How to Wingsuit Skydive: Requirements & Progression Guide

Updated for 2026

Wingsuit skydiving requires a minimum of 200 skydives, a USPA A-License, and completion of a certified First Flight Course (FFC). It is an advanced discipline that demands strong freefall control, canopy skills, and consistent experience.

At Skydive Chicago, wingsuit progression follows a structured training path designed to build skill safely and confidently.

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What Is Wingsuit Skydiving?

Wingsuit skydiving involves wearing a specialized suit that creates surface area between the arms and legs, allowing jumpers to glide horizontally through the air instead of falling straight down.

It is one of the most advanced and technical disciplines in skydiving — and it is earned through structured progression.

Step-by-Step Path to Wingsuit Skydiving

Step 1: Start With Tandem Skydives

Before training solo, you must complete at least two tandem skydives.

This builds:

• Comfort with altitude
• Body awareness in freefall
• Basic understanding of parachute flight

(At least one tandem must be completed at Skydive Chicago within the last 6 months for currency.)

👉 Don’t go alone! Learn about Tandem Skydiving with a Group HERE

Step 2: Earn Your A-License (Advanced Freefall Program)

Enroll in our Advanced Freefall Program (AFP).

Through 18+ levels of instruction, you’ll master:

• Stable body position
• Altitude awareness
• Emergency procedures
• Canopy control
• Landing accuracy

After completing AFP and 25 jumps, you’ll earn your USPA A-License.

👉 Learn more about earning your skydiving license

Step 3: Build Experience (25–200 Jumps)

Wingsuiting is not about rushing — it’s about experience.

Jumps 25–100

Focus on:

• Belly flying proficiency
• Clean exits
• Strong break-off habits
• Canopy control improvement
• B-License requirements (canopy course + water training)

👉 Learn how to earn your B-License

 

Jumps 100–200

You must build:

• Consistent freefall control
• Strong group flying awareness
• Emergency decision-making ability
• Airspace discipline

Many wingsuiters also improve their skills through:

• Freefly training
• Coaching jumps
• Load organizing
• Skills camps

Step 4: First Flight Course (200+ Jumps Required)

Once you reach 200 jumps, you are eligible to enroll in a First Flight Course (FFC).

This includes:

• Ground training specific to wingsuits
• Flight planning
• Winds aloft analysis
• Emergency procedures
• Aircraft exit techniques
• Deployment and recovery drills
• Airspace awareness

After successful completion, you may begin wingsuit flying under supervision.

What Gear Do You Need to Wingsuit?

Your instructor will guide you in selecting:

• A wingsuit appropriate for your experience level
• A properly fitted rig
• An 8-foot bridle pilot chute
• A wingsuit-compatible 7-cell canopy or other docile main parachute
• An AAD (Automatic Activation Device)
• Audible and visual altimeters

Not all rigs are wingsuit-compatible — equipment selection is critical.

Common Wingsuit Myths

You can wingsuit after a few jumps.
No. A minimum of 200 jumps is required.

Any parachute rig will work.
No. Wingsuiting requires specific equipment considerations.

You need a separate wingsuit license.
No. You need a USPA A-License, 200 jumps, and completion of a First Flight Course.

Is Wingsuit Skydiving Dangerous?

Wingsuit flying carries higher risk than standard belly skydiving due to forward speed, glide ratios, airspace complexity, and physical limitations caused by the suit. That’s why strict experience minimums, structured training, and proper equipment are required.

Why Train at Skydive Chicago?

• Professional instructors
• Structured progression path
• State-of-the-art aircraft
• Large landing areas
• Active skills camps and events
• Supportive skydiving community

Wingsuit flying doesn’t start with a suit. It starts with one jump — and a commitment to progression.

Frequently Asked Questions