Skydiving

Skydive Arizona - One of the Largest DZ's in the US

Skydive Arizona, USA, is one of the largest drop zones in the country and have probably the largest fleet of skydiving aircrafts around. The fleet is led by 4 Super Otters and 5 Skyvans, each capable of taking twenty three skydivers to 13,000 feet in 15 minutes. Apart from tandems and canopy programs, the centre organizes popular boogies, offers aerial stunt services, wingsuit flying, coaching and many World and National Champions or Military come to train here. Read on to find out more about this large skydiving facility.

6. 6. 2014 Photos: 10

Skydive Arizona, located in the heart of the scenic Sonoran Desert, lies midway between Arizona's two largest cities, Phoenix and Tucson. Drop zone founders Larry and Liliane Hill started out in the skydiving business at a gravel airstrip north of Phoenix with a single Cessna 182 in January of 1978. As their operation grew, it became apparent they would need more space, and in 1986 they moved to Coolidge, Arizona to start Skydive Arizona. Soon the drop zone had grown to four Cessnas, four Beeches, and two DC-3s. Today their hangar consists of 4 Otters, 7 Skyvans, one DC-3, 1 Beech 18 and 1 Pilatus Porter.

photo credit: Terry Schumacher

photo credit: Sergey Kuleshov

In additions to a massive fleet, Skyventure Arizona, an indoor center offers all level skydivers a wind tunnel, located directly on the Skydive Arizona Drop Zone. This skydiving simulator is a 2nd generation SkyVenture, built by Skyventure LLC. This is a large structure with four 400hp top mounted fans with a lexan and steel enclosed flight area. The flight chamber is 14 feet in diameter and approximately 20 feet tall. It has wall to wall air and can produce wind speeds powerful enough for all forms of body-flight. Perfect for learning and getting used to various flying positions or mastering advanced aerobatic maneuvers.

The wind tunnel from the top; photo credit: Terry Schumacher

and from the inside; photo credit: AXIS Flight School

What you might not know

In March 2014, The World team hosted the Fly it Forward, a big-way sequential dive at Skydive Arizona.
Skydive Arizona is one of the sponzors of RedBull Air Force.
Team Ripcord attempted on several occasions POPS World Record at Skydive Arizona - the latest new POPS sequential record of a 2-point 62-way was set in April 2014.
The 63-Way Women's Vertical World Record was set in 2013 at Skydive Arizona

What else to do at Skydive Arizona

You won't be bored here, the property caters well to skydivers. If you wish to stay longer, Skydive Arizona offers a campsite which is free year round or the Bunk House for added comfort to stay in. Part of the property are also a gear store or an equipment service, handling parachute and rig regular maintenance and repairs.

photo credit: Skydive Arizona

photo credit: Samantha Schwann

You do not have to bring any food as the Bent Prop Saloon, a restaurant with a bar serves three meals a day right there in the DZ. You can check the bar in the evening if you fancy a drink or want to stay for a party. During the day if not in the air, you can get a good workout at the Fitness center or get yourself Wellness and even cool off in a swimming pool on a hot day (used also for a water training) . In case of inclement weather an indoor facility, specially build with skydivers in mind is at everybody's disposals. There is plenty to do here.

Weather

The clear desert weather allows over 340 jumping days a year. Average daytime temperatures range from the 60s in the winter to the low 100s in the summer. Throughout the year, the humidity is much lower than in other parts of the country, resulting in comfortable weather and cloudless skies. Throughout the winter, when skydivers find their home drop zones closed by cold, rain, and clouds, Arizona remains sunny and warm. The unique desert environment provides a scenic change of pace, with plenty of fascinating sites to visit.

photo credit: Ian Mackenzie