Skydiving Age Limits
An adventurous spirit is truly ageless. That's why we get so many questions about skydiving age limits — from parents wanting to take their teenagers, to grandparents wondering if they're "too old." So how old do you have to be to go skydiving? The short answer: you must be at least 18 years old. No exceptions, no workarounds, no parental consent loopholes.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Skydive?
The minimum age to skydive in the United States is 18 years old. This applies to tandem skydiving, solo skydiving — all of it. If you're wondering how old you have to be to go skydiving at Skydive Midwest — the answer is the same: 18.
This isn't our rule. It's set by the United States Parachute Association (USPA), which governs skydiving operations across the country. Every USPA-affiliated drop zone follows the same standard, so the skydiving age limit is consistent no matter where you jump in the US.
You'll need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID on your jump day. We check every time. If you can't prove you're 18 or older, you won't be jumping that day.
Can You Skydive at 17 with Parental Consent?
No. This is the question we get the most, and the answer is always the same. You cannot skydive at 17, even with parental consent. A parent or guardian cannot sign on behalf of a minor. No amount of waivers, permission slips, or "my parents are right here" will change this.
Here's why: the waiver you sign before a tandem skydive is a legal document. It's an assumption-of-risk agreement. Minors cannot legally enter into binding contracts — which means a parental signature doesn't actually hold up the way most people think it does. This protects you, your family, and our tandem instructors.
We know this is frustrating. If your 17-year-old is counting down the days, see our section below on 18th birthday skydiving — it's one of our most popular bookings.
Can Kids Go Skydiving?
Not at any USPA-affiliated drop zone. If you see a skydiving operation somewhere in the world that allows children to jump, that operation is not following USPA guidelines and doesn't carry the same safety standards.
There are real reasons kids can't skydive beyond just the legal stuff:
- Equipment fit: Tandem harnesses are designed for adult bodies. A child's smaller frame may not allow the harness to secure properly, creating a genuine safety risk.
- Decision-making: Skydiving requires you to understand what you're signing up for. That's not something we're comfortable asking a child to process.
- Instructor comfort: Most tandem instructors won't take a minor on a skydive. Period. These are people with thousands of jumps and over a decade of experience — if they say no, that should tell you something.
Is There a Maximum Age for Skydiving?
There isn't one! There is no upper age limit for skydiving at Skydive Midwest — or at most drop zones, for that matter. If you're in reasonable health and can climb a few stairs, you're a candidate.
The oldest person to go skydiving with us (so far) was 98 years old. We regularly jump people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. Age is truly just a number when it comes to this sport.
We ask that anyone with medical conditions consult their doctor before booking. Things like recent surgeries, heart conditions, or severe joint issues are worth a conversation with your physician — not because of age, but because of the physical reality of how a tandem skydive works. We want you to enjoy every second of it.
Ready to prove age is just a number? Book your tandem skydive.
Skydiving Age Requirements for Getting Licensed
If you're 18 and want to go beyond a tandem skydive, you can start working toward your own skydiving license. Skydive Midwest offers an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program that takes you from your first solo jump all the way through your A-license.
The age requirement for AFF is the same: 18 years old. You'll need to complete ground school, a series of training jumps with instructors, and pass a skills evaluation. Most people finish in a season if they're committed. And yes, once you're licensed, you can skydive well into your 90s — see above.
Indoor Skydiving: The Alternative for Under 18
If your kid is desperate to feel the rush of freefall but isn't old enough to jump out of an airplane, indoor skydiving is a great alternative. Indoor skydiving uses a vertical wind tunnel to simulate freefall — no aircraft, no parachute, no age restriction issues.
The minimum age for indoor skydiving is just 3 years old. Several facilities are within driving distance of Skydive Midwest:
- iFly Rosemont (Chicago area)
- iFly Naperville (west suburbs)
- iFly Lincoln Park (Chicago)
It's not the same as jumping from 14,500 feet with views of Lake Michigan — nothing is — but it's a solid way for younger thrill seekers to get a taste of what's waiting for them when they turn 18.
Plan an 18th Birthday Jump
Here's a better idea than being frustrated about the age limit: plan an 18th birthday skydive. This is one of our most popular bookings. There is no better way to celebrate turning 18 than by jumping out of an airplane at 14,500 feet.
We offer group rates for birthday parties:
- 3-5 jumpers: $229/person
- 6-10 jumpers: $219/person (organizer jumps for $199)
- 11+ jumpers: $209/person (organizer jumps for $189)
Plus, we have a party deck you can reserve for your group. Bring a cake, bring a camera, bring the whole crew. Add a video package so the birthday kid has proof they did it — because their friends probably won't believe them.
Pro tip: Book early — summer weekends fill up fast. We're great at birthday parties, so come spend the day with us. Call (262) 886-3480 or book online.
Age Limits at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for tandem skydiving | 18 years old |
| Can you skydive at 17 with parental consent? | No |
| Maximum age for skydiving | None — our oldest was 98 |
| Minimum age for solo/AFF skydiving | 18 years old |
| Minimum age for indoor skydiving | 3 years old |
| ID required? | Yes — valid government-issued photo ID |
