FAQ
Questions Answered
Everything you need to feel prepared, confident, and ready to jump. Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about tandem skydiving, AFF training, safety, pricing, and what to expect when you jump with Music City Skydiving.
We’ve covered the questions we hear most often, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, please reach out — we’re always happy to help.
Tandem Skydiving FAQs
Safety & Requirements
How old do you have to be to skydive? Is there an age limit?
As a United States Parachute Association (USPA) Group Member dropzone, we follow USPA Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs) and parachute manufacturer guidelines, which require all participants to be at least 18 years old to legally perform any type of skydive. There are no exceptions to this rule. There is no maximum age and we have taken people well into their 90’s!
Is there a weight limit for tandem skydiving at Music City Skydiving?
Tandem passengers must be 254 lbs. or less. AFF jumpers must be 260 lbs. or less. Tandem passengers must be 254 lbs or less, and AFF students must be 260 lbs or less. These weight limits are determined by the manufacturer equipment safety ratings and cannot and will not be exceeded.
What is the difference between tandem and AFF skydiving?
Tandem skydiving pairs you with an instructor who handles the equipment and deployment, making it ideal for first-time jumpers. AFF (Accelerated Freefall) is the training program for students who want to learn to skydive independently and earn their USPA licenses.
Visit our tandem skydiving and getting licensed pages for more information.
Will you take wheelchair bound or paraplegic persons tandem skydiving?
In many cases, yes. We have experience working with individuals who are wheelchair bound and paraplegic. Each situation is unique, so we require advance coordination to ensure we can safely accommodate your jump. Please contact us prior to booking so we can review your specific needs and confirm eligibility.
Is tandem skydiving safe?
Skydiving is safer than most people expect. According to the United States Parachute Association, millions of skydives are made each year in the U.S., with serious incidents being rare and the most common injuries being minor ankle sprains. With modern parachute systems, highly trained tandem instructors, and strict safety procedures, tandem skydiving is a well-regulated and remarkably safe adventure for first-time jumpers. That said, as with any extreme sport, no activity is ever 100% risk-free, which is why we follow rigorous training standards, equipment requirements, and weather protocols to keep your experience as safe as possible.
Is it hard to breathe in freefall?
No. Breathing feels normal in freefall — simply relax and breathe as you normally would.
How hard or soft is the parachute opening going to be?
Parachute openings on tandem skydives are designed to be smooth and comfortable. Most people describe it as a firm but comfortable slowing sensation rather than a hard “jerk.” Our modern tandem systems are specifically built to provide reliable, staged openings for a safe and comfortable experience.
How hard or soft is the parachute landing going to be?
Tandem skydiving landings are generally soft and controlled, typically involving sliding in on your butt, where the instructor lands first, and you lift your legs to slide in on your bottom. The instructor handles all technical aspects, but it is important that you follow instructions, usually lifting legs high, to ensure a soft, fun, and easy touchdown
Can I skydive with a disability?
We are committed to making accommodations for people with disabilities whenever we can. Because every disability is unique, additional planning may be required, so please contact us with any questions. Our team has prior experience working with participants who have:
■ Hearing impairments
■ Vision impairments
■ Paraplegia
■ Prosthetics
Can I skydive with a medical condition?
Participants should be in generally good physical health, as skydiving does involve some basic mobility. During your tandem jump, you’ll need to bend, arch your body, lift your legs for landing, and follow instructor positioning cues. If you have any concerns about your ability to participate, we encourage you to reach out to us and to consult your physician beforehand. This being said, very few people have medical or physical conditions which actually preclude them from jumping.
Preparing for Your Jump
What should I wear on my tandem skydive?
Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and closed-toe athletic shoes. We provide the harness, basic goggles, and any additional gear needed for your jump.
What do I have to bring with me?
You must bring your valid, government-issued photo ID. If you don’t bring it with you, you won’t be jumping. Sorry, permission from a parent or guardian will not suffice.
Do I need to arrive early for my jump?
Your reservation time is your check-in time, not your actual jump time. You’re welcome to arrive early, watch the action and enjoy the dropzone, but early arrival does not move your jump earlier. Guests who arrive 15 minutes or more after their scheduled reservation time will incur a $25 per person late check-in fee.
Can my friends and I all jump at the same time?
We love groups! We’ll always try to get your party on the same load, but exact timing depends on aircraft limitations and instructor availability. If needed, your group may be placed on back-to-back loads just minutes apart so everyone still shares the experience.
What is the best time of day to jump?
While you can skydive pretty much any time between sunrise and sunset, morning is typically the best time to skydive for the most consistent weather and shorter wait times. Early reservations often make the first loads of the day, which can help reduce the chance of uncontrollable delays. Afternoon and sunset jumps are also excellent options and often provide the most dramatic views.
How long will it take to make my jump?
Plan to spend about 2–4 hours at the dropzone. This includes check-in, paperwork, training, gearing up, the aircraft ride, and your 14,000-foot tandem skydive. Please understand that uncontrollable factors such as weather, may cause a slight delay in your skydive, so we always say to plan to be with us the majority of the day, just in case.
How many people can jump at once?
Multiple tandem skydivers typically board the same aircraft and exit seconds apart, allowing groups to share the same skydiving flight experience together.
How does weather affect my skydive?
About 99% of the time we are able to jump on your scheduled day, if not all day, then part of the day. Our team closely monitors conditions and uses specialized weather tools along with decades of skydiving experience to make safe go/no-go decisions. Conditions that may delay jumping include high winds, heavy cloud coverage, rain, lightning, or freezing temperatures. If weather does prevent your skydive, we’ll simply reschedule you for the next available day that works for you.
Video, Photos & Cameras
What is the difference between the video packages?
All of our packages offer varying viewpoints of your skydiving experience. Please visit our Video and Photos page for a full description and sample of each package.
When will I receive my video/photo package?
Most skydiving video and photo packages are delivered the same day — often within an hour after landing — via a downloadable link.
Can I buy just one video and have you film my whole group?
If you purchase a Video/ Photos package, as a courtesy, we will make every effort to get the other members of your group in the video during the before-jump interview, in-aircraft interview, exits, and landing. However, photographers can only freefall with one person at a time. Therefore you must purchase separate packages if you want freefall footage for everyone.
Can I choose the music for my video?
No. To comply with copyright requirements and ensure fast delivery of your video, we use pre-licensed music selected by our editing team. This allows us to provide high-quality videos without delays.
Can I bring my own camera?
You’re welcome to bring your camera to the dropzone to grab photos and video on the ground. For safety reasons, you need at least 200 skydives to wear a camera during a skydive. Don’t worry though — Music City Skydiving offers Video & Photo packages so you can still capture the whole experience.
What about my chest mounted GoPro, can I bring that on the jump?
For safety reasons, personal cameras (including chest-mounted GoPros) are not allowed on tandem jumps. These devices can pose snag and distraction risks. The good news — we offer professional video packages so you won’t miss a moment.
Booking, Payment & Policies
How much does skydiving cost?
We keep our pricing up-front and transparent. The only price variance is if you add a video package to your skydive. For the most up-to-date rates and current specials, please visit our Pricing page.
I want to pay cash, why do I need to provide a credit card?
Your credit card is used only for the $75 per person deposit to hold your reservation. You can pay the remaining balance in cash during check-in.
How does the weather factor into your cancellation/rescheduling policy?
Music City Skydiving solely determines whether weather conditions are safe for jumping. Because weather can change quickly, this decision is usually made the day of your reservation. Unless you hear directly from us, please plan to arrive at your scheduled time. If we proactively reschedule you due to weather before you arrive, your deposit remains fully protected. If weather prevents jumping after you arrive, we will work with you to reschedule your skydive.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and cash for your convenience. Please note that we are unable to accept American Express at this time.
I have a gift certifcate, why is the system asking for a credit card?
When you input your Gift Certificate number during the reservation process, the system will allow you to bypass the credit card info page without a card number.
What is your cancellation / rescheduling policy?
All bookings are final. We do not permit customer-initiated cancellations or reschedules. The $75 per person deposit is non-refundable and as it secures a limited aircraft slot and scheduled instructor time. If Music City Skydiving must cancel due to weather or operational reasons, you will be rescheduled at no additional charge
Specialty Skydives
I want to propose marriage to my partner, is there some way to do this?
Absolutely — skydiving proposals are one of our favorite things to help plan! We even offer a dedicated Proposal Package designed to capture the moment and make your big ask unforgettable. Because proposals require special coordination, please contact us in advance so we can help you plan the details and ensure everything goes perfectly.
Can I scatter ashes during a tandem skydive?
Yes — we have successfully coordinated many ash scattering skydives and are honored to help families with this meaningful tribute. Since it requires special planning, please contact Music City Skydiving in advance so we can coordinate the details.
My partner and I want to do a gender reveal skydive, is there a way to do this?
Yes — and they are incredible! We offer a dedicated Gender Reveal Package (with colored smoke!) to help you and capture your big moment in the sky. Because these jumps require special coordination, please contact us in advance so we can review the details and make your reveal unforgettable.
Do you offer fundraising or corporate group skydives?
Yes — Music City Skydiving regularly works with nonprofits, companies, and organizations to coordinate group skydives, fundraising events, and team-building experiences. Whether you’re planning a charity jump, corporate outing, or large group event, our team can help customize the experience to fit your goals. Because group and fundraising events require advance planning, please contact us directly to discuss availability, group rates, and event details.
Getting Licensed FAQs
How many jumps do I have to make before I can go solo?
In AFF, you progress toward solo skydives through a series of coached levels. Once you demonstrate the required skills and your instructor signs off, you’ll be cleared to jump solo — often within the first few levels. Please see our Getting Certified page for more information.
What’s the difference between a AFF certification and an “A License”?
AFF is the instructional progression that builds your freefall and canopy skills. The USPA A License is awarded after you complete AFF, log at least 25 jumps, pass required tests, and demonstrate full self-supervision ability.
Are weather limitations different for students versus licensed skydivers?
Yes. Student operations follow stricter wind and weather minimums to support safe training progression. Licensed skydivers operate under broader USPA guidelines appropriate to their experience level.
How long does it take to complete AFF certification and A License certification?
Most students complete the AFF course in as little as one long weekend and achieve their A License within a 1-3 months, depending on their commitment, personal availability, and individual progress.
What happens if I do not pass an AFF Level skydive?
No problem — many students need to repeat a level, and it’s a normal part of learning. If you don’t meet the required objectives, you’ll simply repeat that AFF level with additional coaching until you’re ready to move forward. Repeat jumps are billed at the standard training rate.
GENERAL FAQs
Planning Your Visit
What are your hours of operation?
Our skydiving hours vary by season and weather conditions and differ from our office hours. For the most current jump hours, directions, and contact information, please visit our Contact Us page. Our phones are answered daily from 8 AM–6 PM, and we’re always happy to help.
Can I bring my own food and/or drinks?
Yes — you’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy at the dropzone. We also have snacks, chips, and drinks available for purchase on-site. It should go without saying, but you CANNOT bring nor consume alcoholic beverages onto airport grounds, including the gravel parking lot. Please note: If you are caught with alcohol in our facility, you will immediately be asked to leave and will forfeit your deposit and skydive payment.
Is there a place for my friends and family to come and watch me jump?
Absolutely! Friends and family are welcome to come watch your skydive. We have designated viewing areas at the dropzone where spectators can enjoy the action and cheer you on.
Where are you located?
We are located at 1005 Airport Rd. Waverly, TN 37185 on Humphreys County Airport.
READY TO TAKE THE LEAP?
What are you waiting for? Our highly experieced team is ready to help you tackle that bucket list. With one of the fastest skydiving planes in the country, Music City Skydiving is Tennessee’s hottest ticket around!