offduty/sports/military_022508_indoorskydiving2
Get the details on tunnel flying
Wanna try tunnel flying? Here’s your preflight briefing:
What is it?
Bodyflight, or indoor skydiving, is the closest you can come to flying without a jet pack or seagull’s wings. It’s done inside a vertical wind tunnel with your body outstretched on a “column” of air that’s blowing between 120 and 185 mph.
Where can I do it?
There are 13 major tunnels in the U.S. They are:
SkyVenture New Hampshire, Nashua, N.H.
Paraclete XP SkyVenture, Raeford, N.C.
Appalachian Amusement Center, Waynesville, N.C.
http://www.verticalwind.com/aac.html
Flyaway Indoor Skydiving, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
http://www.flyawayindoorskydiving.com
SkyVenture Orlando, Orlando, Fla.
http://www.skyventureorlando.com
SkyVenture Colorado, Lone Tree, Colo.
http://www.skyventurecolorado.com
iFly Utah, Ogden, Utah
SkyVenture Arizona, Eloy, Ariz.
Flyaway Indoor Skydiving, Las Vegas
http://www.flyawayindoorskydiving.com
iFly SF Bay, Union City, Calif.
iFly Hollywood, Universal City, Calif.
Skydive Perris, Perris, Calif.
VR Skydive, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Why should I do it?
C’mon, Sally. Live a little. Even if you’re not a death-defying thrill seeker, bodyflight is heaps of fun and plenty safe — even for the kids.
Is it expensive?
You decide: Paraclete XP SkyVenture, just a few miles from Fort Bragg, N.C., charges a basic rate of $1,100 per hour, which works out to about $19 per minute, the approximate time you’d experience in free fall if you were to skydive for real. For $54, a first-timer can get two one-minute sessions in the tunnel. That includes instruction and gear rental (flight suit, helmet, goggles and pads). Other packages are available. Pricing is comparable at other U.S. tunnels.
What can I expect?
A darn good time. You won’t be an expert after one tour in the tunnel, but with enough practice over time you can learn to control your movements and enhance your experience. Be patient if you want to stick with it.
Can I take a friend?
You can, but don’t expect to fly simultaneously if it’s your first time.
Contests and Promotions
Service Members Of The Year
Nominate Someone Today!
Know someone with whom you are proud to serve? Nominate them for a 2010 Military Times Service Members of the Year Award.
Win The Military Times Fitness Package Sweeptakes
ENTER TO WIN...The Fitness Package includes a Bowflex Classic Home Gym, a push-up and pull-up bar and more to keep you fit and active. Click here for more info.
Marketplace
Mil-Mall
Hooah! ButtonCreated by an active duty soldier, the Hooah! button is a must-have for anyone who wants to spread the Hooah!
Military Discounts
Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.






