In July 2024, I took the Skydive India Campaign to new heights with a thrilling skydiving trip to Russia.
What started as a personal quest turned into a series of unforgettable skydiving trips, where I not only explored new heights but also helped others earn their skydiving licenses.
From Thailand to Russia, this campaign has been an incredible adventure, filled with challenges, triumphs, and a sense of community.
Here’s a look back at the most memorable moments and milestones from these life-changing experiences.
[FULLY BOOKED] Batch-1: 30th June – 21st July 2024
[FULLY BOOKED] Batch-2: 7th July – 28th July 2024
[FULLY BOOKED] Batch-3: 14th July – 4th Aug 2024
[FULLY BOOKED] Batch-1: 28th July – 19th Aug 2024
Skydive India Campaign – Russia Trip, July 2024
In July 2024, I returned to Russia for another incredible adventure as part of the Skydive India Campaign, where 24 participants joined me on a journey to the skies.
This time, the challenge was even bigger and the stakes higher, as we supported each other in achieving our skydiving goals. From the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program to earning the coveted A License, the group’s determination and spirit made this trip one of the most memorable in the campaign’s history.
Key Highlights:
- 13 participants completed the AFF program, gaining the skills to jump solo.
- 4 participants earned their A License, with another 2 earning their A License in subsequent trips to other countries.
- Wind Tunnel Training: The wind tunnel located just a walking distance from the dropzone in Russia proved invaluable, allowing everyone to refine their skills and gain more confidence in the air.
Fundraising Success:
As part of the campaign, I raised an impressive ₹2,51,000 in donations for SETU Trust and other NGOs, further expanding the impact of this initiative beyond just skydiving.
Cost Breakdown:
One participant managed to complete the entire training, covering all expenses, for ₹3.6 lakh, including travel, accommodation, meals, and licensing fees.
This trip was more than just an exploration of the skies—it was about pushing boundaries, supporting one another, and giving back to communities in need. The shared experiences, challenges, and milestones made this journey an unforgettable chapter in my skydiving career.
Join me as I recount the highs, the challenges, and the life-changing moments from this extraordinary skydiving adventure in Russia!
Solo Skydiving Tour Plan Summary
For Indian adventure enthusiasts, skydiving in Russia offers an accessible and exhilarating opportunity to earn the USPA A License. With no certified skydiving schools in India, Krutitcy emerges as a convenient as well as affordable option for aspiring skydivers.
The program is designed to provide world-class training while factoring in the added expenses of international travel, accommodation, and logistics.
Here’s a quick summary of the upcoming program:
- School & Location: Krutitcy in Russia
- Dates: Batch-1: 30th June – 21st July 2024
- Duration: Minimum 14 days + 7 buffer days for weather uncertainty
- Inclusions:
- Course fee (25 jumps)
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Flight tickets
- Internal transfers
- USPA membership fees
- Wind Tunnel (30 Minutes)
- Estimated Cost: Approx. ₹3,59,610
This program combines top-tier training with a comprehensive package, ensuring a seamless and thrilling path to becoming a licensed skydiver. Prepare for the leap of a lifetime!
How much does a USPA-A skydiving license cost in Russia?
| Estimated Costs (RUB) | Estimated Costs (INR) | |
| A License Package | 195,000 ₽ | ₹ 214,500 |
| Visa (Apprx) | 12,727 ₽ | ₹ 14,000 |
| Flights (Apprx) | 54,545 ₽ | ₹ 60,000 |
| Stay (Apprx) x 21days | 18900 ₽(Sharing Basis) | ₹ 20,790 |
| Food (Apprx) x 21days | 21,000.00 ₽ | ₹ 23,100 |
| Airport Transfers (Apprx) | 5,454.55 ₽ | ₹ 6,000.00 |
| Insurance | 1700 ₽ | ₹ 1,870.00 |
| Consultation Donation | 10,000 ₽ | ₹ 10,000 |
| USPA Membership & A License Fees | $114 x 36 Rate = 10282.8 ₽ | $ 114 x 82 Rate = ₹9,350 |
| Total A license | 3,29,610.07 ₽ Apprx. | ₹ 3,59,610 Apprx. |
Important Note: Your actual expenses in INR will depend on the exchange rate at the time and airfare cost is a rough estimate
Rate of Exchange: 1 RUB = 1.10 INR
Very Important Note: Please, Keep Repeat jumps in your budget. Level 1-3 will cost 15,050.00 ₽ (Apprx ₹16,555)* and Level 4-7 will cost 10,100.00 ₽ (Approx ₹11,110)*
Itinerary
Date: 30th June 2024 | Day 1: Arrive at DME or SVO airport and take a taxi to reach accommodation in Moscow city.
Date: 1st July 2024 | Day 2: Visit nearby bank to exchange USD for RUB. Banks in Russia gives best rates and that’s the reason we don’t get RUB from India. Only 10,000RUB is recommended to carry from India. At 11:30AM, Take taxi for dropzone i.e. Krutitcy. You will reach by 6PM. Check in to your hostel.
Date: 2nd July 2024 | Day 3: Wake up at 6:30AM, and reach dropzone aka skydiving school by 8AM. Pay fees and take admission. Start ground school training.
Date: 3rd July 2024 | Day 4: Reach dropzone by 7AM and Start with your first jump (i.e. Tandem Jump) based on weather.
Date: 4th-20th July 2024 | Day 4 to Day 20: Reach dropzone by 7:30 AM and progress with each jump based on weather. (P.S. You will follow this schedule till you get your USPA-A license.
Date: 21st July 2024 | Day 21: Departure to DME or SVO airport based on your flight
FAQs
How to Become an Indian Solo Skydiver?
Unfortunately, as of my last knowledge update in September 2023, there are no skydiving schools in India.
Therefore, you will likely need to travel abroad to learn and become a solo skydiver.
Start by researching skydiving schools in countries that are relatively close to India and easily accessible. Some of the options will be Thailand, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and budget friendly options will be Russia and South Africa.
Look for reputable skydiving schools with experienced instructors and a good safety record.
Or Travel with me who has 400+ jumps till now and extensive experience in organising solo skydiving trips without taking single penny from your bank account to my personal account.
What are Solo Skydiving Requirements or Criteria?
You must be 18 years old and yes, there is a weight limit to go skydiving. The maximum weight limit for AFF students is 95-100 kg.
What is an AFF Skydiving Program/Course?
The AFF Skydiving Program is a basic skydiving course designed to teach individuals the correct and safe methods of skydiving.
The program is administered through the United States Parachute Association (USPA) and is considered the safest and most efficient way to learn the sport of skydiving.
AFF is an introductory program to skydiving that includes both ground instruction & supervised skydiving from the aircraft. It is designed to teach you the necessary skills to become a licensed skydiver.
During the program, participants work with two instructors or one instructor who teaches important skills during the 7 Levels of the AFF Solo Skydiving Program.
You will receive a minimum of 1-day on-ground training in basic skydiving procedures, free fall body position, canopy deployment, canopy control, and safety routines.
What is a USPA-A skydiving license?
A USPA-A skydiving license is a certification issued by the United States Parachute Association (USPA) that signifies the holder has met specific requirements to safely and proficiently participate in skydiving activities.
The USPA-A license requires the completion of an AFF course and total 25 number of skydiving jumps under the direct supervision of a USPA coach or instructor.
How much does a USPA-A skydiving license cost?
The cost for a USPA-A skydiving license training can vary greatly, depending on the number of jumps and the location of the training.
Generally speaking, the cost of a complete USPA-A license training program can range from Rs.2.5Lakh to Rs.4.5Lakh.
This fee includes instruction, jumps, and other fees associated with the training program. It doesn’t include your travel, stay, food, and other costs.ONLY USPA-A
What is SkydiveIndiaCampaign?
SkydiveIndiaCampaign (SIC) is led by Skydiver Shweta Parmar.
SkydiveIndiaCampaign is aimed at
– helping people get
– their skydiving license for
– solo skydiving in foreign countries
– while providing the best experiences without paying unwanted charges.
– with the hope of eventually bringing similar skydiving schools to India.
Our mission is to provide best-in-class information to people who want to get started and make skydiving more accessible, by educating people
Can anyone join SkydiveIndiaCampaign?
Skydiving itself can be enjoyed by anyone, and I’m here to assist you every step of the way.
However, the Skydive India Campaign is specifically designed for individuals who have a genuine passion for skydiving and aspire to make it a part of their future, either as a hobby or a career.
To join, you must complete the application process, which evaluates your sincerity and commitment. Only applicants who provide a complete application will be considered for the next steps.
How to Join the Skydive India Campaign?
Step 1: Apply for a Special Invite
Share your passion for adventure and alignment with our mission. Craft a compelling application to secure your special invite.
Step 2: Exclusive Interview with Skydiver Shweta
Selected applicants will have a one-on-one video chat with Skydiver Shweta. It’s your chance to connect, share, and showcase your commitment.
Step 3: Secure Your Spot with an Rs. 10,000 Donation
After confirmation, act quickly! Make a Rs. 10,000 donation to join the campaign. Your contribution fuels our mission.
Disclaimers
- All payments will be directly made to the dropzone, the stay owner, or the vehicle owner.
- I am just a facilitator/guide (and not travel agent) for this and not offering any services. Hence GST or income tax etc are not to be applicable.
- You will receive NGO donation confirmation for Tax benefits.
- NGO donation is mandatory because I’ll provide my facilitation only if the donation is made to the NGO. If you do not want to donate to an NGO of my choice do let me know. You can then donate to Tata Trusts and send me a receipt.
- I receive referral bonus from dropzone.
- As I am just a facilitator, Any injuries arising out of this tour/group are at your own risk and I will not be liable for the same.
Shweta Parmar is a skydiver, skier, and co-founder of Techmero. She is the fourth civilian woman skydiver from India and the First from Gujarat. Shweta lives in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Flying with her own wings is her dream.
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