All About High Altitude Jumps

TL;DR
High altitude skydiving refers to any skydive that takes place above 15,000 feet. These jumps provide significantly more freefall time than standard skydives and require supplemental oxygen due to the thinner air at higher elevations. The most common types of high-altitude jumps are HALO (High Altitude, Low Opening) and HAHO (High Altitude, High Opening) jumps. While these techniques originated in military operations, civilians can now experience high-altitude skydiving through specialized tandem and sport skydiving programs.

Imagine standing at the open door of an aircraft more than three miles above the Earth. The landscape stretches endlessly below, the air is cool and thin, and for a brief moment everything feels completely still. Then you step into the sky.

While high altitude skydiving isn’t available at all dropzones, it remains one of the most fascinating and technically demanding disciplines in the sport. With longer freefall times, specialized equipment, and roots in military operations, high-altitude jumps continue to capture the imagination of skydivers around the world. 

Whether you’re curious about HALO jumps, military skydiving techniques, or experiencing a high-altitude tandem skydive yourself, here’s everything you need to know.

What is High Altitude Skydiving?

High altitude skydiving is any skydive conducted from an altitude above 15,000 feet. According to the United States Parachute Association (USPA), jumps above this threshold require additional planning, training, and safety procedures due to the reduced oxygen levels found at higher elevations.

The primary advantage of a high-altitude jump is simple: more freefall. The higher you exit the aircraft, the longer you’ll spend soaring through the sky before deploying your parachute. For many jumpers, the extra freefall time, breathtaking views, and unique experience make high altitude parachuting one of the most exciting adventures available.

For licensed skydivers, a high altitude jump affords the extra time needed to achieve amazing feats – such as the 400-way world record set in Udon Thani, Thailand in 2006.

How High Do You Skydive From?

Most tandem skydives in the United States take place between 10,000 and 14,000 feet, which is considered the normal skydiving height for recreational skydiving. At Skydive Orange, standard tandem skydives exit from 14,000 feet, providing approximately 60 seconds of freefall.

The altitude of a skydive ultimately depends on the aircraft being used, weather conditions, the type of jump being performed, and local regulations.

Here’s a quick comparison of exit altitudes and freefall time:

What is a High Altitude Jump Called?

The two most common types of high altitude parachute jumps are HALO and HAHO jumps. Both involve exiting an aircraft from a high altitude, but they differ in when the parachute is deployed.

These techniques were originally developed for military operations but have since become popular among experienced civilian skydivers – and in some cases tandem passengers – seeking a more adventurous experience.

What is a HALO Jump?

HALO stands for High Altitude, Low Opening.

In a HALO jump, skydivers exit the aircraft at a high altitude and remain in freefall until a relatively low altitude before deploying their parachute. Because the parachute opens at roughly the same altitude as a standard skydive, the extra altitude translates directly into more freefall time.

The typical HALO jump height for civilian skydiving typically ranges between 15,000 and 20,000 feet, and the parachute is deployed usually between 2,000 and 6,000 feet. Compared to a standard tandem skydive, a HALO jump offers:

• More freefall time
• Epic panoramic views
• Unique bucket-list experience
• Opportunity to experience supplemental O2 procedures

What is a HAHO Jump?

HAHO stands for High Altitude, High Opening.

Unlike a HALO jump, a HAHO jumper deploys their parachute shortly after exiting the aircraft. This allows them to glide long distances under canopy before reaching their destination.

The technique was developed for military operations where personnel needed to travel significant distances – 20 to 30 miles (or more) – while remaining difficult to detect. Instead of maximizing freefall time, HAHO jumps maximize canopy flight time. 

While HALO jumps are far more common in civilian skydiving, HAHO remains an important part of military parachuting history. Jumpers typically exit between 15,000 and 35,000 feet and deploy their canopy almost immediately. This is usually the type of jump and altitude that Navy Seals jump from, as a tactical maneuver.

High Altitude Skydiving Equipment

Because the atmosphere becomes thinner as altitude increases, specialized gear is required for high-altitude operations.

The most important piece of high altitude skydiving equipment is a supplemental oxygen system. Above 15,000 feet, oxygen helps prevent hypoxia, a condition caused by insufficient oxygen reaching the body’s tissues.

Additional equipment and preparations may include:

• Aircraft equipped with oxygen masks or nasal cannulas
• Advanced oxygen systems for extreme-altitude jumps
• Additional training and procedures
• Layered clothing for colder temperatures

For civilian high-altitude jumps, trained instructors and experienced skydivers carefully manage oxygen systems and safety procedures before and during the jump. The additional planning and equipment requirements are part of what makes high altitude skydiving such a specialized discipline.

World Record High Altitude Jumps

What is the highest altitude jump ever? We’ll tell you about two – because they are both extraordinary.

In 2012, Felix Baumgartner completed his famous Red Bull Stratos jump from 128,100 feet – over 24 miles above the Earth. His freefall lasted more than 4 minutes, and he became the first person to break the sound barrier without an aircraft!

Just two years later, Alan Eustace surpassed that achievement by jumping from 135,898 feet, setting the current world record for the highest skydive ever completed. Eustace was in freefall for 4 minutes and 27 seconds, reaching a top speed of 822 mph!

While these jumps required specialized equipment and years of preparation, they showcase the incredible possibilities of high-altitude skydiving.

High Altitude Skydiving Near Me

If you’ve searched for “high altitude skydiving near me,” you’ve probably discovered that these jumps are much less common than standard tandem skydives. Because of the specialized equipment, oxygen requirements, and aircraft capabilities involved, only a limited number of dropzones offer true high-altitude experiences.

Even if a dropzone doesn’t offer HALO or other high-altitude jumps, a standard skydive from 13,000 to 14,000 feet still provides an incredible freefall experience and is how most skydivers are introduced to the sport.

If experiencing a high-altitude jump is on your bucket list, be sure to research the altitude options available at dropzones in your region and ask about additional requirements or training.

Ready to Take Your Adventure to New Heights?

Whether you’re fascinated by military HALO operations, world-record jumps, or the science behind high altitude skydiving, one thing is certain: few experiences compare to the feeling of stepping out of an airplane and into the open sky.

If you’ve been dreaming about making your first skydive, there’s no better time to take the leap. Book your tandem skydive at Skydive Orange and discover why so many people call it the adventure of a lifetime. Blue skies!