FAQ's

We've tried to answer frequently asked questions by students on this page but remember ...

No question is a stupid question!!!


How do I learn to skydive? Join your uni club! You can then just do a tandem with a very qualified instructor, or undertake the RAPS or AFF course. Read the learn to skydive section for more information.

What speed do I fall at? normally at terminal velocity so 120mph but different types of body postition allow you to go much faster as you progress more. At the recent BPA Nationals in August, the winner of the speed skydiving reached 256mph!

How high do you jump from? over 12,000 feet normally on an altitude jump but generally the airfield can take you to any height! For an altitude jump (those used for AFF training), the norm at Langar is 13,500 feet, raps jumps start from 3,500 feet and you can do jumps called hop and pops which put you out between those two previous heights depending on what you want to do and who else is on the plane.

What happens when the weather is bad? the bar opens/you practise packing/ you get to know everyone!! Langar also has lots of local amenities such as a karting track around the perimeter as well as clay pigeon shooting on Sundays and one day during the week, a rather large shopping area called Nottingham, lots of local villages and walking/biking trails, Belvoir castle, wildflower farm - whatever takes your fancy! There are also a LOT of local pubs :)

What is a DZ? dropzone, airfield (where you get to jump!)

What is the BPA/BCPA? British Parachute Association, British Collegiate Parachute Association. The BCPA is a collection of most of the UK Uni Skydiving Clubs all in one big group, competing against each other for the most achievements in one club and the most competitions won. The BCPA put on lots of events throughout the year, allowing you to meet other student skydivers around the country, allowing you to experience different dropzones and also showing you what a proper BCPA party is all about! The next big BCPA event is FRESHERS! See the events tab above for more information.

Do I need insurance? You get it once you join the BPA, thats the yearly membership fee with 3rd party insurance. You're Athletic or Students Union should also provide 1st party insurance with your club membership.

Why would you throw yourself out of a perfectly working aeroplane? Because the door was open!