Skydiving FAQs

Can I go skydiving by myself?

Not on your first jump… but yes, eventually! If you’ve never skydived before, you’ll need to start with a tandem jump or enroll in a certified training program like IAD (Instructor Assisted Deployment). 

That means your first few jumps will be supervised and supported by a licensed instructor who either assists with deployment or handles it completely.

As you progress through training, you’ll begin making solo jumps, where you deploy your own parachute and work toward full freefall skills. Once you complete your training requirements and pass your test, you can jump totally solo, no instructor required.

How do I get my skydiving license?

You’ll earn your USPA A-License by completing a series of training jumps and skills under instructor supervision. The requirements include:

• 25 total jumps
• Successful completion of all USPA Category A-H objectives
• Demonstration of safe freefall skills and accurate landings
• A passing score on the USPA written exam

At Skydive the Wasatch, we guide you through all of that in our IAD program, with personalized coaching, progress tracking, and full support until you're cleared for solo flight.

Once you have your A-License, you’re officially a licensed skydiver, free to jump at any USPA dropzone in the country.

What is IAD, and how is it different from AFF?

IAD stands for Instructor Assisted Deployment. It’s one of the methods used to train new skydivers and get them safely and confidently jumping solo. Unlike AFF (Accelerated Freefall), where students jump with two instructors holding onto them in freefall, IAD students exit the plane solo while the instructor stays on board and deploys the parachute as the student exits.

This method allows students to focus first on parachute handling and canopy control before progressing to freefall skills. At Skydive the Wasatch, we believe that mastering parachute skills early on is crucial to long-term skydiving safety and success.

As students progress, they gradually take on more responsibility, eventually deploying their own parachutes and completing freefall jumps as they work toward their USPA A-License.

How long does the IAD program take?

That depends on your schedule, the weather, and how often you jump, but most students can expect to earn their A-License over the course of several weeks to a few months.

The more consistently you jump and train, the faster your progression. Our instructors will help you set a realistic pace that works for you.

How much does the program cost?

Costs vary based on how many jumps you need, how quickly you progress, and how much gear you rent vs. own. That said, IAD is generally more affordable than AFF, making it a popular choice for first-time solo jumpers.

We’ll provide a full breakdown of training costs, gear rental, and licensing fees when you start your progression.

What makes our training program unique?

We’re not a skydiving factory, we’re a small, tight-knit dropzone that takes pride in giving every student the time, attention, and support they deserve. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Personalized coaching from start to finish: You won’t get lost in a crowd here. Our instructors work with you one-on-one to help you build skills and confidence at your own pace.
• More jumps, more feedback, more progress: Because we keep our student numbers low, you get more airtime, more attention, and more opportunity to grow with every jump.
• Stay on-site and stay in the zone: Our on-site camping and facilities make it easy to keep the momentum going. Pitch a tent, hang by the fire, and focus fully on your training. Or just come to hang out with us!
• A program (and a community) built around you: From your first jump to your A-License, you’ll be guided by people who know your name, care about your success, and genuinely want to see you thrive. We don’t just train skydivers, we welcome you into the family.

What should I do if I’m interested in the program?

Easy, just reach out! We’ll set up a time to talk through your goals, give you an overview of what to expect, and help you get started with your ground school and first training jumps.

Give us a call at (385)321-0284, or send us a message.