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Why a Cessna 182 is the Best Skydiving Plane

Can you skydive out of a Cessna 182? Absolutely! In fact, this airplane is how the majority of drop zones got their start and has been doing it's thing as the workhorse of the skydiving community since the 1950s!

 

Our Cessna 182 boasts a fantastic climb rate, ample capacity for skydivers, superb accessibility, and excellent reliability. The Cessna 182 remains a top choice for skydiving enthusiasts worldwide, and we love our airplane so much, we even hang from her wings!

FAST RIDE TO ALTITUDE

 

Reaching exit altitude in about 20 minutes, the Cessna 182 provides a crucial window of time for skydivers. At first glance, 20 minutes might seem long, but this prelude to your jump is anything but. These minutes are filled with anticipation as you prepare for one of the most exhilarating moments of your life. This time allows you to reflect on your journey, focus on the upcoming jump, and immerse yourself in the experience.

As you ascend, you’ll feel the excitement building, take in stunning panoramic views, and bond with your fellow jumpers in a unique camaraderie. Experienced skydivers value this climb just as much as the jump itself. While you might expect this time to be filled with clear thoughts and emotions, the rush of adrenaline and the release of serotonin and dopamine during the jump turn these moments into a blur. One minute you’re on the ground, the next you’re flying through the air at 120 mph, and before you know it, you’re back on solid ground.

This is why capturing your skydive on video is so essential. It allows you to relive every moment of the experience, preserving the thrill and excitement that make skydiving unforgettable.

PERFECT SIZE

 

The Cessna 182 fosters a special kind of camaraderie. With space for four jumpers – or two tandem pairs – plus the pilot, its cabin size allows you to see the anticipation on your friends' faces as they prepare to jump. It's the perfect size to hold the hand of a friend, significant other, or even a stranger as the pre-jump excitement builds.

Licensed skydivers appreciate the intimacy of the C-182 because it allows for easy verbal communication to double and triple-check their skydive plans. In larger aircraft, you might be far from the person you need to coordinate with, but in a Cessna 182, everyone is within arm's reach.

This close proximity is also beneficial for students learning to skydive solo and earning their licence, providing them with direct access to instructors and fellow jumpers, enhancing their learning experience.

EASY ACCESS

 

The Cessna 182 is a favorite among pilots and skydivers alike. Known for its accessibility and ease of operation, it’s the go-to aircraft for many. Often compared to the ubiquitous iPhone in its field, or the SUV of the sky; the Cessna 182 is the bigger sibling of the Cessna 172, which is the most common airplane to learn to fly.

One standout feature of the Cessna 182 is its high-wing design. This means the wings are attached to the top part of the aircraft's body. Skydivers prefer high-wing designs for their accessibility and stability, making the Cessna 182 an ideal choice for jump operations. This is also the reason why we are able to climb out on the strut and hang before we drop, what other airplane allows for that on the daily?

STABLE

 

The Cessna 182’s high-wing design contributes to its exceptional stability. With most of the aircraft’s weight and center of gravity situated below the wings, this design inherently enhances the plane's stability. Additionally, the airflow over the wings provides a damping effect, reducing the pitching of the aircraft and ensuring a smoother flight.

This makes the Cessna 182 an excellent choice for those prone to motion sickness, offering a stable and comfortable experience for both pilots and jumpers. Not to mention, all jumpers have a window seat on this airplane! Usually, it's only the jumper near the door who gets the best view in the house, but with a Cessna 182 everyone has those panoramic sights.

What is the best skydiving plane?

 

The Cessna 182 is a trusted companion for skydivers, known for its reliability and consistency. Ready to experience the skydiving industry’s favorite Uber? Book your tandem skydive with us today! We can’t wait to welcome you to the skies.