Skydiving Weight Limits Explained

Most every dropzone publishes their skydiving weight limit for tandem jumps – and it’s smart to do so because it’s the top question asked by first time skydivers besides the minimum age for skydiving. The stated max weight for skydiving is not intended to make people feel excluded or embarrassed, and is in no way intended to be discriminatory. Skydiving weight restrictions are enforced for safety reasons. Let’s dive into the details …

Why Is There a Weight Limit for Skydiving?

The purpose of the weight limit is to keep guests and instructors safe and comfortable while making that fateful leap from an airplane. The determining factor for the weight limit for tandem skydiving enforced by the skydiving facility is the gear they use. Tandem skydiving weight limits are actually set by gear manufacturers and approved by the aviation regulatory agency for your country. In America, that agency is the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).

Who Determines Skydiving Weight Limits?

As with most things skydiving-related, the aviation regulatory department for your country and the gear manufacturers themselves are charged with asserting what is and isn’t safe or acceptable in order to diminish risk. 

Of course, skydiving gear undergoes extensive and rigorous testing before being approved for use. In the US, this approval comes in the form of a Technical Standard Order (TSO) through the FAA. The issuance of a TSO is essentially the FAA’s guarantee that they have thoroughly evaluated the design of particular equipment and that it passes each of their tests.

What Gear Factors into a TSO?

The “gear” evaluated before issuing a TSO takes into account the whole package, or rig, required to make a tandem skydive safely. So, the main parachute, reserve parachute, harness, AAD (Automatic Activation Device), design, hardware, handles, straps, fabric, and on and on. Manufacturers spend a long time developing and testing on their own to determine the parameters of what they think the gear can handle before submitting their rigs for approval.

During the process, the gear will be rated based on a number of factors including the weight limit of the rigs submitted for testing by the manufacturer. More detail on this later, but weight limits take into account the weight of the canopy pilot (or instructor), tandem passenger, and the rig itself. 

Throughout the evaluation, the FAA will determine if the rig as submitted, with all of its various components, will be able to be safely used on a jump. If it does pass, it is issued a TSO and is allowed to be offered for production. If it does not pass, it’s back to the drawing board for the manufacturer.

The Importance of Playing By the Rules

Dropzones are wise to stick to these imposed limits for a number of reasons. First, not following the rules and regulations set by their aviation governance can lead to serious consequences. 

Second, tandem instructors are trained to make decisions based on what will best keep their tandem students and themselves safe. They are responsible for the jumpers’ safety and they know not to make exceptions and push limits. 

Third, skydiving gear is expensive! Dropzone owners have no interest in putting extra wear and tear on their gear by exceeding recommended manufacturer guidelines. 

Ultimately, there are a lot of reasons why there is a weight limit for skydiving. From manufacturers’ recommendations to government oversight, the choice to set a weight for skydiving is not in the hands of the dropzone or individual instructor.

What is the Weight Limit for Skydiving?

The weight for skydiving tandem is determined by how a particular rig can safely accommodate a tandem pair. The maximum combined weight limit for skydiving tandem is typically restricted to about 500 lbs (227 kg). As previously mentioned, that combined weight takes into account the tandem student, the tandem instructor, and the tandem skydiving gear, which alone weighs around 60 lbs (27kg). 

Since the weight requirement for skydiving tandem takes into account two people, many DZs set their weight limit for tandem students between 225 lbs and 260 lbs (102 kg – 118 kg). This number varies depending, in part, on the gear each individual dropzone uses. In addition, because it is more physically demanding on the instructor, some dropzones will impose a fee for tandem students on the upper end of the weight limit.

Is There A Minimum Weight Limit for Skydiving?

You may have noticed that we have not talked much about the weight minimum to skydive. That’s because, well, there technically isn’t one! However, there is one more factor in determining whether a tandem rig is indeed safe: height and weight proportions. 

Rigs, and harnesses in particular, are designed with average body types in mind. Whether you are on the upper or lower scale of “average” in regards to proportions can affect whether the gear will fit you safely and comfortably. So, regardless of your weight, you will not be able to make a tandem skydive if your harness does not fit properly. 

Do they weigh you before skydiving? Well, that depends on the individual dropzone. But try not to be offended if they do. Now that you’re an expert on tandem skydiving weight limits – you’ll know that any weight-based calculations are done for the benefit of health, well being and comfort of you and your instructor. 

Have questions? Contact your dropzone to learn more about their skydiving weight restrictions!