(LUCCA SKYDIVING SCHOOL)

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updated:  april 15th  2010

If riding in an airplane is flying, 

then riding in a boat is swimming! 

If you want to experience the element, get out of the vehicle.

If you want to experience the real human flight, get out of the airplane.

Skydive, the real dimension of human flight!

   

EVER DREAM OF FLYING?

WHY NOT FLY AND DREAM?

You can fly way up in the skies above Tuscany. Why not? only 30 minutes from Florence the Scuola Paracadutismo Lucca will help you to realise your dream and enter into the wonderful world of skydiving. The School operates  all year round and it is authorised to execute jumps from flight level 140 using Pilatus PC6 "Porter" aircraft.

Lucca Skydiving School is member of the U.S.P.A. (United States Parachute Association)

The 'tandem jump' with the aid of a dual controlled parachute allows you to experience the excitement of free fall then 'open chute' together with an experienced instructor. The 'tandem jump' can be tried without attending courses previously. There is a brief preparatory explanation after which you will be able to try a free fall experience, together with your instructor, and manage the dual controlled parachute alone. The tandem jump lets you experience all the emotions of an individual jump, yet at the same time gives you the cover of an experienced instructor.

If you have ambitions of becoming an experienced skydiver, it's easy. The Scuola Paracadutismo Lucca offers courses run by highly trained staff. Expert and professional, they monitor students' progress carefully through all learning phases up to becoming expert skydivers themselves.

The "A.F.F." (Accelerated Free Fall) course employs the more recent and the most innovative methods of skydiving instruction. All jumps are free fall at altitudes of between 4000 - 4300m (14000ft). Initially the student is assisted during the fall by two instructors who monitor the student's technique and progress.

The staff of the Scuola Paracadutismo Lucca include senior skydiving instructors, competition judges and experienced parachute technicians always on hand to share their expertise. The school also offers specialised certificate and licence courses in skydiving

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THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON SKYDIVING

Is skydiving a dangerous sport?

When the parachute opens does the operator go up?

Can you breathe normally in a free fall?

Why try a tandem jump?

How long does a tandem jump last?

How long does the ascent flight take to reach altitude?

Who folds the parachutes?

Is opening the parachute nearer to the ground a sign of excellence?

Given a tandem jump is usually the first jump for many, wouldn't it be better to jump at lower altitudes?

Can more people take part in a tandem jump at the same time?

Can a parachute break up?

How far in advance does a tandem jump have to be booked?

What's the best clothing to wear?

Can the parachute be piloted?

What happens if the parachute does not open?

And what if the secondary chute fails to open?

Are there skydiving competitions?

Is skydiving similar to bunjee jumping?

Are parachutes made of silk?

Are jumps made during the winter?

Is skydiving advisable for anyone on medication or with a medical condition?

Is it true that landing speed is equivalent to that of a jump from 3 meters high?

Can you film your tandem jump?

If an instructor is tired or not feeling 100% wouldn't it be better to do simpl, easier jumps that day?

Is the parachute used for tandem jumps the same used for individual jumps or vice versa?

Where is the Scuola Paracadutismo Lucca (Lucca Skydiving School)?

Which is the passenger requirement?

IS SKYDIVING A DANGEROUS SPORT ?

Although skydiving is considered an "extreme sport" as long as it is practised correctly, it is a very safe sport. All the techniques have been proven, the equipment is technologically advanced and training methods are "tried and tested". Skydiving is an aviation sport and as such is subject to strict regulations and controls....nothing is left to chance. As with all sporting activities it is not risk free.

F.A.Q.

WHEN THE PARACHUTE OPENS DOES THE OPERATOR GO UP ?

No, what you see on film is an optical illusion caused when the opening parachute slows down the descent and the person filming continues to fall at the same speed.  

   F.A.Q.

CAN YOU BREATHE NORMALLY IN A FREE FALL ?

Yes, even though free fall speed is around 200km/h (125 mph) breathing is normal. Altitude does not normally cause problems since permanence is not sustained over long periods of time. As soon as the aircraft reaches altitude the jumps are made. Italian law requires the provision of oxygen for all jumps above the FL 150(*) level . (*) Note that the levels indicated by FL does not donate the height from ground level but the vertical distance between the aircraft and the isobaric surface 1013.25 hPa, with respect to ‘air type’).

F.A.Q.

WHY TRY A TANDEM JUMP ?

A tandem jump is always a good way to experience the excitement of "free fall" for a few seconds and feel what it means to be suspended in mid air with the aid of a parachute for a few minutes. It's a unique way to spend a day out 'of the ordinary'. The presence of an instructor on the tandem jump does not impede the effects of the free fall experience. In fact tandem jumps are advisable for those wishing to join a A.F.F. sky diving course.  

F.A.Q.

HOW LONG DOES A TANDEM JUMP LAST ?

That all depends on the altitude the jump is made at. The greater the altitude the longer the free fall. The recommended height for opening parachutes on a tandem jump is around 1500m/5500ft. (by law not less than 1200m/4000ft) and from the initial jump to the opening of the parachute 100m (328ft) every 2 seconds of free fall is calculated. So jumping at 4300m (14100ft) and opening at 1500m (5000ft) the free fall experience lasts for around 56 seconds. An open parachute falls at approximately 4-5m/second (13-16.5 ft/sec), therefore the fall from 1500m (5000ft) lasts around 5-6 minutes; note also the fall time with an open chute can vary according to piloting techniques.  

F.A.Q.

HOW LONG DOES THE ASCENT FLIGHT TAKE TO REACH ALTITUDE ?

The Pilatus Porter PC6, used by the Scuola Paracadutismo Lucca, takes approximately 15 minutes to reach altitude for FL 140 level jumps.  

F.A.Q.

WHO FOLDS THE PARACHUTES ?

At every level of the skydiving course, each student is taught how to fold the main parachute; all main chutes are usually folded by the user. Folding the main chute is relatively easy though obviously it needs to be done with extreme care and attention. All students are observed by an instructor, who is on hand to help step by step and check the folding. The auxiliary parachute (which is sometimes called the "emergency chute") can only be checked and folded by trained personnel of the C.V.R.P (a control centre for the folding of parachutes) authorised by the E.N.A.C. (Civil Aviation Authorities). By law the auxiliary parachute has to be folded by authorised personnel 120 days prior to use (even if the parachute has not been used it has to be opened, checked and refolded every four months).  

F.A.Q.

IS OPENING THE PARACHUTE NEARER TO THE GROUND A SIGN OF EXCELLENCE ?

No, stupidity more like! The so called "late opening" was something practised around 35 years ago. Those opening at low levels risk being thrown out of the school with an official warning by the authorities which is subsequently recorded on the person's licence. Opening the parachute late just to experience free fall for a few more seconds and risk grave danger doesn't make sense. On individual jumps the main parachute should not be opened less than 750m (2460ft) while on a tandem jumps not less than 1200m (4000ft). Most skydivers prefer to open between 200-300m (650-980ft) above the recommended height.  

F.A.Q.

GIVEN A TANDEM JUMP IS USUALLY THE FIRST JUMP FOR MANY, WOULDN'T IT BE BETTER TO JUMP AT LOWER ALTITUDES ?

Usually for those trying a tandem jump for the first time, it seems to pass very quickly. Very often people feel their free fall experience lasted only for a brief moment, therefore it's best to use the maximum altitudes to enable the person max. enjoyment. Be careful of jumps taken at 3500m (11500ft) instead of 4300-4500m (14100-17800ft) because it means a free fall experience of less than 16-20 seconds, that's why it's always best to use higher altitude quotas. A video film, recording the precious moments of free fall is always a good way to remember the experience (a video recording can always be arranged on request for a nominal fee). In order to record the free fall another skydiver equipped with a video camera free falls with the tandem jump to film the experience.  

F.A.Q.

CAN MORE PEOPLE TAKE PART IN A TANDEM JUMP AT THE SAME TIME ?

Yes, the Pilatus Porter PC6 aircraft used at our school can take up to 9 passengers. That could be 4 tandem groups plus the pilot or 3 tandem group plus a video camera operator and the pilot. More people taking part makes the whole experience much more enjoyable, especially if it's organised by a group of friends. The School in Lucca can take between 16-20 tandem jumps in one day, weather permitting. (in winter the flight hours are greatly reduced). Sometimes cause technical or organization reasons tandem passengers group can not to fly on the same flight so it's better for tandem passengers to consider the group flying on several flight.

   F.A.Q.

CAN A PARACHUTE BREAK UP ?

Parachutes are aviation equipment and if maintained and used correctly according to the manufacturers recommendations they rarely break up or malfunction. Whenever a parachute malfunctions it is almost always down to improper use or incorrect maintenance. Auxiliary parachutes have to checked, maintained and folded not more than 120 days prior to use (which literally means every 4 months) whereas the tandem 'dual controlled' parachutes (excepting the auxiliary chute which is controlled every 120 days) are inspected every 25 jumps! In Italy after every emergency opening or at least every 3 years, the auxiliary parachute is subject to ulterior inspections.  

F.A.Q.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DOES A TANDEM JUMP HAVE TO BE BOOKED?

It's difficult to say really, sometimes you can telephone one day in advance (or even the same day), other times it may take weeks, it all depends on the period. However the school has various tandem instructors on its staff and so the waiting list is usually quite brief. The best way to book is by telephone or email; 

You can contact us by telephone or email: 

F.A.Q.

WHAT'S THE BEST CLOTHING TO WEAR ?

Nothing special. 

Tandem passenger can reach us for the jump with comfortable clothes and a pair of trainers (sweatshirts or track suits are usual and in summer shorts and T-shirts are acceptable; in the winter a pile is a good choice); it's very important good confortable shoes like (for istance) gym shoes or jogging shoes (this meaning NO high-heeled shoes, evening shoes and so on); 

the school provides the 'official kit' (jump-suit, gloves, goggles, and helmet).

F.A.Q.

CAN THE PARACHUTE BE PILOTED ?

Yes, naturally. Today in skydiving only gliding parachutes are used which practically operate like the wing of an aeroplane. There is a set of controls to manoeuvre the parachute. It can also travel at the speed of 13m/sec and by mediating the controls landings can be made at practically zero.  

   F.A.Q.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PARACHUTE DOES NOT OPEN ?

In the extremely rare case that the main parachute malfunctions (either it fails to open or opens incorrectly) there is a set proceedure designed to resolve the problem. Every parachute has a secondary chute the so called auxiliary or "emergency" parachute. The skydiving is also trained to act accordingly in the event that any problem may arise. Automatic opening auxiliary parachutes are obligatory for tandem jumps and for individual jumps up to a certain level. In Italy auxiliary chutes have to be gliding or least directional types by law. All the parachute used at the Scuola Paracadutismo Lucca are the gliding type.  

F.A.Q.

AND WHAT IF THE SECONDARY CHUTE FAILS TO OPEN ?

This is highly improbable; the secondary chute is inspected regularly. It is controlled and folded by highly qualified personnel of the Centri Verifica Ripiegamento Paracadute, which is authorised by the Civil Aviation authorities in Italy, (E.N.A.C.) or by staff of equivalent status in other centres. However when emergency proceedures are carried out correctly then it is almost impossible to fail. If the worst should happen then obviously the outcome could be extreme.  

   F.A.Q.

ARE THERE SKYDIVING COMPETITIONS ?

There are competitions at local, national and international level. Competitive skydiving is organised into various disciplines (precision landing, Freestyle, Skysurf, Figure Free Fall, etc..) Skydiving has great potential as a competitive sport still to be developed. New disciplines are being created all the time. In Italy we have champions of world class level, however skydiving is not given extensive coverage by the media and as such remains on the margins of the sporting world.  

F.A.Q.

IS SKYDIVING SIMILAR TO BUNJEE JUMPING ?

Absolutely no relation. Skydiving is an aeronautic sport, controlled in Italy by the Transport  Ministry. All procedures, techniques, equipment and norms related to skydiving are stricly controlled by the Civil Aviation authorities (the Italian E.N.A.C. or the American F.A.A.) and in some cases by the military (for example some parachute components, like tapes and metal parts). Bunjee Jumping has no international standards recognised by any official organisation. In Italy and abroad licences needed to practice skydiving are aeronautic and therefore equivalent to those needed to pilot a plane or helicopter. They are issued and regulated by the Ente Nazionale Aviazione Civile (like pilot's licences!) Furthermore the sensations experienced are very different. With skydiving a person flies and does not experience a fall as it were. The sensation is one of' floating on air' using the aerodynamic flow derived from the speed gained in free fall. With a little imagination and by moving the body position slightly in accordance with the aerodynamic flow a person can turn and perform rotations as they please. With Bunjee jumping....a person falls for a few seconds and bounces off an attached elastic chord.  

F.A.Q.

ARE PARACHUTES MADE OF SILK ?

No, parachutes were made of silk during the war....to be more precise, the round canopy itself was made of silk. Today technically advanced materials are used, like synthetic fibres with zero porosity practically making the parachute air resistant. The metal parts of forged steel or special alloys and are subject to force resistance testing. Parachutes today are equipped with electronic devices which in the event that the skydiver excels flight parameters (speed or altitude) then the systems release the secondary chute automatically without intervention on the skydiver's part.  

F.A.Q.

ARE JUMPS MADE DURING THE WINTER ?

Yes,  skydiving takes place all year round even during the winter months. Though during the winter months the correct weather conditions needed for skydiving are less likely (for example cloud cover, wind speed, and precipitation all condition the sport). However skydiving is an all year round sport and each season has its special effects, for example when it's cold visibility is usually better and so the views are great, by contrast when it's hot skydiving cools you down! though very often there is a little haze on the horizon.  

  F.A.Q.

IS SKYDIVING ADVISABLE FOR ANYONE ON MEDICATION OR WITH A MEDICAL CONDITION ?

No, it's always best to consult a sport's physician first. Instructors can not evaluate the medical background or any effects skydiving may have on a student's condition. When in doubt don't jump wait for the next time around. For tandem jumps you don't have to be superhumans just regular healthy people.  

F.A.Q.

IS IT TRUE THAT LANDING SPEED IS EQUIVALENT TO THAT OF A JUMP FROM 3 METERS HIGH ?

No, though it was quite true of jumps made with hemispheric, domed shaped parachutes but with gliding parachutes, used at the School, landing speed is very slow, inferior to that of a jump from 3 metres (9,84ft). To give you a better idea we could say landing speed is equivalent to that of jumping off a table the only difference being there is horizontal speed as well as vertical speed to consider and with the equipment available today this can be reduced considerably with the correct breaking techniques. Parachutes used by the school are 'fool proof' and when used correctly they practically allow parachutists to control the landing speed, where and when.  

F.A.Q.

CAN YOU FILM YOUR TANDEM JUMP ?

Yes, on request the school will organise all the necessary details to film your tandem jump; this is VHS PAL SYSTEM video or DVD video and usually it is about 5-7 minutes long which includes an initial explanation, ground trials, getting ready for the jump, boarding the plane and the ascent, the whole of the free fall phase (a cameraflyer jumps together with the tandem jump and is close by to film the free fall experience etc..), the last few seconds of the jump with open parachute, the landing and then finally the first impressions on record after the jump. Sometimes cause technical or organization reasons the video could be not available even if previous requested, in this case the jump will be to consider like "without video requested" and of course you don't will pay the video cost.

F.A.Q.

IF AN INSTRUCTOR IS TIRED OR NOT FEELING 100% WOULDN'T IT BE BETTER TO DO SIMPLE, EASIER JUMPS THAT DAY ?

If an instructor is either tired or not 100% fit then they should stop altogether. Experience shows that there are no simple jumps which can be done without great care and attention. A professional attitude (which in the field of aeronautics does not only apply to those with professional titles but to all those involved at all levels) means being able to anticipate any eventual outcome and devise the best course of action, there's no room for mistakes.  

F.A.Q.

IS THE PARACHUTE USED FOR TANDEM JUMPS THE SAME USED FOR INDIVIDUAL JUMPS OR VICE VERSA ?

The parachute used for tandem jumps is designed and built for two people, one of which may not be a parachutist. It would be illegal and extremely dangerous to carry out tandem jumps with equipment destined for individual jumps or with equipment which has not been certified and authorised for tandem jumps. Tandem equipment is very different from that used in individual jumps and is subject to ulterior maintenance tests. The equipment should only be used by qualified persons since it requires particular procedures.

F.A.Q.

WHERE IS THE SCUOLA PARACADUTISMO LUCCA (LUCCA SKYDIVING SCHOOL)?

We are in the Lucca-Tassignano Airport (Tuscany - Italy).

Lucca-Tassignano airport is located about at 10-15 minutes by car from Lucca center;

the place when the airport is located is Tassignano;

Lucca is about 60km - 45 minutes, by super highway,  from Florence (1 hour by train) and about 53 km - 40 minutes by super highway or 33km - 45 minutes by country road, from Pisa.

It's possible to park the cars in a free parking car of the Lucca-Tassignano airport for the time of the jump activity.

If you reach Lucca  by train you can reach the airport by taxi from Lucca train station in only 10-15 minutes.

F.A.Q.

WHICH IS THE PASSENGER REQUIREMENT?

We need all passengers bring a personal document like passport, drive license, and so on, and running shoes;
It is very important for the passengers: no scuba diving in the 2 days before the jump and not have cold.
We need for all passengers no alcohol 8 hours before the jumps and no drugs.
For all passengers the minimum age required to try out a 'Tandem Jump' is 18 years.

We do not take money to fix your reservation; we ask just you respect your reservation about number people booked who reach us to jump and meeting time and in case of every kind of problem we ask the passenger to advise us as soon as possible about changing. 

F.A.Q.

For further information and reservations for tandem jumps and skydiving courses: