The Complete Guide to Solo Skydiving: From First Jump to License

Key Takeaways
Solo skydiving is usually not something you will do on your very first – but it is much more attainable than most people think. Through Oklahoma Skydiving Center’s structured training program, you’ll progress from your first jump to flying on your own in just a matter of weeks or months (depending on your progression). Our unique tandem progression model integrates training into your earliest jumps, followed by a 7-level Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program and continued solo development. To earn your USPA A License, you’ll complete a minimum of 25 jumps and demonstrate essential skills. 

Table of Contents
Skydiving Requirements
Can You Skydive Solo on Your First Jump?
How Many Tandems Skydives Before Solo?
How to Skydive Solo
How Much Does it Cost to be Able to Skydive Solo?
What Does Solo Skydiving Feel Like?
Ready to Start Your Solo Skydiving Journey?

You might be wondering, “Is it possible to go skydiving alone?”

It’s an interesting question because it’s not just about skydiving. It’s about independence and confidence, doing something that most people only dream about. The idea of a solo parachute jump – stepping out of a plane all on your own – is equal parts terrifying and empowering. 

The truth is: you can absolutely get there. Solo skydiving isn’t reserved for elite athletes or adrenaline junkies. It’s a learnable skill, taught step by step, with a proven system that takes you from complete beginner to licensed skydiver. And along the way, you won’t just learn how to skydive – you’ll become part of an amazing community that’s unlike anything else on the planet!

Skydiving Requirements

At Oklahoma Skydiving Center, students must be:

• At least 18 years old 
• Between 120 lbs and 250 lbs
• Moderately physically fit
• In generally good health

Have questions about your eligibility to train with us? Connect with our team. Have health concerns? Connect with your doctor.

Can You Skydive Solo on Your First Jump?

The straightforward answer is: no. You typically won’t perform a true solo skydive on your first jump. While some dropzones do allow students to go directly into Accelerated Freefall (AFF) training without completing a tandem jump first, we highly recommend to do at least one tandem skydive before starting solo training.

Why? Because that first experience helps you:

• Understand what freefall actually feels like
• Reduce sensory overload during training
• Build confidence before taking on full responsibility

At Oklahoma Skydiving Center, this idea is built into our program. Our Tandem Progression model uses your first two jumps as intentional training tandems, meaning you’re not just along for the ride – you’re actively learning with a trained professional on your back guiding you the whole way.

By the time you transition into solo training jumps, you’re already familiar with the environment, the sensations, and the flow of a skydive.

How Many Tandems Skydives Before Solo?

So, how many tandem skydives before solo? Well, this depends on the dropzone you decide to get your license at.

At Oklahoma Skydiving Center, Levels 1 and 2 are tandem training jumps. These jumps are part of the AFF progression, not separate experiences. You begin instructor-assisted solo jumps at Level 3. This structured approach helps bridge the gap between first jump excitement and real skill development.

How to Skydive Solo

Learning how to skydive solo means following a proven training system that builds your skills every step of the way.

What is AFF Skydiving?

AFF is the primary training method used to teach new skydivers and is guided by standards set by the United States Parachute Association (USPA).

At Oklahoma Skydiving Center, AFF includes:

• First Jump Course (FJC, aka ground school)
• 7 AFF levels, each building on the last:
  
  • Level 1: tandem training jump introducing freefall and basic body position
  • Level 2: tandem training jump with increased participation and awareness
  • Level 3: first instructor-assisted solo jump
  • Level 4: one instructor – practice controlled turns and heading
  • Level 5: improved control, forward movement, and docking skills
  • Level 6: advanced maneuvers and recovery techniques
  • Level 7: demonstrated full stability, control, and readiness for solo student status

After completing all seven levels, you’ll transition from instructor-supported jumps to independent flight.

How Many Skydives Do You Need to Go Solo?

As a student you’ll fly solo with supervision as part of your training – so, two training tandems and then supported solo jumps. Wondering how many jumps to skydive solo-solo? The magic number is 25. 

According to USPA standards, earning your A license requires:

• At least 25 jumps
• Demonstrated freefall and canopy control skills
• Completion of required maneuvers and safety procedures
• Passing a written exam
• Instructor approval and sign-off

Your Path from Ground School to A License

Put it all together and your progression to solo skydiving at Oklahoma Skydiving Center looks like this:

• Complete your First Jump Course
• Progress through AFF Levels 1-7 (including tandem progression)
• Begin solo student jumps
• Build experience and refine skills
• Log at least 25 jumps
• Earn your USPA A License

How Much Does it Cost to be Able to Skydive Solo?

At Oklahoma Skydiving Center, students typically invest between $3,500 to $4,000 over time to reach their A license. All equipment is included, and you’ll be exiting at 14,000 feet from our turbine aircraft. Our pricing is structured to support your progression:

• First Jump Course + first jump: $350
• Jumps 2-3: $300 each
• Jumps 4-8: $200 each

From there, solo student jumps become much more affordable. 

The total cost of learning how to skydive varies from one person to the next because some people need to repeat a few (or several) jumps before they’re ready to continue in their progression. The goal is to be a confident, responsible skydiver – not to crush the curriculum as fast as possible. 

Most students earn their A License in 25-40 jumps over the course of several weeks or months. The duration and jump total depends on currency (i.e. how frequently they train) and proficiency (i.e. how many jumps are needed to demonstrate mastery of skills).

Skydiving Currency Requirements

To stay current during training, you may need to:

• Jump at least every 30 days (mandatory)
• Do a refresher if it’s been more than 30 but less than 60 days since your last jump
• Repeat ground school if it’s been 60+ days
• Restart the program after 180+ days

Keep in mind that recurrency jumps may require an additional fee.

What Does Solo Skydiving Feel Like?

There’s a moment – right before you leave the plane – when everything goes quiet. Not because the world around you has slowed down, but because you have. You’re focused, grounded, fully present in a way that’s hard to describe until you experience it for yourself.

The difference between tandem and solo skydiving is something you feel instantly. In tandem, you’re experiencing it. In solo skydiving, you’re responsible for it. You’re the one flying your body, checking your altitude, making decisions, and relying on everything you’ve learned.

Your first solo parachute jump doesn’t feel chaotic – it feels intentional. Every movement has purpose. Every second is yours.

You may notice:

• A heightened awareness of your body and the air around you
• A deep sense of control built through training and repetition
• A confidence that comes from knowing you’re the one in charge

Beyond the rush, it’s the realization that you’re capable of something extraordinary. Because in that moment, you’re not wondering if you can do it – you are doing it! And when your parachute opens and the world slows down, there’s a shift. You’re floating, steady and aware, taking in a view that very few people ever get to experience in this way.

Solo skydiving doesn’t just change how you see the sky. It changes how you see yourself.

Ready to Start Your Solo Skydiving Journey?

That moment of clarity you feel when you imagine yourself in the sky alone – that’s exactly what solo skydiving is about! At Oklahoma Skydiving Center, we can help you step into that moment with confidence, focus, and control. Here, your journey is built step by step through structured training, from your first jump experience through AFF progression and ultimately to your USPA A License.

Whether you’re amped for your first tandem or ready to commit to learning how to skydive solo, this is where it begins – book your spot today! Blue skies, y’all!