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Step 1
Assemble a group to go with you. You need witnesses to your bravery.
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Step 2
Call the skydiving operations in your area and interview them. You want to establish that they are certified by an independent oversight agency, such as the U.S. Parachute Association (USPA.org); that they will take the time to answer your questions; and that they present a professional demeanor.
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Step 3
Verify their safety records. Ask if they have had any accidents. Call their certification agency to check.
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Step 4
Decide on a type of jump. Doing a jump by yourself (a solo jump) requires that you complete an instruction course, then jump using a static line. This line automatically opens your chute as you exit the plane, eliminating free fall. A tandem jump requires less instruction and allows you to experience a free fall since you are strapped to an instructor who does all the work, pulls the chute and controls the jump.
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Step 5
Make certain that you understand every element of the instruction. Do not allow yourself to be rushed through it. If the instructor is not answering your questions to a degree that makes you feel secure and confident, do not proceed.
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Step 6
Enroll in a certification course if you wish to pursue skydiving further. These instructor-led, multijump courses take several weeks or months and cost upwards of $1,500. As a certified skydiver, you'll be allowed to perform jumps at will.
