Getting your skydiving license involves completing a structured training program that includes online courses, classroom instruction, practical training, and a series of progressive jumps. At Flight Providers, we offer a complete pathway to certification following United States Parachute Association (USPA) guidelines.

Solo Skydiving Course: $149

Your journey begins with our comprehensive solo course, which includes:

• In-depth online course
• In-person ground school and review (4-6 hours)
• All equipment for your first jump
• First static-line (Instructor Assisted Deployment) jump
• Personal logbook to track your progress
• A-License progress card to check off ground and air skills

Progression Jump Costs

Static-Line (IAD) Program: $100 per jump

• Each jump advances through our structured 25-jump progression
• Specialized instruction tailored to each skill level
• All equipment rental included during training

Total Cost to A-License: $2,600-$2,900

This includes your Ground School training plus all progression jumps. Most students complete the program in 25-28 jumps. Once licensed, jump costs drop to approximately $25 each when using your own gear.

Your Investment Path:

• Ground School: 4-5 hour comprehensive training course
• Jumps 1-6: Master parachute control fundamentals
• Jumps 7-25: Progress through increasingly advanced free-fall skills
• Graduation dive: Demonstrate all required skills for A-License

Once you’ve earned your A-License after 25 successful jumps, you’ll be able to:

• Jump without instructor supervision
• Pack your own parachute
• Jump with other licensed skydivers
• Jump at most drop-zones worldwide
• Qualify for discounted jump rates

As one jumper noted after certification: “Once you have your license, jumps get cheaper and you can jump at skydiving centers across the US.”

The USPA offers four levels of skydiving licenses, each with increasing privileges:

B-License (50 jumps)

• Additional 25 jumps after A-License: $1,000
• Total investment from start: ~$3,649
• Allows you jump at night
• Advanced canopy flight training

C-License (200 jumps)

• Additional 150 jumps after B-License: $4,650
• Total investment from start: ~$8,300
• Now eligible to work on some Instructor Ratings
• Ability to conduct some demonstration jumps at events

D-License (500 jumps)

• Additional 300 jumps after C-License: $9,300
• Total investment from start: ~$17,600
• Now eligible for all Instructor Ratings
• Ability to conduct some demonstration jumps at events

1. USPA Membership: $83 annual fee

Benefits include:

• Subscription to Parachutist magazine
• Third-party liability insurance
• Access to USPA safety information and resources

2. Personal Equipment Investment: $5,000-$10,000

While you can rent equipment initially, most serious skydivers eventually purchase their own gear:

• Container/harness system: $1,000-$6,000
• Main parachute: $1,000-$2,500
• Reserve parachute: $1,000-$2,000
• Automatic Activation Device (AAD): $1,000-$1,300
• Altimeter: $200-$500
• Helmet: $200-$400
• Jumpsuit: $200-$500
• Goggles: $50-$100
  

Our FAA Rigger will help you select and buy the equipment that is appropriate for you. We’ll also explain the differences between equipment. 

3. Continuing Education

• Packing course: $50 (included in Udemy online training)
• Canopy control courses: $200-$300
• Special skills training (formation skydiving, freeflying): Varies

While the initial investment to get your license is significant, there are substantial long-term savings:

Reduced Jump Costs

• Licensed jumper cost at Flight Providers: Approximately $30 per jump (with own gear)
• Compared to $100 per training jump or $349 for a tandem

Career Opportunities

Getting licensed can open doors to professional opportunities:

• Become a skydiving coach (after 100 jumps)
• Become a tandem instructor (after extensive training)

– Work at dropzones around the world

As noted on our website: “Skydive Training Instructors are in demand across the US and all around the world. Becoming a skydive training instructor can give you the opportunity to make money skydiving.”

Typical Timeline

Most students complete their A-License within 2-6 months, depending on:

• Weather conditions
• Personal availability for training
• Learning pace
• Budget constraints

Financing Options

We understand that getting licensed represents a significant investment. Options to consider:

• Spread jumps out over time to distribute costs
• Look for seasonal specials and promotions
• Gift certificates can be applied toward training jumps

When comparing skydiving license cost at different facilities, consider these Flight Providers benefits:

1. Comprehensive Training

Our experienced instructors provide thorough training at each step, reducing risks and maximizing skill development.

2. State-of-the-Art Equipment

All training is conducted with modern, meticulously maintained premium equipment, giving you the highest quality experience possible.

3. Convenient Location

As the nearest skydiving center to Springfield, MO, we offer easy access for regular training jumps.

4. Community Support

Join the Flight Providers family and learn alongside supportive fellow jumpers. As one of our experienced jumpers shared: “You feel like part of the family when you visit this place! They preach safety first and that’s exactly how they make you feel!”

5. Udemy Ground School Training

Our comprehensive ground school training course on Udemy allows you to study theory at your own pace, potentially reducing in-person training time.

Your journey to certification will include mastering:

1. Exit Techniques

There are several different ways to exit an aircraft. Each aircraft is a little different. The door size, exit speed, type of jump all play a factor in which type of exit is best.

2. Freefall Skills

Freefall skills start with simply getting stable while falling straight down. A stable freefall position improves the chances of clean parachute deployment. Then we add turns and speed adjustment (falling slower/faster). By the end of the 25 jumps, you’ll be doing front flips, backflips, and barrel rolls as you skydive in Missouri.

3. Canopy Control

Accurate canopy control is a skill that takes a lot of jumps to master. At first, your goal will be to land anywhere in a large field. As you get more jumps, your target will get smaller and smaller until you are landing in a 30-foot radius circle.

4. Equipment Operations

On your first jump we cover all equipment operations thoroughly. You’ll be able to identify how the systems work and respond appropriately to any situation.

5. Equipment Knowledge

On your first jump, it’s important to understand how a parachute is deployed and how to operate the handles. During training, we’ll cover packing, maintenance, and gear selection.

While the skydiving license cost may seem substantial, consider these benefits:

1. Cost Efficiency

After approximately 12 tandem jumps, the cost of getting licensed becomes more economical than continuing with tandem jumps.

2. Freedom and Independence

Experience the unique satisfaction of jumping solo and continuously building your skills.

3. Community

Join a worldwide community of skydivers with shared passion and experiences.

4. Personal Growth

Challenge yourself and experience the confidence that comes from mastering this exhilarating sport.

How long does it take to get licensed?

Most students complete their A-License in 2-6 months, depending on weather, availability, and personal learning pace.

Can I pay for all my training jumps upfront?

Yes, we offer package options that can provide savings when purchasing multiple jumps.

Are there any ongoing costs after getting licensed?

Yes, you’ll have jump costs, equipment maintenance, USPA membership renewal, and continuing education.

Can I use my license at other dropzones?

Yes, your USPA license is recognized at dropzones across the US and many international locations.