Why the Plane Matters for Your First Jump
If you’re gearing up for your first skydive, you’re probably thinking about the freefall, the view, or how not to lose your lunch on the way down. But here’s something you probably haven’t thought about: the plane you’ll jump out of.
Spoiler alert – it makes a huge difference.
Some drop zones still use vintage aircrafts from the 1960s. While those planes are functional, they’re slow, cramped, and about as smooth as a jackhammer on wheels. These older planes, like the King Air or even the popular Twin Otter, were never originally designed with skydiving in mind, leading to compromises in comfort, safety, and efficiency.
Take the King Air, for example. This is the least effective Aircraft for skydiving. They can be bought very cheaply and are generally around 60 years old. Many of these aircraft have been in crashes and reassembled and repaired (and let’s not talk about how many have conducted “gear-up” landings!).
This is the most dangerous skydiving aircraft.
The Twin Otter, on the other hand, is one of the most popular aircraft for skydiving. It’s big and roomy. However, many of these planes have also been in service for over 60 years and are often pushed beyond their airframe’s design limits.
That’s where the PAC 750XL comes in.
Modern, efficient, and specifically designed for skydiving, the PAC 750 transforms your experience—making it faster, smoother, and significantly better. Here are five reasons why choosing a drop zone that operates a PAC 750 is the smart move for your first skydive.
1. Faster Ride to Altitude = Less Time to Freak Out
Older planes take their sweet time climbing to jump altitude – we’re talking 15-20 minutes of stewing in your own nerves, heart pounding, while your tandem instructor reassures you for the 19th time that you won’t die.
The PAC 750, on the other hand, gets you there in 9-12 minutes flat. It’s like trading a rickety old bike for a turbo-charged sports car. The climb is smooth, fast, and you’ll barely have time to overthink before the door slides open and it’s go time.
2. More Space = Less Awkwardness
If you’ve never crammed into an old aircraft for a skydiving load, here’s a visual: imagine sharing a broom closet with five people while wearing backpacks the size of small refrigerators. That’s the vibe.
The PAC 750 fixes that. It’s built specifically for skydiving, which means:
- More cabin space: You and your tandem instructor won’t be squished like sardines.
- A bigger door: Exiting the plane feels natural, not like being shoved out of a moving bus.
- A less claustrophobic experience overall: You’ll feel comfortable and calm instead of sweating bullets before you even jump.
Competitive Pricing = A Reflection of Quality
When it comes to skydiving planes, you often get what you pay for. Here’s a quick look at the typical price tags for some popular aircraft:
- Used King Air: $350,000 – Often described as a disposable skydiving plane, these are the least expensive but also the least reliable. Many have been in crashes and repeatedly patched up, making them the riskiest option.
- Used Twin Otter: $750,000 – A spacious and popular choice, but many of these planes are over 60 years old and pushed beyond their intended life limits.
- Used PAC 750: $1,300,000 – A modern aircraft built specifically for skydiving, combining reliability, efficiency, and safety. It’s a higher upfront investment but ensures a top-tier experience.
Choosing a drop zone that operates a PAC 750 reflects their commitment to quality and prioritizing customer experience.
Smoother Exits = Better First Jumps
Older planes? They’re often converted for skydiving, and let’s just say the exits weren’t a priority. Tiny doors, awkward step-offs, and poor jump platforms can make your first exit less “epic freefall moment” and more stumble and hope for the best.
The PAC 750 was built for skydiving, so exits are smooth and clean. It’s ideal for tandem jumps, giving you and your instructor a stable platform to launch out and get you into freefall with style.
Modern Plane = More Reliable, Fewer Delays
Skydiving already depends on things like weather and winds. You don’t need an ancient plane adding to the list of delays. Vintage aircraft need more maintenance, more repairs, and sometimes they just decide not to fly.
The PAC 750 is modern, efficient, and reliable. It’s built tough, which means fewer delays and a better chance of your jump going off without a hitch.
Why It All Matters
When choosing a skydiving center, most people consider factors like proximity, scenery, and cost. However, one often-overlooked question is: What aircraft will I be jumping from, and how safe is it?
At Chattanooga Skydiving Company, we treat you like family. That’s why we’ve invested in a 2010 PAC 750—the most modern and safest aircraft engineered specifically for skydiving by skydivers. Don’t just take our word for it. Do your research. Ask about the airplane. Look up its FAA registration number to learn its history. Your safety and experience should always come first.
From gearing up to touchdown, your experience should be smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable. Jumping from a PAC 750 ensures a fast, comfortable, and modern ride to altitude—so you can focus on the exhilaration of freefall.
Final Thought: If You’re Jumping Out of a Plane, Make It a Good One
There’s a reason top drop zones use the PAC 750: it’s built to get you there in style. You’re not just skydiving; you’re soaring into an unforgettable story. Jump from a plane that’s designed to deliver the best experience possible.
PAC 750. Better plane, better jump, better story to tell.
