Drop Zones: Best Destinations For Skydivers Near Detroit
What to Know
Make sure the company you're dealing with is indeed a skydiving company. There are many businesses advertising themselves as skydiving firms, but really they are essentially resellers earning commissions for directing customers to specific partners outside the city. You should deal directly with places that are group members of the United States Parachute Association (USPA), the governing agency for skydivers.
Starting from 10,000 feet up at about 120 miles per hour, you'll have less than a minute before landing. It's going to go by quick, and you'll want to relive it again and again. Find out how much it costs to video your fall and in what format you'll get the media for later duplication or sharing with friends via the Internet.
You must be 18 years old or older to skydive, no exceptions. Parental or guardian permission won't release any liabilities regarding recreational sports, and hold harmless waivers are required by all skydivers. Bring your photo ID.
For tandem jumps, find out the company's weight limit. Typically clocking in on the scale at 200 to 240 pounds or more will disqualify you for a tandem jump. Also call ahead to discuss any medical conditions that might put your risk factors too high.
Aim to schedule your jump as early in the day as possible in case there are weather issues or other delays. After training, orientation and paperwork, expect to get airborne at least an hour after getting started.
With many reservations during the summer months, you may find yourself stuck with either an early slot (around 7 a.m.) or near dusk (around 7 p.m.), with weekdays more open than weekends. Call ahead for availability and keep tabs on that day's weather forecast.
Where To Go
The "Find A Dropzone" list on the USPA website — http://www.uspa.org — offers complete listings, descriptions of aircraft and details about on-site services from its various group members. Here's a quick list of what's nearby.
Midwest Freefall Sport Parachute Club, Inc.
62912 Kunstman Rd. / Kunstman Airfield
Ray, MI 48096
(20 miles northeast of Detroit)
(586) 752-JUMP
www.midwestfreefall.com
Capital City Skydiving
7080 West Sherwood Rd. / Maple Grove Airport
Fowlerville, MI 48836
(65 miles northwest of Detroit)
(517) 219-4709
www.CapitalCitySkydiving.com
Napoleon Skydiving Center
6700 Brooklyn Rd. / Napoleon Airport
Napoleon, MI 49261
(75 miles west of Detroit)
(248) 375-5797 or (517) 536-5252
www.napoleonskydivingcenter.com
Skydive Tecumseh
9305 Tecumseh-Clinton Hwy. / Al Myers Airport
Tecumseh, MI 49286
(75 miles southwest of Detroit)
(517) 423-7720
www.skydivemichigan.com
Skydive Michigan!, Inc.
1243 S. Kalamazoo / Brooks Field
Marshall, MI 49068
(100 miles west of Detroit)
(269) 781-9411
Wild Wind Skydivers
4821 Janes Rd. / Harry Browne Airport
Saginaw, MI 48601
(100 miles north of Detroit)
(989) 430-0911 or (989) 832-5780 (weekday)
www.wildwindskydivers.com
Central Michigan Skydivers
Mount Pleasant Municipal Airport
5453 E Airport Rd
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
(155 miles northwest of Detroit)
(989) 773-8858
www.skydivecms.com
Skydive Allegan
740 Grand Street / Allegan City Airport (Padgham Field) Hanger #25
Allegan, MI 49010
(170 miles west of Detroit)
(269) 998-7747
www.skydiveinc.com
Aerohio Skydiving Center
Corner State Route 604 and Blough Rd. / Hilty Field
Rittman, OH 44270
(180 miles southeast of Detroit)
(330) 925-3483
www.jumptoday.com
Premier Skydiving
7756 W. 60th St. / Fremont Municipal Airport
Fremont, MI 49412
(205 miles northwest of Detroit)
(877) 2SKYDIVE
www.premier-skydiving.com