From first tandem to first flight—your wingsuit journey starts here.
Wingsuit skydiving—also called squirrel suit skydiving, bat suit flying, or gliding suit jumping— captures the imagination like few things can. It’s the dream of many—and it’s absolutely achievable. But it’s not where you begin… it’s what you earn after a journey of progression, patience, and persistence. There’s an incredible journey to take, one full of training, progression, and unforgettable jumps.
At Skydive Chicago, we believe in turning passion into progress. Whether you’re coming off your first tandem or you’re already a licensed jumper looking toward the next horizon, here’s your roadmap to becoming a wingsuit flyer.
🚀 Step-by-Step Path to Wingsuit Skydiving
Step 1: Tandem Skydives (2 Required)
Start with two tandem jumps to get familiar with altitude, body position, and the rush of freefall. At least one tandem must be completed at Skydive Chicago within the last 6 months to meet currency requirements.
Step 2: Ground School & The Advanced Freefall Program (AFP)
Enroll in our online ground school, followed by the Advanced Freefall Program (AFP). You’ll work one-on-one with instructors through 18+ levels of learning to master stability, awareness, altitude control, emergency procedures and canopy skills. Steps for the progression.
By the end, you’ll earn your A-License through the United States Parachute Association (USPA).
📈 Step 3: Post-Licensing Progression
🪂 Jumps 25–100
Build jump numbers while staying current, and working on skill building. Participate in events, coach jumps, and fun jumps to log experience and get one step closer to flying your first wingsuit. Begin logging accuracy landings for your B-license.
- Earn Your B-license: A canopy course (which helps in improving canopy control and landing skills) and water training [More about earning your B-license here!]
- Belly Fly Skills: Keep sharpening your relative work in small groups—working on smooth exits, clean approaches, solid altitude awareness, and strong break-off habits
- Movement Jumps: Try a new discipline that improves spatial awareness, body control, and navigating that will translate to wingsuiting
- Event Participation: join skills camps, boogies or get on load organized jumps to build your skills.
- Find Your People: There are others just like you wanting to pursue the wingsuit journey. You can find them here at Skydive Chicago or in online communities!
🪂 Jumps 100–200
- Check off Skills for Your C-License: Necessary for wingsuiting and C-license requirements.
- Freefly Jumps: Learning new disciplines is a challenge but learning to fly your body will help with overall control and body awareness that will help you give you an edge when flying your wingsuit – especially in emergencies
- Become a USPA Coach: With only 100 jumps you can continue your education and refining your skills
🦅 Step 4: Your First Flight: Jump 200+
Once you hit jump #200, you’re eligible to begin wingsuit training. First Flight Course (FFC): Ground training specific to wingsuiting prepares you for:
- Winds aloft for flight planning and suit navigation
- Emergency procedures
- Exits, deployment, and stability drills
- Gear orientation
- Aircraft chain of command
- Sharing airspace with students and tandems
What Gear Do I Need to Wingsuit?
Your instructor will help you select:
- A wingsuit that fits your skill and body size
- A rig with an 8’ bridle pilot chute, AAD, and a docile canopy or wingsuit specific 7 cell canopy
- Accessories like an audible altimeter and a chest mounted altimeter
Common Myths (Busted!) 🧪
- You can wingsuit after a few jumps: Nope. It requires 200.
- Any rig will work: You need wingsuit-compatible gear.
- You need a wingsuit license: Nope, just an A-license, 200 jumps and a First Flight Course!
Why Learn at Skydive Chicago?
- Professional instructors and a proven progression path
- State-of-the-art aircraft and
- World class facilities
- A passionate, supportive community
- Opportunities to grow and build your skills
Whether your dream is to fly a gliding suit through the clouds or BASE jump from a cliff in a squirrel suit, it all starts the same: with one jump.
