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Static line jumps are the focus of this installment of our go skydiving guide.

In static line skydiving, a line is pre-attached to the parachute pack on the jumper’s back. This static line releases the parachute automatically as the jumper leaves the plane.

Exiting at about 3,500-4,000 feet (1,067-1,220m) above the ground, though in some cases higher, the line opens the chute a few seconds after you leave the plane and your rate of descent drops from about 120 mph (193 kph) to around 10 mph (16 kph).

Instructors will be in the plane with you prior to your jump and will ensure that the line mechanism is attached properly but they don’t exit the plane with you. Normally though, as you descend, you’ll typically be in two-way radio contact with an instructor on the ground who will provide directions on landing.

While the parachute is deployed for the jumper, training is still required for this type of skydiving. The jumper must learn how to properly exit the plane and must grasp landing technique and safety measures, including deployment of the reserve parachute. This kind of training is much less involved than accelerated freefall training and usually takes about half a day.

Prices for static line jumping vary depending on the number of jumps purchased and the location of the skydiving school. However, this is often cheaper than other forms of skydiving because there is relatively little training and one instructor can train a small group of students.

Static line jumping has the advantage of getting students up in the air quickly and of your allowing them to be on their own from the second they leave the plane (those who are not sure that this latter point is an advantage should try tandem jumping first).

However, it’s not seen as a long term option for those who plan to become regular skydivers; such people tend to move onto accelerated freefall training and solo jumps due to the increased freefall time experienced with them.

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