Essential Information
Who Can Fly in a Wind Tunnel?
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The short answer to this question is – almost everyone! The information found below is general to indoor skydiving. Each location may differ, check with the tunnel you wish to fly in for specific rules and restrictions.
Age Limit
The age requirement really only has a minimum – 3 years old! The maximum age limit is more defined by how physically fit and injury free you are. With that being said, there have been flyers who have been 100+ years old. Read more below for additional information on physical requirements.
Weight Limit
This varies from tunnel to tunnel, but the average weight limit is around 250 lbs/113 kg. The limit could also depend on the height and how physically in-shape the individual is.
Past Injuries
As a beginner flyer, you will fly your body laying flat on your belly. This means, that the front surface of your body supports your weight. Your shoulders experience the most strain when flying. Nearly all tunnel locations will have a warning stating that if you have had a past shoulder dislocation it is recommended that you do not fly. Any other past injuries that may be re-injured by slightly bumping or twisting of your body could also be problematic.
Special Cases
If you have a special case such as being paralyzed or an amputee – don’t be deterred! There have been many participants with physical difficulties who have experienced the joys of flying. As long as it is deemed safe for all parties involved, you can fly!
Not sure? Call or Visit.
If you are uncertain if your situation will allow you to fly or not, the best option is to communicate with the specific location you are interested in flying with. Being upfront and honest will allow the instructors to make an educated decision based on yours, and the instructor’s safety. If they are unable to make a decision over the phone, you may be asked to visit the tunnel to speak with an instructor in person.
Find a tunnel near you using our wind tunnel database.
Disclaimer: The information on this page and this website is to be taken as a general recommendation only. Indoor Skydiving Source cannot be held responsible for any outcome from flying in any wind tunnel worldwide. Choosing to enter a wind tunnel is an agreement between the flyer and facility they fly at. Indoor Skydiving Source has no role or involvement in this agreement. We always urge flyers to err on the side of caution when unusual circumstances cause hesitation when deciding to take part in this activity.
Published: July 9, 2015 | Last Updated: December 2, 2021
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Can I fly with a traumatic brain injury
And 2 clips in my brain?
Hi Debbie, it completely depends on your medical situation. I would suggest that you check with your doctor first and then get in touch with your local wind tunnel to check that they are okay with it.
Has anyone with neuropathy tried this.
Hubby can’t “feel” his feet.
Uses a walker in the house / wheelchair going out.
My 9 year old granddaughter has cerebral palsy. Can she participate? Saw ad for Ifly in another state which allows special needs kids to participate.
The answer is likely yes. You’ll need to get in touch with the specific location before you book to confirm.
My son has motion sickness and will get car sick or plane sick. Is it OK to i-fly?
Hey Susan,
I’ve flown thousands of first time flyers and I’ve never seen anyone get motion sick. Unlike riding in a car where the vehicle moves while you ‘sit still’ within it, as a flyer you are doing all the moving.
How many people can fly at the same time in the tunnel?
Hey Magda,
For first timers, you’ll be flying one at a time, one-on-one with an instructor. Multiple people may fly together once they have some training time under their belts and are approved by the facility to do so.
What is the absolute heaviest you can be to participate in indoor skydiving? I see the limit, but I also saw that it depended on height and weight.
Thanks!
Stacey, it’s going to vary from location to location. A handful of locations vary the max weight based on height, most just do a number. The guidelines in this article are a good starting point. Locations in our database have specifics for most locations, and if you still have questions then I’d suggest calling the tunnel you plan on flying at and asking. Hope that helps!
I way 350lbs and very active would I be able to do this in denver Colorado
350lbs is over the safety limit. I’d suggest calling, or better yet stopping in and discussing this with the facility manager.
Can you indoor skydive with a boot?
Likely the answer is no, you can’t fly with a boot on. If you can safely take the boot off without risk, then yes. This may vary tunnel to tunnel so it’s always wise to ask the location you’re looking to fly at directly.