydiving career in 2002 by participating in a 300 person skydiving formation. This was a world record at the time.

Professional Background: Outside of the skydiving world, he has been involved in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and a CrossFit gym owner. He also worked for 22 years as a firefighter in the city of Milwaukee.

Community Spotlight: The Standard of Excellence with Howy “Freefall” Hensen

In the world of skydiving, safety isn’t just about high-tech gadgets—it’s about the culture created by the people who lead the sport. Few people embody this transition from "daredevil hobby" to "disciplined aviation sport" better than Howy “Freefall” Hensen.

When you jump with a veteran like Howy, you aren't just relying on a parachute; you are relying on thousands of successful deployments, rigorous gear maintenance that meets the highest FAA standards, and the mentorship of a coach who has trained the next generation of safety-conscious flyers.

Equipment & Procedures

We use only the highest-quality rigs, canopies, and reserve parachutes. Every student receives a full safety briefing, harness fitting, and exit training before boarding the aircraft.

Item	Standard
Tandem Rig	Student + Instructor dual system
Reserve Parachute	Cypres 2 AAD (automatic activation)
Helmet & Altimeter	Standard on every jump (for AFF/Students)
Video/Photo	Optional professional capture

Questions?

Still have concerns? Our veteran instructors are happy to answer any question before you jump. Feel free to reach out!

262-642-9494