How much does parachuting cost

As a child, I decided that I would become a parachutist.

Maria Osokina

parachute jumping

I was captivated by the smiling athletes at the city festival - I saw them land on multi-colored parachutes. Now I can do that too: for two years now I have been doing parachuting.

I'll tell you where to start and how much the training costs.

Theory

They often go to the first jump for new sensations or to fight their fears. Those who are drawn to the sky are trained and become professional athletes or amateurs - they are also called weekend parachutists.

Athletes participate in competitions, go to training camps, set national and world records. For example, last summer at the airfield in Kolomna, paratroopers set a record for Russia and the world: 114 people gathered three figures in free fall. In October, their achievement was beaten by parachutists from the United States, so now our athletes are preparing for a new record.

Regional and interregional competitions are held throughout the country every season. Athletes compete in landing accuracy, build figures for a while in free fall and under canopies of parachutes, perform acrobatic exercises. In 2020, the world championship in all disciplines of parachuting will be held at the Tanai airfield in Siberia.

Weekend parachutists come to the airfield to rest and jump for fun. For example, like me. For me, parachuting is an interesting hobby and an opportunity to spend time with friends, I am not chasing records and awards. I only jump in the summer and spend about 100 thousand rubles a year on this hobby. Professional athletes jump all year round and spend several times more.

100,000 RUR

I spend a year on skydiving

First jump

Tandem. They jump from a height of 2-4 km. A special harness is put on the parachutist and attached to the harness of the tandem master. The master controls the entire jump process, the passenger only needs to have fun and not interfere with the instructor.

Free fall lasts 20-60 seconds, and canopy flight lasts 2-3 minutes. If the passenger feels good and behaves adequately, the tandem master can allow him to steer the parachute at a safe height - he will hand over the control lines. If you pull one of them, the parachute will turn, if you pull both, it will almost stop, and if you release both, it will fly at maximum speed.

A tandem jump costs 8-10 thousand rubles. This amount includes medical insurance and rental of equipment: overalls, helmet and goggles. You can agree on filming the jump - that's another 2-3 thousand.

10,000 RUB

worth a tandem jump with an instructor

Requirements for passengers: age from 8 years and weight up to 100 kg. At some airfields, for example in Pushchino, passengers with a weight of up to 130 kg are allowed to jump, but the jump will cost more - 11,500 rubles.

May be rocking in an airplane and while flying under a canopy. If you have a weak vestibular apparatus, take pills to the airfield.

Self-jump. Usually they jump from a height of 800 meters on a round landing parachute. The flight under the dome lasts 2-3 minutes. In such a jump, you will not feel a free fall - there will not be enough height, but instead you will be able to test yourself and overcome your fears.

Before an independent jump, instructions are given, it takes about four hours. You need to learn how to properly jump out of the plane - "detach", assess the condition of the parachute canopy, determine the direction of the wind and land safely.

The parachutes are equipped with safety devices that will open the main parachute, even if you cannot or will not have time to pull the ring out.

An independent jump costs 3.5-4 thousand rubles. Medical insurance is paid additionally - 200-300 rubles, and equipment rental - 600 rubles. If you have ankle boots or a tracksuit that you don't mind getting dirty or torn, take it with you, then you only have to rent a helmet.

If you give up the jump before you got on the plane, the money will be returned, if after, then no.

You can't completely film the jump: take it with you photo and video cameras is prohibited and the altitude is too low for the operator to fly nearby. The instructor can film the squad, and friends on the field can take pictures of your landing. This is usually free.

4000 RUB

worth jumping on your own, including instruction

Requirements for independent parachutists are higher than for tandem passengers: age from 14 years, weight from 45 to 90 kg and absence of fractures within 18 months before the jump.

The first time I jumped on my own: I wanted to be an active participant in the process, and not just a passenger. I liked flying alone under the dome - it seemed that all the vast blue sky was at my disposal. It was interesting to apply the skills gained during the briefing: to determine the direction of the wind and calculate the landing point. A satisfied instructor was already waiting on the field: “Well, how did you like it? Will you go again? " And I went to study parachuting.

Education

To independently jump on a wing-type parachute, you need to undergo training: learn how to control your body in free fall and control the parachute.

In free fall, the parachutist flies at a speed of 170-190 km / h and lies on the air stream. You can feel such a flow by sticking your hand out of the car window at high speed. An untrained person will not be able to stably rely on the flow and will almost immediately fall into a disorderly fall - uncontrolled rotation at high speed. In this state, the skydiver will not be able to keep track of the altitude and safely deploy the parachute.

Piloting the "wing" is also difficult: you need to correctly calculate the landing trajectory, taking into account the wind speed and the speed of the canopy, land softly and not interfere with other parachutists.

Special programs have been developed for training parachutists. There are two popular ones: classic and AFF (from the English accelerated freefall - "accelerated free fall"). You will have to spend at least 110 thousand rubles on training, regardless of the program.

The requirements for parachutists on both programs are the same:

Age from 14 years old (if under 18 years old, permission from parents will be asked).
Weight from 45 to 90 kg.
Health certificate from a medical and physical dispensary.
Medical insurance against accidents when performing parachute jumps.

How to spend and save wisely

A certificate from a medical and physical education dispensary costs 2,000-4,000 rubles. You will need to go to a therapist, do an ECG and fluorography. The doctor may ask you to take tests and undergo additional examination if you have any chronic diseases. But usually the inspection is a formality.

When the instructor takes a student to a group for training, in addition to the certificate, he pays attention to the physical fitness of the student. Training parachute systems weigh 15-30 kg. Putting them on, jumping and dragging them from the field is hard, and you should have enough strength for 2-3 jumps a day.

After training, the student receives admission to perform independent jumps and can jump at airfields around the world. And when this is not enough, he can choose the direction of parachuting that he likes and go on to study.

3000 RUB

it is worth getting an international parachutist certificate

To jump for fun at airfields in Russia, it is not necessary to receive crusts. There are enough seals in the parachute book - this is the parachutist's main document. Each jump is recorded in it, marks are put on the training passed, the tests passed and the admissions received.

To participate in competitions, records and jumps in other countries, they receive an international skydiving certificate. To do this, you need to fill out an application on the website of the Parachuting Federation and pay a fee of 3 thousand rubles. The process of checking the application and issuing the certificate takes about a week.

The certificate is marked with the category of the skydiver - A, B, C or D. They are needed to assess the athlete's experience. For example, to get the youngest category A, you need to make 25 jumps with a parachute of the "wing" type, and for D - 500 jumps.

AFF program

You can complete the AFF program - accelerated free fall - in 3-4 days, if you are lucky with the weather.

In the sky, the student is insured by the instructors: they fly side by side, control the posture, prevent them from falling into a disorderly fall and open the parachute if the student cannot do it on their own.

Landing is controlled from the ground by radio. The instructor will tell you how to build the approach and when to start making a "pillow" - this is the name of a smooth decrease in the parachute speed to a safe landing.

AFF training is divided into 8 levels of increasing difficulty, one level - one jump.

On the websites of aerodromes, they usually write that training under the AFF program costs 65,000 rubles. In fact, this is an underestimated amount. It includes 8 jumps - one for each level - and rental equipment for jumping: overalls, glasses and a helmet with a built-in radio.

They also pay for medical insurance - a policy for a year costs about 4000 RUR. Post-AFF levels are also paid separately.

Not all students manage to complete the program in just 8 jumps. If the task of the current level is not completed or is not completed confidently, the instructor will send you to the "jump-off". Each jump is another 6-8 thousand.

To reduce the number of jumps, you can practice the skills of free falling in a wind tunnel. Usually there are special rates for parachutists in pipes: an hour of flight with an instructor will cost about 20 thousand. This is more profitable than jumping: for example, a free fall from a height of 4 km lasts only a minute.

To save money, team up with other students. The first time we traveled with a company of three people - we paid for an hour and flew 20 minutes each. For the first time it was enough, the muscles then ached for several days. You can also save money if you fly in a tube at night - it's usually cheaper this way.

Passage of the AFF program - 107,000 R

Spending	Price
Insurance	4000 RUB
Theory	2500 RUB
Tandem	9000 RUB
1-3 levels	3 × 8600 R (25 800 R)
4-7 levels	4 × 6700 R (26 800 R)
20 minutes in the tube	7000 RUB
Level 8.1	4 × 2900 R (11 600 R)
Level 8.2	4 × 5100 R (20 400 R)

Insurance

4000 RUB

2500 RUB

9000 RUB

1-3 levels

3 × 8600 R (25 800 R)

4-7 levels

4 × 6700 R (26 800 R)

20 minutes in the tube

7000 RUB

Level 8.1

4 × 2900 R (11 600 R)

Level 8.2

4 × 5100 R (20 400 R)

Classic program

Training according to the classical or "second" program, as it is sometimes called, takes six months or a year. The student performs all jumps independently with round training parachutes. The jump height gradually increases from 800 meters to 2 km.

Since the student jumps alone, the instructor does not have the ability to control the entire process and quickly correct mistakes. All training and analysis of jumps takes place on the ground. In the sky, the student is left to himself and runs the risk of repeating the same wrong actions over and over again.

Therefore, during training in the classical program, you will have to make an order of magnitude more jumps than in the AFF: about 40-50 jumps with a round canopy and 10-15 jumps with a parachute of the "wing" type.

Most of the classic jumps will have to be done with D-1-5U or P1-U parachutes - they open stably in any position and allow you to safely master the free fall pose

The rental of equipment is not included in the cost of the program, so you will have to pay additionally for ankle boots, an altimeter, a helmet and goggles - about 600 RUR per day. Ankle boots and an altimeter are better to get your own right away: the ankle boots will pay off in the first ten jumps, and you will need an altimeter in the future, when you become an independent parachutist. Flying in a wind tunnel is also useful for students of the classical program: the instructor, in a calm atmosphere, will put the correct posture and point out mistakes.

Training according to the classical program - 125 500 R

Insurance

4000 RUB

7500 RUB

40 jumps with a round parachute

40 × 1,700 R (68,000 R)

2000 RUB

Altimeter

10,000 RUB

8000 RUB

20 minutes in the tube

7000 RUB

Wing training

2000 RUB

10 jumps with "wing"

10 × 1,700 R (17,000 R)

Despite the numbers, it seems cheaper for parachutists to learn "according to the classics", because this amount will need to be paid not in a couple of weeks, but in six months, or even a year. And there will be at least 50 jumps, in contrast to 16 at AFF.

I studied according to the classical program: I wanted adventure and romance. I only jumped in the summer, so the training took a little over a year. The first stage turned out to be the most difficult - “pulling the cover”. Learning to detach and take the correct posture was difficult and scary. It is necessary to strain the legs, bend in the back, relax the shoulders and arms, maintain the symmetry of the body, while the earthly instincts of self-preservation advised to shrink into a ball in the far corner of the plane and not jump anywhere.

But then everything went like clockwork, even mistakes did not grieve, but amused and provoked. Until now, I recall with delight my first disordered fall, even in a wind tunnel one cannot experience such emotions. This is the biggest plus of the classics for me - at the AFF, the instructors will immediately stop the student.

Equipment

There are few specialized shops for parachutists: there are several in Moscow and at Moscow airfields.

New altimeter, helmet, gloves and overalls - 40,000-50,000 RUR

Altimeter

10,000 RUB

20,000 RUB

Gloves

2000 RUB

Overalls

20,000 RUB

Here's what equipment and equipment you need.

Altimeter

There are digital and analog. Novice skydivers are usually advised to buy analog altimeters with a large dial: they are cheaper than digital ones, do not require battery replacement, and with careful use will last for many years. Before use altimeter, check that the reading is correct. To do this, you can jump with two heights and compare their values.

Helmet

Must be strong and fit, not loose on your head. Helmets are open and closed. It is more comfortable to jump in a closed helmet, especially in bad weather, when it is frosty or cloudy. But some people like open helmets - this way you can feel the flow of air better. I jump in a closed helmet, it saved my face from scratches several times when landing in the forest.

When buying a used helmet, make sure it is not cracked. But scratches on the lens are not scary, you can buy it separately from the helmet. The price of a new lens is about 2 thousand rubles.

Jumpsuit and gloves

Parachute overalls are sewn individually. The materials and model of the jumpsuit are selected depending on the physical data of the parachutist and the direction in which he is engaged.

For example, for large and heavy skydivers, jumpsuits are made from cordura, a strong, rough material to slow down the speed of free fall. For light skydivers, overalls are sewn from a smooth jacket fabric. The back is usually made entirely of stretch fabric. There are also elastic inserts on the legs, arms and collarbones so as not to hinder movement in free fall and on the ground.

In addition, there are no special recommendations on the choice of gloves and overalls. If you are of average height and build, you can pick up a used jumpsuit at flea markets. It will be difficult for skydivers with small stature and weight, or, conversely, too tall, it will be difficult to find a used suit.

Parachute system

Consists of main and reserve parachutes, knapsack and belay device.

People usually don't rush to buy their own parachute. Novice skydivers jump with training parachutes with large canopies. It is better to rent them, the price is 500-700 R in one jump.

Prices for new parachute systems start at 300 thousand rubles. The service life is 15 years. Every six months, the reserve parachute must be handed over for re-packing, and you will have to pay 2 thousand for it. It turns out that the price of owning a parachute system per year is 24 thousand rubles. Therefore, it makes sense to acquire your own system if you make more than 50 jumps a year.

You can buy a used system for 150-200 thousand. It is best to pick it up in the off-season: November-December or March-April. At this time, there are few jumps, the skydivers are saving up money for the new season, renewing their equipment and putting up the old ones for sale.

Insurance

Starting in 2018, entry-level parachutists with wing parachutes and sports parachutists must purchase medical insurance against accidents when parachuting. The amount of coverage is at least 300 thousand rubles. Difficulties with its design usually do not arise - everything can be done right at the airport. Insurance for a year costs about 4 thousand.

Even when insurance was not compulsory, many skydivers bought it: injuries in parachuting do happen. Most often, the legs are affected on landings, less often - the arms and spine.

Last summer, I lost control of the wind on landing and broke my arm. I spent 10 thousand rubles for treatment in a private clinic. I received 15 thousand on insurance - both treatment and insurance for the next year paid off.

Remember

The first time you can jump in tandem with an instructor or on your own.
The AFF program can be completed in a week, but you have to pay 110 thousand rubles for 16 jumps.
Training in the classical program will take six months and will cost about 120 thousand. This amount is enough for 50 jumps.
Flying in a wind tunnel is more profitable at night and in company friends parachutists.
It is better to buy used equipment in the off-season: November-December or March-April.
Your own parachute system will pay off if you make more than 50 jumps a year.
Parachuting is only expensive at first. Then the price doesn't matter anymore.

Anyone can get an adrenaline rush from a parachute jump and a thrill from the flight. We will tell you what needs to be done so that the jump is not only remembered, but also passed safely. Let's fly!

Choose how to jump

Two types of parachute jumps are popular among beginners - independent and in tandem.

Self-jumping will test you for courage and composure. You will have to take a step out of the plane into the abyss at an altitude of 500 to 800 meters, depending on weather conditions.

The main thing here is to make up your mind. Much will then be done for you. The round landing parachute D-1-5U will open itself. And the D-5 and D-6 parachutes have a stabilizing parachute, which opens immediately after exiting the aircraft. With it, literally for a few moments, you will fly downward at a speed of up to 35 meters per second - and you will be able to feel a free fall. The stabilizing parachute activates the main parachute when the ring is pulled out or the belay device is triggered.
The flight under an open parachute takes place at a speed of about five meters per second and lasts a couple of minutes, after which it is necessary to independently prepare for landing and do everything that was taught during the pre-flight briefing.
All responsibility in free flight rests with you. But if everything is done, as taught, then all the delight of jumping, flying and landing is your personal and for life!
In tandem jump, as a rule, from a height of four thousand meters. The free fall lasts about a minute, and then the pilot opens the parachute - the wing. You can enjoy the sensations and admire the surroundings. The main thing is not to interfere with the pilot on landing.
Medical and age restrictions for a tandem flight with an instructor are much less. However, such a jump costs almost twice as much as an independent one.

Select airfield
There are enough airfields where you can jump with a parachute around Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg and other million-plus cities. Choose not only according to the distance, although this is also important - the day will be long, it is better to avoid a long road. Check if the jump you have chosen is offered at the airport. Read reviews. And don't skimp - the experience of the instructors and your safety are more important.
Prepare yourself and your clothes
It is forbidden to drink alcohol for both courage and sparkle of eyes on the day of the jump. And on the eve of parties it is better not to arrange - the head should be clear.
Choose loose fitting clothes for the season. Remember from the school curriculum: the higher you are from the ground, the colder the air. At an altitude of a thousand meters, the temperature can be seven degrees lower than on earth. When jumping from a 600-meter height on your own, an adrenaline rush will most likely not even let you feel a slight cold snap, but for a tandem jump, you should definitely wear warmer clothes. It's also very important to choose your shoes. It should be comfortable and high to protect the ankle. Sneakers and gym shoes, and even more so heels and platforms for a safe landing are not suitable.
Just come!
Even if you are in doubt and still just want to - come to the airfield. Look around, meet pilots and others who want to jump, feel the romance of the sky and its conquerors. And then you, most likely, will already be sucked in. Experienced skydivers usually instill confidence in newbies and strengthen their desire to try their hand and feel the thrill of flying.
The most important thing is instruction
Pre-flight preparation is the most important part of your first jump.
At first, detailed explanations will relieve fear. You will understand that in parachutes and jumps everything is thought out and tested: a parachute is a super reliable thing, tested for decades. The slings are strong. The dome is sewn from pieces fastened with a dense tape: even if the fabric is damaged in some place, it will be almost imperceptible on the total area of the dome and the gap will not spread. In addition to the main parachute, you will have a reserve parachute with you. How to use both of them, you will be told in detail at the briefing.
Secondly, you will practice and practice all the important and necessary movements. The main thing is to remember the position of the legs and body upon landing in order to soften the impact on the ground. You want the memories from the first jump to be only pleasant!
Your task is to listen carefully and remember. With all the instructions, skydiving is no more dangerous than driving a car according to the rules. Moreover, the first flights are always performed in comfortable weather at airfields with a flat field and no dangerous structures.
What you need to know about skydiving
Fear of heights is normal. For ordinary people with a healthy psyche, it does not interfere with jumping and performing the necessary actions in flight to land safely;
Independent jumps can be performed from the age of 14, but you need permission from your parents;
The weight of a parachutist for an independent jump must be less than 45 kilograms and more than 95 kilograms - these are the design requirements of the landing parachute. People with less or more weight (but not more than 130 kilograms) can only jump in tandem;
Independent jumps for beginners are performed all year round, but the day should be without precipitation and strong wind;
Drinking alcohol before the flight is prohibited, but you can eat as usual;
People with poor eyesight are advised to wear lenses or glasses with plastic lenses and an elastic band;
If you have had injuries to your legs, spine or pelvis, before deciding to jump - consult your doctor;
At the airport before the jump, you will have to see a doctor. He has the right to remove you from the flight if he suspects something is wrong;
An independent jump costs about five thousand rubles, a tandem jump is twice as expensive. Usually at the airport they offer to take out insurance - about 400 rubles. You can order a photo or video shooting - about 600 rubles. Action cameras can often be rented;
You have the right to be briefed and change your mind before you get on the plane. On the plane - it is also possible, but the money will not be returned.

The human body is not designed for life in the sky. Therefore, the main task of parachutism training is to teach how to survive, in free fall and when working under a canopy. Students take a course in one of three programs: AFF, classic or static-line.

Requirements for all programs for skydivers are the same:

age from 14 years (up to 18 you need permission from parents)
weight from 45 to 90 kg
normal physical fitness
a medical certificate from a medical and physical dispensary or a certificate of passing a medical examination of a medical flight commission
insurance against accidents when performing parachute jumps (the amount of coverage is at least 300,000 rubles)

AFF

The most popular and widespread program is AFF (Accelerated free fall) - a program of accelerated learning to free fall. It was developed in the USA and is used for parachuting training all over the world.

All jumps in this program are performed from a height of 3-4 km with a wing-type parachute. In the sky, the student is controlled by instructors, and the landing is controlled from the ground by radio.

The training is divided into 7 levels:

0 level- tandem jump. The student becomes familiar with the feeling of free fall, learns to control the height and trains to operate the canopy.
1-3 levels- jumping with two instructors. The student masters the posture of a stable fall - the "box", learns to independently open the parachute and land safely.
4-7 levels- jumps with one instructor. The student trains to perform maneuvers in free fall: spirals, somersaults, displacements and take-off.

At each level, you need to complete one jump. Not all students manage to complete the program in eight jumps: if the jump task is not completed, the instructor will send them to the jump-off.

Flying in a wind tunnel helps with learning - you can master the elements of free fall in a calm atmosphere, without fear and adrenaline. But it is better to ride into the tube with your AFF instructor - it will be more productive this way, because he already knows the problem areas.

Upon completion of training, the student receives admission to perform independent single jumps.

Usually, after passing the 7 levels of the program, the newly made parachutist is offered to undergo additional training: levels 8.1 and 8.2 - 4 independent jumps and 4 jumps with an RW instructor. They are needed to consolidate skills and obtain a skydiver license (category A).

Classic

Not all drop zones offer the opportunity to undergo training under the AFF program - there is not enough equipment or instructors. In this case, students are taught according to the classical program, sometimes it is also called the "second program". It was developed in the USSR and distributed in the territory of the former Union Republics.

All jumps on this program, the student performs independently on the training, usually or - they are more reliable and safer than wings, forgive mistakes during training. Both on the main and on the reserve parachutes there are always safety devices - they will open the parachute at a given height, if the parachutist does not do it on his own. The jump height increases gradually: from 800 meters to 2 kilometers.

Stages of training in the classical program:

Pulling the cover- jump with forced opening of the knapsack on parachutes or. The student learns how to properly separate from the aircraft and control the canopy of the parachute.
Backpack uncoupling- one more jump with forced opening of the knapsack. The time from the moment of separation to the filling of the dome is increased to 5 seconds. The student must separate correctly, maintain a stable fall posture and simulate pulling the ring.
Jumps with delayed deployment- on these jumps, the parachute will have to be opened independently - to pull out the ring. The height gradually increases, and with it the free fall time also increases: from 5 to 30 seconds. These jumps are very interesting - the student begins to feel the flow, learns to control the height and time of the jump, to deal with erratic falls.
A set of exercises in free fall- after mastering a stable fall, the student learns to perform spirals and somersaults. These jumps can already be performed on - it is lighter and more maneuverable than a fail-safe one, its canopy is sewn from the same fabric as the canopy.
Offset- consists of four parts: you need to properly separate, perform a complex, imitate the signal and throw of a jellyfish and land on a given area. The instructor jumps with the student and takes video of everything.
Winging- the first parachute jump of the wing type. A beautiful end to a long and difficult study in a classical program.

Jumping according to the classical program is much cheaper than according to AFF, but they will have to be done an order of magnitude more: 30-50 jumps before winging.

Ten Years Controversy: Classics or AFF

On large drop zones in large cities, two parachutism training programs are developed and widespread: classic and AFF. And for years the debate has not abated which of these programs is better. Ardent supporters have both one and the other.

The entire AFF course can be completed in a couple of weeks, while training in the classical program can take several months.

Even ten years ago, parachute jumping in our country was available only to paratroopers and athletes. Ordinary mortals had to study for a long time, spend months on theory, and stand in the corridors of hospitals, for the sake of a cherished certificate with admission to the airfield.

Now everything has changed, and those who are attracted by the sky and do not let the desire to feel free fall fall asleep, can only take money, a passport and choose the most attractive flying club.

Well, to make the choice easier, we have selected 5 places where you can make your first jump.

Airfield "Tushino"

Advantages and disadvantages: the advantages include a convenient location, experienced instructors, high-quality new equipment. Of the minuses - an extremely picky medical board.

This year the prices for jumps have increased at the Tushino airfield. Now the first parachute jump with a round dome from a height of 1000 m can be made for 1500 rubles. The jump takes place on the day of preparation, which starts from 09: 00-12: 00 and takes about three hours. In general, this is the easiest type of jump, since the beginner only needs to land - the canopy will open by itself, and even the instructor will push it out of the plane. By the way, prejumping preparation is valid for 3 days, and in the absence of weather or feeling unwell, the jump can be postponed.

In tandem, you can jump from a height of 4000 meters, however, it is much more expensive (from 4500 rubles). In addition, during a tandem jump, you can order a photo or video of your first flight. By the way, in Tushino for a jump you need a health certificate and a medical certificate.

How to get there: The easiest way to get here, because this airfield is located on Volokolamsk highway, 88, building 1. To visit you need to get to the station. m. "Tushinskaya", get out of the last carriage, turn left. On the surface, walk along the iron fence to the building of the National Aero Club, which is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00.

Egorievsk flying club

Advantages and disadvantages: of the pros - the ability to celebrate the jump, or stay at a local hotel for the night. Cons - inconvenient location, high prices.

Here, beginners are offered to jump with a round dome for 2000 rubles from 900 m, and in tandem for 6000 rubles from 4000 m.In addition, another 2200 will have to be paid for video filming, and people weighing more than 90 square meters will have to pay 1000 rubles for every 10 kg weight.

How to get there: It is not easy to get here: first by bus or train to Yegoryevsk, then by local bus going to Shuvoy to the stop "Kostylevo-2", and then on foot following the signs.

Aeroclub "Volosovo"

Advantages and disadvantages: pluses - reasonable prices, own hotel, cafe, the ability to grill barbecue next to the airfield. Cons - the lack of a tandem jump and video filming, queues in the summer.

Here the prices for jumps are the same as in Yegoryevsk, but the tandem jump is not provided. Jumping takes place on weekends, and this can be done without prior arrangement, and groups for take-off are recruited very quickly. In the summer, jumps are held until 19:00, but you should be prepared for the instruction to take at least three hours and plan your time.

How to get there: You need to get here by bus from the station. m. "Yuzhnaya", the first carriage from the center, exit towards intercity buses. Bus number 458 to Serpukhov. Travel time is 1 hour. The bus goes through the city of Chekhov, in 5-10 minutes, just outside the village of Volosovo stop "Safonovo village" Volosovo airfield. The driver should be warned in advance. In addition, you can get by train from the Kursk railway station to the Chekhov station, and then by bus number 21.

2nd Moscow Aero Club

Advantages and disadvantages: pluses - hotel, lack of crowds, high-quality equipment, the opportunity to ride an airplane at the same time. Cons - lack of tandem jump and video filming.

This flying club accepts guests only on weekends and holidays, from 09:00 to 18:00, and the cost of the jump under the round dome is 1200 rubles. The briefing starts at 10:00 and takes the standard three hours, with the last group being formed at 15:00, and those who arrive later will have to stay at the hotel until the next morning or arrive on another day.

How to get there: You can get there from the Kursk railway station to the Pakhomovo station, and then another 1 km on foot following the signs.

Dropzone "Pushchino"

Advantages and disadvantages: pluses - it works on weekdays, low prices and the opportunity, with a successful coincidence of circumstances, to admire the jumps of experienced sky acrobats. Cons - you cannot make the first jump on your own, it is difficult to get there by public transport.

This flying club is open from Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00. True, the first jump here can be done only in tandem, and it costs 6,500 rubles. Subsequent jumps (if you have a certificate) can be done independently and cost 750 rubles, and renting a parachute for those who do not have one, another 400 rubles for each jump.

How to get there: You can drive from the station. m. "Yuzhnaya" by minibus and bus number 359 Moscow-Pushchino. You can get to the junction "Pushchino-left, Trukhachevo-straight" and catch a ride to the airfield (15 km) or drive to Pushchino, stop "Diksi Magazin" and take a taxi to the airfield.

Package of documents for the first jump

First of all, you must have a passport or other identity document (passport, driver's license) with you.
Some flying clubs continue to require a doctor's certificate stating that there are no contraindications. You can get it from your therapist. However, in most flying clubs, a medical examination is carried out on the day of the jump right on the territory of the airfield, and a document obtained from the full-time doctor of the flying club is enough for the jump.
Minors also need to have with them a notarized permission from their parents, drawn up in free form, but indicating the passport data of one parent and his signature.
Experienced skydivers need to carry evidence of previous jumps.
For an athlete, the set of documents is standard: license, VLC, passport for the system, parachute book.

All jumps must be agreed with the aeroclub administration in advance;
It is important to honestly and fully answer the doctor's questions during the physical examination;
You need to choose clothes for a jump that cover your arms and legs and do not restrict movement, and comfortable shoes (without a heel);
For the first time, it is worth giving preference to a tandem jump, as it gives a feeling of security and confidence;
All instructions must be carefully listened to and followed exactly;
If the condition on the plane worsens (headache, panic attack, etc.), you must inform the instructor about it and refuse to jump;
3-5 days before the jump, you should refrain from alcohol;
Also, you cannot go to the airfield if you have a cold or runny nose - the doctor at the medical board will still not allow you to jump with similar symptoms.

Photo: thinkstockphotos.com, flickr.com