In February 2023, I organized my first solo skydiving trip to Thailand as part of the Skydive India Campaign, an initiative to help Indian adventurers achieve their skydiving dreams. What started as a personal quest turned into a thrilling journey shared with six participants, each eager to take their first leap into the skies.
Out of the six, five successfully completed the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program, mastering the ability to jump out of a plane solo. Despite initial hurdles, their dedication paid off, and they went on to achieve even greater heights:
- Five participants earned their A License, a certification allowing solo jumps worldwide.
- Four participants progressed to the prestigious B License, showcasing advanced skills and experience.
- One skydiver went further, earning the C License and eventually becoming a certified skydiving coach.
The trip wasn’t without challenges. Two participants needed wind tunnel training, which was unavailable in Thailand at the time. Fortunately, they went to Malaysia during their training of wind tunnel and finished their licensed.
This journey was more than just an adventure—it was a testament to resilience, preparation, and the shared passion for conquering the skies. Join me as I recount the unforgettable moments, challenges, and milestones from this life-changing experience in Thailand!
Solo Skydiving Tour Plan Summary
For Indian adventure enthusiasts, skydiving in Thailand offers an accessible and exhilarating opportunity to earn the USPA A License. With no certified skydiving schools in India, Dropzone Thailand emerges as a convenient 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: Dropzone Thailand
- Dates: Batch-1: 8th Feb 2023 – 8th March 2023
- Duration: Minimum 14 days + 7 buffer days for weather uncertainty
- Inclusions:
- Course fee (25 jumps)
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Flight tickets
- Internal transfers
- USPA membership fees
- Estimated Cost: Approx. ₹4,70,000
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 Thailand?
Estimated Costs (THB) | Estimated Costs (INR) | |
A License Package | ฿155,800.00 | ₹367,688.00 |
Visa (Apprx) | ฿1,100.00 | ₹2,500.00 |
Flights (Apprx) | ฿12,500 | ₹30,000.00 |
Stay (Apprx) | ฿350.00 x 21days = ฿7350 (Sharing Basis) | ₹ 17,346 |
Food (Apprx) | ฿400.00 x 21days = ฿8,400.00 | ₹936.00 x 21days = ₹ 20,000 |
Airport Transfers (Apprx) | (฿5,000.00/5pax = ฿1,000) | ₹11,700/5 = ₹2,500 |
Stay to/from Dropzone Transport | ฿200.00 x 20days = ฿4,000.00/2= ฿2,000.00 | ₹4,700 |
Consultation Donation | ฿4,240 | ₹10,000 |
USPA Membership & A License Fees | $114 x 36 Rate = ฿4,104 | $114 x 82 Rate = ₹9,348 |
Total A license | ฿155,800.00 (Fees) + ฿40,694 (Other)= ฿1,96,494 Apprx. | ₹321,282 (Fees) + ₹90,688 (Other)= ₹4,64,082 Apprx. |
Itinerary
Date: 8th Feb 2023 | Day 1: Arrive at BKK airport and take a taxi to reach accommodation near Rayong.
Date: 9th Feb 2023 | Day 2: Wake up at 6:30AM, and reach dropzone aka skydiving school by 8AM. Pay fees and take admission. Start ground school training.
Date: 10th Feb 2023 | Day 3: Reach dropzone by 7AM and Start with your first jump based on weather.
Date: 11th Dec -27th Feb 2023 | Day 4 to Day 21: 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: 28th Feb 2023 | Day 22: Departure to BKK airport
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 USPA-A License Cost Estimate in Thailand?
The estimated cost for obtaining a USPA A License in Thailand is as follows:
– A License Package: ฿155,800 (₹367,688)
– Visa: ฿1,100 (₹2,500)
– Flights: ฿12,500 (₹30,000)
– Stay (21 days, Sharing Basis): ฿7,350 (₹17,346)
– Food (21 days): ฿8,400 (₹20,000)
– Airport Transfers (per person): ฿1,000 (₹2,500)
– Stay to/from Dropzone Transport: ฿2,000 (₹4,700)
– Consultation Donation: ฿4,240 (₹10,000)
– USPA Membership & A License Fees: ฿4,104 (₹9,348)
>> Total Estimated Cost:
– In Thai Baht: ฿196,494
– In Indian Rupees: ₹464,082
To stay updated with recent prices, follow the Skydiving Costs in Rupees link.
What is USPA-A License Cost Estimate in Thailand?
The estimated total cost for completing your USPA A License in Thailand is approximately ₹4,64,082, which includes:
– A License Package Fees: ₹3,67,688
– Travel and Accommodation: ₹90,688 (visa, flights, stay, food, and transport)
Additionally, you should budget for potential repeat jumps:
– Levels 1–3: Approx. ₹27,612 per jump
– Levels 4–7: Approx. ₹19,588 per jump
Note: Actual costs can vary based on exchange rates and airfare. For a detailed breakdown, [click here to learn more].
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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