HALO
High Altitude Low Opening
SkyDance SkyDiving is your premier destination for HALO skydiving.
Whether you are an experienced jumper looking for the added thrill of extreme altitudes, a tandem student wanting to take the experience higher, or a special project with the goal of pushing the boundaries of human flight, we’ve got you covered!
We are the only dropzone in America with a Certificate of Authorization from the FAA to fly into Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace above 28,000’. What does this mean? We’re the only dropzone in the nation with approval to skydive above 28,000’. No where else can you make a skydive for a full 2 ½ minutes of freefall!
Our 30,000’ HALO skydives are truly a unique opportunity.
A HALO Skydive from 18,000′ – 22,000′ requires oxygen, but only during the plane ride to altitude. You’ll be breathing through a simple, clear oxygen mask until it’s time to exit the plane. Our 30,000’ HALO jumps require a little more planning. The extreme altitude and reduced air pressure requires skydivers to start pre-breathing oxygen on the ground for an hour prior to takeoff. Due to the special equipment and planning required, you’ll have to reserve your spot at least a month in advance if you want a tandem jump from the top floor.
If you want to do an 18,000′ Tandem Skydive, we can do that anytime without notice. Just reserve your spot today through our Book Now page, and you’ll be in the air in no time.
Records, Films, Special Projects
SkyDance SkyDiving is your premier destination for HALO related projects, films, and record attempts! Over the years, we’ve helped skydivers from all over achieve their dreams of a world record.
- In May 2016, Kyle Lobries earned FAI world records for wingsuit distance flown and time aloft from over 36,000 ft.
- In November 2015, Jimmy Petrolia achieved a wingsuit exit altitude record of 37,240 ft.
- In May 2015, the CA state high altitude formation load was broken by 8 jumpers exiting from 33,000 ft.
Next HALO Tandem Course – October 28 – 30, 2024
SkyDance SkyDiving has gone to great lengths to provide the most up to date equipment, techniques, aircraft, and FAA waivers in order to provide the HALO experience. You’ll have to put in some effort in order to participate in a HALO jump too. In addition to the usual restrictions for tandem skydiving, HALO tandem skydivers will be required to obtain at their own expense (~$120), an FAA class 3 medical certificate or equivalent (see FAQs). There is no prior skydiving or experience or license needed.
The SkyDance HALO Tandem Skydive Course includes the training class, specialized equipment rental, one 13,000’ training tandem skydive, instructor hand-cam video, and one 28,000′ – 30,000′ AMSL HALO tandem skydive.
This could be the biggest leap you’ll ever make…..
Our next HALO jumps will be occurring in October 28th – 30th, 2024. There are ONLY 3 tandem slots available, so act quickly! Course cost is $4,250 per participant.
2025 HALO Dates
Join the HALO mailing list to be the first to be notified when we have 2025 dates available.
Background
HALO stands for High Altitude Low Opening and is an acronym that describes a method of delivering personnel, equipment, and supplies from a transport aircraft at a high altitude via free-fall parachute insertion.
In the HALO technique, the parachutist opens his parachute at a low altitude after free-falling for a period of time from an extremely high altitude. HALO techniques date back to 1960 when the U.S. Air Force was conducting experiments that followed earlier work by Colonel John Stapp in the late 1940s through early 1950s on survivability factors for high-flying pilots needing to eject at high altitudes. In recent years, the HALO technique has been practiced by civilians as a form of skydiving.
Very few civilians have ever been able to participate in a HALO skydiving because it requires special military oxygen delivery systems, aircraft capable of reaching extremely high altitudes, and coordination with the FAA. Currently, SkyDance Skydiving is the only dropzone in America with a Certificate of Authorization from the FAA to fly our aircraft into Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) air space and to skydive from above 28,000 ft.
Whether you’re an experienced skydiver looking to do an extreme altitude jump or a tandem student wanting something truly unique, SkyDance Skydiving is your only choice for true HALO skydives.