Charity Skydive FAQs

Thank you for considering Skydiving with us! Read our FAQs on what to expect from this exhilarating challenge.

What is it like?

Imagine standing at the edge of an open doorway in an aircraft flying at 10,000 feet - the noise of the engines and the wind ringing in your ears with only the outline of distant fields below.

Now imagine leaning forward out of that doorway and letting go - falling forward into the clouds, diving down through the air as you start freefalling at over 120mph!

Then imagine the peace and quiet as the canopy opens, the steering toggles come down either side of you and you begin a tranquil parachute descent from a mile up in the air, steering yourself back down to the centre of the drop zone below with the help of your professional freefall parachute instructor.

Dont' forget, you'll also enjoy the feel-good feeling of knowing that you are fundraising to support our young patients at Scotland's busiest children's hospital.

Now stop imagining, as you have the chance to enjoy this incredible experience for yourself!

What does the jump involve?

Technically the jump a 'Tandem Skydive'. It is a Skydive because you are freefalling through the air (without the parachute deployed) for several thousand feet; it is in Tandem because you are harnessed to a professional parachute instructor at all times throughout the descent. This is the only way you can jump from such an altitude without spending thousands of pounds becoming a freefall parachutist. This is an experience of a lifetime!

This jump is also much less demanding than the traditional ‘static line’ jump as the jump and training are completed in one day and your instructor will be in control of your landing.

Points to remember:

Jump and training completed in one day
Harnessed to an experienced parachute instructor at all times
Jump from at least 10,000 feet - just like the professionals
Freefall down to 5,000 feet - falling through the air at 120 mph!
Ride the parachute down to the ground - we teach you how to steer onto the drop zone
Landing controlled by your instructor
Certificate to prove that you have completed a ‘two-mile high’ Tandem Skydive!

What must I do to qualify for a jump?

A deposit of £50 reserves your place. You'll then receive a link to download our Booking Confirmation Form which needs to be completed in order to confirm your place.

We have a suggested fundraising pledge of £550 and our fundraising team will be on hand every step of the way to help you meet your target! There are a variety of ways in which you can easily meet and exceed this target. Ten days prior to your jump date, £350 is due to the charity. The remaining £200 is due six weeks after the date of your jump (although you can raise it all beforehand if you prefer).

Our fundraising team are always on hand to support you through every step of your fundraising journey to offer help and advice, and can provide you with a wide range of fundraising materials including sponsor forms, collection cans, posters and much more.

When can I jump?

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity have several bespoke jump dates throughout the year. If you are unable to jump on the date listed on our website, then please contact the airfield directly on 01592 882400 to discuss the possibility of jumping on an alternative date.

Where is the airfield?

St Andrews Airfiled is near Glenrothes. Please plan your travel ahead of taing part:

Skydive St Andrews
Osprey Road
Glenrothes
Fife, KY6 2SZ

Are there any restrictions on age or health?

For a tandem skydive you must be at least 16 years old, and be under 14 stone in weight. Exceptions can be made for individuals up to 15 stone in weight, this is entirely at the discretion of Skydive St Andrews, for further information on this please call our office on 0141 212 8750.

The principal medical restrictions are diabetes, epilepsy, fits, recurrent blackouts, heart or lung disease, mental illness and some cases of asthma. You will be required to sign a medical form before your jump declaring your fitness to take part, sent after your place is confirmed.

Those under the age of 18 will need the medical form signed by a parent or guardian; those aged 40 and over, or those with a medical condition, will need the medical form signed by their doctor.

Pre-existing physical conditions will not necessarily prevent you from taking part but please inform Skydive St Andrews of any physical condition as this may affect the location of your jump. If you are in any doubt then please contact us for further information.

What about insurance?

You are automatically covered for up to £2,000,000 third party insurance but this will not cover you for personal injury. Should you wish to take out cover for personal injury you should arrange this through your own insurance provider.

How do I book my place for a jump?

Once you have reserved your place, you will receive an email to download our Booking Confirmation Form. This must be completed to confirm your place.

Please send this to us as soon as possible and no later than the latest booking date indicated on the form. Should you wish to discuss other payment methods then please call our team on 0141 212 8750. We accept various payment methods, however please do NOT post cash payments for security reasons.

PAYING FOR YOUR JUMP AND SPONSORSHIP MONEY

The following sponsorship system is designed to make it as easy as possible for you to take part.

You must raise a total of £550 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

To secure your place for the Tandem Skydive you must pay a £50 deposit directly to Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity
£350 is due to the charity 10 days prior to your jump date.
You will not be due to pay the remaining £200 until six weeks after the date of your jump*.
If you raise funds online, please do so via Just Giving or Virgin Money Giving.
If you raise funds offline, please send all donations and cheques directly to Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity (the charity will provide this information once you have made your booking).

*Please note you can still raise all funds prior to your jump date.

We cannot start confirm your jump until you return your Booking Confirmation Form. Please do this as soon as possible, so that we can give you the date of your choice and so that you can start preparing yourself for this incredible experience!

Can friends and family watch me Skydive?

You are welcome to bring along your friends and family so they can watch you on a day you will simply never forget!