Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the drop zone?
- How do I get onto the drop zone?
- I’d like to stay overnight – what accommodation do you have?
- What opening hours do you have?
- Do you have a café?
- What kind of jump should I do?
- How safe is it to jump out of a plane?
- What if I’m scared of heights?
- Do I need to take out insurance to jump?
- Can you breathe in freefall?
- What if I wear glasses, contact lenses or dentures?
- How high will I jump from?
- How old do you have to be?
- Are there any restrictions on who can jump?
- Can I have pictures taken of my jump?
- Can I bring my friends and family to watch?
- Can I bring my dog?
- My friend’s booked to jump as well – can we jump together?
- What should I wear for the jump?
- How long will the jump take?
- What happens if the weather’s bad?
The drop zone is 13 miles north of Salisbury on Salisbury Plain military training area. Click How to find us for more detailed directions.
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How do I get onto the drop zone?
In order to access Airfield Camp Netheravon, you need to download and complete the Netheravon Guest Proforma and send it to us via email, fax or post at least 7 days before your jump. When you arrive at the camp, you will need to book in at the guard room and show photo ID (a picture driving licence or passport will be fine) for each person aged 16 or over in your party.
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I’d like to stay overnight – what accommodation do you have?
We have a basic bunkhouse (first come, first served) and a campsite. Information about local accommodation can be found at the Salisbury and Stonehenge tourist information website : http://www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/salisbury/where-to-stay and select 'Amesbury Stonehenge' to find accommodation local to the drop zone.
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What opening hours do you have?
We operate on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from 8am until dusk. We are also open from midday onwards on Wednesdays for experienced and pre-booked jumpers only, and on Fridays for all experience levels from 10am onwards.
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Canteen facilities are available providing hot and cold drinks and snacks during day time hours.
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What kind of jump should I do?
You have three options. The most popular is a Tandem skydive which requires only a short period of training (approx 30 mins). You will then be attached to a Tandem Instructor and will jump from the aircraft at up to 13000ft. Your instructor will control the freefall and canopy descent. If you want to learn more about the sport and take control of your own parachute, you can do either a Static Line jump from 3500ft or an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Level 1 jump from up to 13000ft. Static Line and AFF require a minimum of 6 hours ground training before jumping and allow you to progress towards obtaining your skydiving qualifications should you wish.
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How safe is it to jump out of a plane?
Skydiving is an extremely well regulated sport – all the instructors are very experienced and hold British Parachute Association qualifications. The equipment used is the best available and is maintained to very high standards. The aircraft used operate under Civil Aviation Authority regulations. Skydiving will only take place when the weather conditions are suitable.
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What if I’m scared of heights?
Lots of people who say they have a fear of heights quite happily jump out of a plane every year. Skydiving is nothing like standing on the edge of a tall building and looking down – anyone would feel nervous in that situation! When you are in the aeroplane you are either wearing your own parachute or are firmly attached to you Tandem Instructor giving you all the security you should need.
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Do I need to take out insurance to jump?
Two million pound’s worth of third party insurance is included in your first jump with the Army Parachute Association. If you wish to purchase additional personal medical cover please visit www.extremeplus.co.uk.
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YES! Your freefall speed is about 120 mph, so it will feel fairly breezy! If you let out a scream upon leaving the aircraft ("Geronimo!" or something similar) then that will release a lot of the tension you might have been feeling, and subsequently allow you to breathe freely.
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What if I wear glasses, contact lenses or dentures?
We have goggles that fit over glasses and also for contact lens wearers. If you wear dentures, or anything else that could become dislodged while in freefall, have a chat with your instructor about it before you jump.
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For Tandem and AFF, the maximum height you will be jumping from is 13000ft. For Static Line, you will jump from approximately 3500ft.
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The minimum age for skydiving is 16 with parental consent. For AFF and Static Line jumps, the maximum age is 55. For Tandem jumps there is no upper age limit.
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Are there any restrictions on who can jump?
Anyone who is of a reasonable standard of fitness, who weighs no more than 15½ stone (16 stone for a Tandem skydive), and who is at least 16 years old can take part in a skydive – exact medical requirements are listed on the Solo declaration of fitness form. For Tandem skydives, we can cater for people with a range of disabilities – please check the Tandem declaration of fitness for the medical requirements.
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Can I have pictures taken of my jump?
Camera men are available at the drop zone and we can arrange for your Tandem or AFF skydive to be filmed for an additional fee.
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Can I bring my friends and family to watch?
Yes – spectators are permitted up to a maximum of 4 per jumper. Their details need to be included on the Netheravon Guest Proforma which needs to be with us at least 7 days before your jump. And don’t forget photo ID for all people aged 16 and over in your party.
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We do prefer your dogs to be left at home as the Airfield Camp is an active airfield. If this isn’t possible, then please keep your dog on a lead at all times and clean up after them!
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My friend’s booked to jump as well – can we jump together?
We can’t guarantee this as aircraft loading depends on many factors, but if you ask when you check in at the parachute centre, we will try to accommodate your wishes.
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What should I wear for the jump?
Trainers, or other securely attached footwear, and comfortable clothing is ideal. Please avoid boots with hooks. We do provide jumpsuits although these are not always necessary in warmer weather. Bear in mind you may get a bit damp on landing so don’t wear your Sunday best!
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Be prepared to spend the day at the parachute centre. Many factors affect the speed of the parachute program and the loading of the aircraft. We are also very dependant on the right weather conditions for jumping. You select which time to arrive at the parachute centre when booking and the nearer you arrive to that time, the better the chance you’ll be at the front of the queue for your batch.
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What happens if the weather’s bad?
All aviation activity depends on the right weather conditions and Skydiving is no exception. We must be able to see the ground from the aircraft before jumping out, and the wind speed must be 15 knots or less for Static Line and AFF students, and 20 knots or less for Tandem students. If the weather conditions are unsuitable on the day of your jump you will be able to rebook. Please see the terms and conditions for full details of how to do this.
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