Become A Licensed Skydiver
Earn Your License. Jump Anywhere in the World.
Complete our Tandem Progression Course and gain the skills and confidence to skydive solo—anywhere in the world.
At Skydive Charlevoix, our Tandem Progression (TP) Program is designed for individuals who want to become licensed solo skydivers through a structured, supportive training path.
The program follows USPA guidelines and includes 8 training categories (A–H), totaling 25 jumps required to earn your USPA “A” License. Your journey begins with two tandem skydives (Categories A and B), where you’ll be securely harnessed to a USPA-rated instructor. During these initial jumps, you’ll learn canopy flight basics, proper body position, altitude awareness, and essential emergency procedures. As you move into solo jumps, you’ll train alongside USPA-certified instructors and coaches who guide you through each step. Every category builds on the last, developing your skills in freefall control, canopy navigation, tracking, and self-supervised jumping.
Advancement requires demonstrating proficiency at each level, ensuring you’re fully prepared before moving forward. A USPA membership is required prior to starting the program. Whether your goal is to earn your skydiving license or simply push yourself to achieve something extraordinary, the Tandem Progression Program offers a clear, exciting path to becoming a confident solo skydiver.
Step 1: 6 Hours Ground School Training
We offer an intensive six-hour course that will prepare you to skydive confidently. You'll walk away knowing:
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How to properly exit the aircraft.
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Proper body positions for freefalls.
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Proper procedures for handling emergencies.
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How to fly your parachute..
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How to land properly.
The best thing is that you'll perform your first skydive solo on the first day.
Step 2: First 2 Training Tandem Skydives
Your training begins with two tandem skydives (Categories A and B), where you are securely harnessed to a USPA-rated tandem instructor. During these jumps, you’ll receive canopy flight training and become familiar with body position, altitude awareness, and emergency procedures.
The First Jump Course Skydiving Experience
It's important to pick an instructor course that will provide the education you need to feel confident to soar comfortably safely in the skies on your own for years to come. If you're eager to learn about how a first jump works, the answer is that there are actually several methods that can be used. Here's some diving 101 information to help you prepare for your diving education and experience.
Tandem Progression Course
Skydive Charlevoix proudly offers a highly-rated Tandem Progression Course in Michigan. During this training experience, certified instructors accompany a student in a freefall by holding onto the student's harness while the student demonstrates core skills. Due to the fact that the student is enjoying the independence of wearing their own parachute, they must be trained on emergency procedures and proper landing procedures.At Skydive Charlevoix, we offer students the ability to jump on the same day that our six-hour ground course is completed. They will maintain a tight grip on your harness and provide in-air instruction to assist you in making ensure a fun and educational experience that further prepares you for 100% independent jumps.
Tandem Freefall
Considered the "express" version of skydiving, tandem jumps mean the student and instructor share the same parachute system. The pair then freefalls together before descending under a large, dual-control parachute. Training may take just 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Popular Michigan Skydiving Instructor Course
How old do you have to be to skydive?
The minimum skydiving age in Michigan is 18 years old. This is generally true across all states.
How long does it take to skydive?
If you complete our accelerated skydive course, you will be diving on your own the same day after completing six hours of intensive instruction. For tandem jumps you should plan for two to four hours, though many times it is closer to two hours or less. As far as the actual amount of time it takes to complete a tandem or solo dive,; the gear preparation, aircraft ride, and the jump with freefall and canopy ride take about 45 minutes to an hour.
How big is the freefall when skydiving?
Regardless of the training method used, the freefall involved is typically between 9,000 and 10,000 feet. At these heights, your freefall experience will last between 30 and 40 seconds.
I want to learn to skydive. How do I find a licensed sky diving school near me?
If you're located in Michigan, Skydive Charlevoix is a highly-rated diving school that conveniently operates out of Charlevoix Municipal Airport, with some jumps taking place at the Empire Airport over Sleeping Bear Dunes or the Bois Blanc Airport over Mackinac.
Can I wear my glasses while skydiving?
Yes, you can wear glasses or contacts during your dive if you rely on them to correct your visit. People with glasses and contact lenses are given special goggles that can assist them during dives.
Should I eat before my skydiving training course?
While some people try to avoid eating prior to diving because they aren't sure how their stomachs will react to the experience, it's actually recommended that you eat something before diving. Skipping a meal could cause you to experience low blood sugar or low energy. If you end up experiencing lightheadedness or wooziness during your dive, this could put you at risk. Stick to lighter foods that are gentle on the stomach when eating before your skydive training.
