Can anyone jump under the age of 18?

Unfortunately, you must be at least 18 years old to legally jump in the state of Maine. There are absolutely no exceptions, and we cannot take parental-signed consents. Be prepared to bring and show valid, government issued I.D. If you do not, you will not be allowed to jump.

I have a medical issue. Can I participate in skydiving?

We always recommend that you check with your doctor or primary care physician about your participation in skydiving if you fear there may be an issue. We are not doctors, and cannot make a determination on a particular persons medical fitness to participate in skydiving. All participants should be able to read and understand English, and be able to participate in the skydive to a certain degree. That includes average flexibility, full use of the arms and legs, and the ability to raise both legs (with no assistance) for landing.

Is there a weight limit to jump?

Everything in aviation is based around weight. Our weight limit is 230 pounds which is the absolute maximum. No exceptions. There are certain design limits for all parachute equipment (maximum suspended weight), and we will not put you at risk by exceeding those limits. In addition, persons exceeding this weight have a much higher chance of injury due to the higher approach/landing speed as a result of the greater suspended weight. Anybody over the weight limit will be refused the ability to jump. We also reserve the right to turn away people who have a very high height-to-weight ratio. (For example, 225 lbs at a height of 5′ tall). The harnesses are designed for an individual with a reasonably average body size/shape. They do have plenty of adjustment up and down, but they cannot safely accommodate those with an abnormal height-to-weight ratio. During booking, we always confirm that all participants are under the 230lb weight limit.

What is the policy on alcohol and/or drugs?

Alcohol is not permitted anywhere on airport property. All of our instructors are drug and alcohol free. Also, since you are required to participate to a certain degree in the skydive (as well as follow the instructions of your instructor), you must not be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs when you arrive. This is a safety issue, and we reserve the right to refuse service if we believe that you are impaired in any way. Also, we advise against drinking heavily the night before making your jump. Being hungover will ruin your experience and could even make you sick.

Is it possible for tandem skydiving to be less expensive?

There may be some skydiving locations that offer rates that appear to be lower than normal tandem skydiving rates in New England. Often times, these operators will take you to a lower than safe (or legal) altitude to jump, offering you a much shorter amount of freefall and putting your safety at risk. Also, often times low-cost operators will cut corners in gear or aircraft maintenance, or hire sub-par or inexperienced instructors. They often will use Groupon, Living Social, or other similar sites to market and drum up large amounts of business (while tacking on all kinds of fees like airport use fees, homeland security fees, gear rental fees, and the like)

We do not operate that way. At Skydive Coastal Maine, we don’t compromise in any area of your jump. Our instructors have a minimum of 8,000 jumps (most have many more than that), and we are privileged to offer you the best view/location in Maine. Also, we have kept our prices as competitive as possible in both the industry as well as the area. We have no hidden fees, no underhanded tactics, and are honest and up front with the pricing structure. We do offer discounts for students, military, and police/fire industries (appropriate ID required). Please see our pricing page for more details.

*Due to the rising costs of fuel and other operating expenses, our prices are subject to change. We are trying to keep our prices as low as possible during this time*

After considering any other options in New England, we are certain you will find Skydive Coastal Maine to be the very best value and experience for Skydiving in New England.

Where can I stay near the Airport?

Biddeford and the surrounding area have a variety of motels and hotels. Try out Trivago.com to compare prices for rooms. AirBNB often has offerings in this area, also. There is an America’s Best Value Inn and a Holiday Inn Express both within 3 miles of the airport.

Do I need a reservation?

As one would expect, there are a lot of moving parts to a complex, modern skydiving operation. In order to facilitate you and your group in an efficient manner, we require that all jumpers secure a reservation in advance. There are times when we can book or schedule your group same-day, but we always recommend making a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. During the height of the season (July-Sept), the weekends are often booked solid a few weeks out. Please do not wait to book as the available slots will be few, if any. We do keep a waiting list if we are fully booked, but cancellations are rare. We accept reservations via telephone, text message, email, and via our online reservation request form. There is no charge to make a reservation with us (unlike most other skydiving centers), but we do require a valid credit card to hold your spot.

How far in advance should I schedule my skydive?

We recommend scheduling a tandem skydive a week in advance. Depending on the season, it is possible to make an appointment 1-2 day(s) prior to jump. Sometimes you are able to jump the same day you call. It all depends on what the bookings look like for the day you choose. July, August, and September are the busiest times, so same day bookings aren’t always available.

What time should I arrive for my skydive?

Skydive Coastal Maine requires that you and everyone in your group show up at least 30 minutes prior to your schedule time for processing (i.e 12:00 reservation to show up no later than 11:30). Your reservation time is the time your group should start jumping. There are waivers that need to be completed and training that you need prior to your jump. Also, the larger your group is, the more time it generally takes for processing. We welcome you to show up a little early if you like. It can give you a chance to get settled prior to your jump and see the operation in action. We operate a bit differently from most other skydiving centers in that we do not make you wait around all day to jump. If your jump is scheduled at a particular time, we intend to get you in the air at that time.

Please plan according. Biddeford, Maine (and the surrounding areas) are a tourist destination, and many times you may encounter beach traffic or just general congestion traffic (especially during summer months). If you or your group is late it is very possible that you will lose your reserved time slot and be charged $100.00 per person as a late cancellation /no show fee. We cannot delay other reservations if you or your group are late, so it is imperative that this policy is followed. This also applies to spectators. We cannot delay your jump if your family/spectators are late, so please ensure they understand the arrival time as well.

What is needed to make a reservation?

To secure a reservation: we require a name, phone number (we prefer cell phones for ease of communication), and a valid credit card number during the reservation process. We do not charge your credit card at this point. You can pay in full the day of your jump. All participants must be at least 18 years old and under 230 lbs.

We accept cash and all major credit cards. No personal checks are accepted.

What is your weather policy?

We are the only qualified people to determine if you can’t jump due to inclement weather (clouds, wind, or rain) If you are uncertain about the weather on your reservation date, feel free to call and we will keep you informed. If the weather isn’t jumpable during your scheduled time, you will be asked to reschedule (instead of waiting around all day). Also, in the event that your jump is canceled due to inclement weather, there is never any charge or deposit fee. Any monies paid would be returned in full and you will have the option to reserve a different day.

What is your cancellation and return policy?

We ask for a 48 hour notice of cancellation or rescheduling. We dedicate our staff to you and your group for your time slot, and regularly turn away others for spots that have been reserved, so we ask for your compliance with this policy. A no-show situation carries a fee of $100 per person. There are no refunds if you decide you don’t want to jump after the aircraft leaves the ground. We will not force you to jump if you change your mind, but once the wheels are off the ground there are no refunds. Gift cards can be refunded up to 30 days after purchase (or, in the case of Christmas, up to January 25th.) Call (207) 991-5800 for more information.

What credit cards do you accept?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. We also accept contactless payments and Apple Pay.

How safe is tandem skydiving at Skydive Coastal Maine?

The United States Parachute Association publishes statistics about skydiving safety every year. Tandem skydiving has the strongest safety statistics of any type of jump, with only 0.003 fatalities per thousand jumps over the past 10 years. You’re more likely to be struck by lightning or win the lottery than die on a tandem skydive. In fact, the most dangerous part of skydiving is the drive to the airport.

Skydive Coastal Maine has a perfect safety record. We use state of the art equipment, all equipped with fail-safe automatic activation systems.. and our staff members are United States Parachute Association (USPA) certified. All have many years and thousands of jumps worth of experience in the sport. All carry FAA medical certificates and have been fully certified by the manufacturers of the parachute equipment.. and most are also pilots. Rest assured, your safety is as guaranteed as possible!

How long does the training take?

The training usually only takes about 5-10 minutes or so. The beauty of the tandem system is that your instructor handles all of the difficult parts of the skydive, while you have an up close and personal view of the world below. You will receive one-on-one training with your instructor and then he will gear you up. Afterward, you will meet and board the aircraft with your instructor(s). The time it takes to jump also depends on the size of the group: we will give you a more accurate time frame when you call.

Should I eat before my jump?

We recommend that you have at least a light meal before coming to jump. In general, most students don’t experience any discomfort, but those that do tend to have an empty stomach or just got back from a few hours at the all-you-can-eat buffet.

How loud is freefall?

There is certainly a bit of wind noise, as you are falling at 120 mph. It will be too loud to carry on a conversation. If your hearing is sensitive, you may want to bring ear plugs. Under canopy the noise is greatly reduced, and you and your instructor will be able to communicate without issue.

What does free fall feel like?

Freefall is not the “roller coaster drop” feeling most people expect it would be. It is a comfortable sensation of floating and support, with a slight pressure of air against your body. There is also an overwhelmingly euphoric adrenaline rush that cannot be described in any other way than awesome!

What should I wear?

During the Summer months, dress in comfortable clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sweaters, jeans, yoga pants, or capris. For shoes, sneakers or similar comfortable, well fitting shoes are recommended. No sandals, flip-flops, open toed or slip-on shoes or boots with hooks. During Spring and Fall you may want to bring a well-fitted fleece or sweatshirt. Please ensure it fits you properly (no XXL loose sweatshirts). Glasses or contact lenses are ok as we will provide you with goggles to protect your eyes (and glasses, if necessary).

Does it hurt when the parachute opens?

Not usually. It’s certainly a positive force (as you are decelerating from 120 mph down to about 20 mph in a few seconds), but in general it is comfortable. We utilize modern harnesses with specialized padding to increase your comfort during the opening and parachute ride. Heavier students (those who are close to the 230lb weight limit) may experience some discomfort in the leg straps due to the higher mass being distributed in the thigh region. This, unfortunately, cannot be avoided.

How much experience does my instructor have?

In order to qualify to be a tandem skydiving instructor, a person must have completed 500 jumps and have a minimum of 3 years in the sport of skydiving. They must pass an FAA flight medical exam as well as an instructor course given by the United States Parachute association and by the manufacturer of the equipment to be jumped.

However, we do not hire the bare minimum qualifications. Your safety is too important. Our instructors have a minimum of 10,000 jumps (often many more), minimum of 19 years in the sport (again, often more), and a proven track record of safety and customer focus. All of our instructors are drug free, professional, and give their all to show you the very best time and keep you as safe as possible. We have an on-site Safety and Training Advisor appointed by the United States Parachute Association, who oversees all things safety related. We also have an on-site rigger responsible for gear maintenance and packing. Rest assured, you will not find another skydiving center with as much experience or as impeccable a safety record.

What if I’m afraid of heights?!

Most humans have a healthy level of apprehension when it comes to heights. We all have a self-preservation instinct, and let’s face it; Skydiving isn’t an everyday activity for the average person. The good news is that the human brain doesn’t really process depth the same way when the eye sees it from so high up. The earth doesn’t really begin to get big until you are very low, and by then you will be under parachute for a few minutes. Most students don’t report any sensation of falling, either (which is actually the fear, rather than the actual heights themselves).

What happens if there’s a problem with the parachute?

This is a common question! Luckily, there are TWO parachutes in the pack. A main parachute, and a reserve (auxiliary) parachute. While you may have heard stories about parachutes “failing to open”, that phrase is often a misguided summary of an incident used by the media to sensationalize a story. It is true that sometimes a parachute can encounter a problem during deployment or flight making it unsuitable for a safe landing, but that’s why there’s a backup plan! Some parachute malfunctions are minor problems and can be corrected quickly for a safe landing. Others cannot be fixed in time for landing so the reserve parachute is used instead. Your instructor is trained to recognize these situations and make an immediate decision. Should that occur, it’s likely you wouldn’t even realize it. Remember, the both of you are connected and you’re in this together, so your instructor has a vested interest in completing the jump safely.

All of our main and reserve parachutes are inspected, packed and maintained in accordance with FAA regulations by an on-site FAA licensed rigger. All of our reserve parachutes are inspected and re-packed at least every 180 days whether they are used or not per FAA guidelines. Also, all of our equipment is equipped with an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) which monitors vertical speed and altitude. If there is ever a situation where you are still freefalling and getting too close to the earth, the device automatically fires a pyrotechnic charge to deploy your reserve parachute with no input from the user. The triple redundancy we have brings your skydiving safety to another level.

What happens if I decide I don’t want to jump after I’m in the plane?

We will never force anyone to jump if they change their mind. Your participation in skydiving is voluntary, and payment for the skydive is refundable up until you are in the airplane. After that point, we are unable to refund the price paid for the jump (unless there is a weather or mechanical issue). There are a lot of moving parts and costs associated with the operation of a skydiving center (such as fuel and mechanical costs) that must still be paid whether or not you decide to jump. Please understand that changing your mind once in the airplane does not entitle you to a refund.

Can I get videos or photos of my jump?

Absolutely! Our instructors are also trained videographers, and we have professional editors to turn the footage from your jump into an awesome production with transitions, fades, music, and all the magic to make it an awesome video to share. Don’t want video? Just want photos of your jump? No problem! We can do that too!

We shoot with modern equipment specifically designed for the skydiving environment. Your instructor has tons of experience in getting the shots that count. Your only job is to smile!

Can I bring my own camera to jump?

This is not allowed for a variety of reasons.

The first reason is safety. Since you are considered a student jumper, the United States Parachute Association does not allow students to carry photography equipment of any kind. (In fact, the United States Parachute Association recommends 200 jumps before a jumper is allowed to have a camera attached to them, even if they are a licensed skydiver!) We are a group member of the United States Parachute Association, so we are required to follow those rules. Also, we are falling at speeds of 120 mph, and any projectile that may dislodge from a non-skydiving specific mount at that speed is very dangerous. Our camera equipment has been specially designed and modified to be skydiving friendly, and the instructor has extensive experience in safely operating that equipment. Should the camera be dropped, bumped, or fall away for any reason, everyone below is at risk. Anything dropped from that altitude (even the lightest of equipment) is extremely hazardous. We regularly jump over highly populated areas, and we are not willing to put those below at risk, nor have to answer to the FAA as to why a camera went through someone’s windshield.

The second reason lies in the fact that our instructors have been highly trained in how to film in freefall and during the canopy ride, and are much more likely to produce a product that accurately reflects your jump. The sensory overload on one’s first jump can be a bit overwhelming, and being able to catch the angles and lighting takes great practice and skill. Our instructors are as much photographers as they are instructors!

And finally, the third reason is that you are required to participate to a certain degree in the skydive itself. If you are focusing on the perfect selfie pose, or getting that “epic shot”, you will not be doing what you are supposed to. This can lead to greater chance of injury during the landing. We will not put your safety at risk, so this is a non-starter.

You and your family/friends are more than welcome to bring your own cameras for on-the-ground fiming/photography before and after the jump, but please do not attempt to bring one onto our aircraft. You will not be allowed to jump with it. This policy is non-negotiable, and is shared by all other skydiving locations in the United States.