Get Started with A-License Training in Wind Tunnel

Your time is a valuable thing, so let’s cut to the chase. Is a skydiving license worth it? As ambassadors and people passionate about sport skydiving, we may be a bit bias, but we are inclined to say yes.

While a tandem skydive is a fine introduction to civilian skydiving, there’s nothing quite like taking command and having your own parachute. So, how do you get started?

Paraclete Student Program

Before making an “actual” skydive, you will first attend a ground course, at our training center at Skydive Paraclete XP. Here you will spend 4-5 hours covering theoretical and practical skydiving training, including skydiving equipment, aircraft procedures, exit procedures, freefall, deployment, canopy control, and emergency procedures (should they arise).

Then to ensure you are as well-prepared for your first solo skydive as possible, we offer flight time in our Skyventure Paraclete XP wind tunnel before your first jump.

Learn more about Learning to Skydive and the PSP at Paraclete XP Indoor Skydiving

Why is the wind tunnel a great place to get started on your A-License?

1. Minimize Skydiving License Cost

You’ll save time and money by familiarizing yourself with the “freefall” feeling before experiencing freefall. As if stepping through the door of an aircraft in flight isn’t intimidating enough, an unexpected rush of freefall might be the thing that throws you off your A-game. Controlled exposure to the feeling of freefall in the wind tunnel can help you acclimate to this portion of the skydive experience.

Without this familiarity, you’re more likely to lose focus on your skydive, fail to complete required maneuvers, and potentially be required to repeat various levels. While no jump is a total fail, if you aren’t progressing, it can feel like you are throwing your hard-earned money away.

Keep your skydiving license costs as low as possible by first ensuring you have a grasp on basic body flight and the feeling of freefall through the wind tunnel, and, in turn, significantly improve your chances of successfully completing and passing the required levels to obtain your A-license.

2. There are no “weather days” at the wind tunnel.

Because the sky is our playground, we are subject to the whims of nature. Rain, clouds, and high winds are all things that can keep us from getting our “recess time” at altitude. Here’s where the tunnel comes in handy.

Instead of wasting a whole day (or two) waiting on the weather, consider visiting the wind tunnel. Even when the weather won’t cooperate, you can still feel like you’re flying and brush up on your freefall skills.

3. Improved Body Awareness

On each of your skydives for your A-license progression, you will be asked to demonstrate freefall competency and the ability to perform various skills and maneuvers. Sometimes, this is easier said than done because of a lack of body awareness. One of the quickest ways to develop body awareness is by utilizing the wind tunnel.

The wind tunnel eliminates external factors, so you and your instructor can hone in on areas where your skills may be lacking. Pinpointing and correcting these issues in the controlled environment of the wind tunnel will also give you some much-needed confidence in your abilities before you take to the sky.

For neophytes and experts alike, the wind tunnel training is an incredibly valuable tool. Don’t believe us? Contact us, or better yet, come see for yourself with a visit to Paraclete XP today.