As tunnels become operational, potential instructors will undergo training by attending a Flight Instructor Training Program (FITP) and upon successful completion will receive a Level I Instructor Rating. Constant evaluation by the tunnel's own staff will help ensure the continuation of correct techniques. Then, as instructors gain more proficiency, subsequent training by the IBA can help the staff achieve higher rating levels, this will allow for tunnels to safely allow flyers to more advanced skills.

The most important factor in an ideal instructor is their attitude; they should be customer service focused, have a can do attitude, and love dealing with people. Candidates will then begin a 12 hour (tunnel time) multi-day (usually over a four week period) training program. Successful trainees will be awarded the Level I Instructor Rating.

Trainers designated by the IBA can conduct evaluations. Trainers can be rated to conduct Safety Meetings. An evaluation will be conducted by a Trainer Level 3 or higher as they will be approved to conduct facility safety meetings that cover all aspects of what is required to meet the standard.

Once the course is complete you will receive an Instructor Rating. Management and training staff at facilities aswell as your team will constantly evaluate each instructor's progress in order to strive for greatness. Generally formal evaluations should be conducted every eight weeks.

The skills developed as part of the IBA program can translate across many types of tunnels. However, due to the nature of the course the skills translate best to tunnels that have wall-to-wall airflow, a cable floor that the instructor can walk on and variable speed fans. IBA Instructor ratings are only considered "active" when the rating holder is working at an iFLY/SkyVenture facility.

No, facilities do not allow this

Yes.  As long as you wear approved ear plugs, jumpsuit, helmet and shoes.  Your gear should be inspected by your instructor.  If you require any gear, we always provide it free of charge.

The instructor will be inside the tunnel for your safety at all times. To learn tricks we have a flight progression that will teach you how to fly, ask your instructor about how you can continue on the path.

No.  The wind-speed controller is not allowed to take instructions about wind-speed changes from anyone except the instructor conducting your session.  If you wish a change to be made, you must communicate that to your instructor.

The first thing one must learn in the tunnel is to relax in a good, stable, body position.  Then you must learn to perform six points of motion while flying on your belly. These are left turn, right turn, forward, backward, up, and and down. Once you are controlled and proficient with these maneuvers, you can then start flying at higher wind speeds and being more aggressive with your movements … gradually allowing you to fly higher and higher in the wind column.

Although this can occur for a number or reasons, it is most often eliminated by relaxing.  Some of the more common reasons why people “potato-chip” are:  Looking down, pushing arms down, de-arching, and stiff or locked legs.

No.  However, the wind tunnel is the cheapest, fastest, and easiest way to learn about almost all aspects of the free-fall portion of skydiving.  Most skydivers actively use the tunnel to improve their flying skills.  

Yes.  The skills you learn in the wind tunnel transfer very well to the sky.  In fact, due to the restricted room inside the tunnel, it requires more discipline and precision.

The first thing one must learn in the tunnel is to relax in a good, stable, body position.  Then you must learn to perform six points of motion while flying on your belly. These  are left turn, right turn, forward, backward, up, and and down. Once you are controlled and proficient with these maneuvers you can begin to learn more advanced belly flying skills or you can begin the free-flying progression.  This begins with back flying.  You then learn the same skills which you acquired on you belly:  Entering the tunnel, exiting the tunnel, and 6 controlled points of motion.  Then you will be ready to begin learning transitions (changes) between the different flying orientations.  When combined, these transitions are “tricks”.

Although a good foundation in skydiving (and more importantly - tunnel flying) looks good on your resume, no previous experience in the sport is needed.

As tunnels become operational, potential instructors will undergo training by attending a Flight Instructor Training Program (FITP) and upon successful completion will receive a Level I Instructor Rating. Constant evaluation by the tunnel's own staff will help ensure the continuation of correct techniques. Then, as instructors gain more proficiency, subsequent training by the IBA can help the staff achieve higher rating levels, this will allow for tunnels to safely allow flyers to more advanced skills.

The most important factor in an ideal instructor is their attitude; they should be customer service focused, have a can do attitude, and love dealing with people. Candidates will then begin a 12 hour (tunnel time) multi-day (usually over a four week period) training program. Successful trainees will be awarded the Level I Instructor Rating.

Trainers designated by the IBA can conduct evaluations. Trainers can be rated to conduct Safety Meetings. An evaluation will be conducted by a Trainer Level 3 or higher as they will be approved to conduct facility safety meetings that cover all aspects of what is required to meet the standard.

Once the course is complete you will receive an Instructor Rating. Management and training staff at facilities aswell as your team will constantly evaluate each instructor's progress in order to strive for greatness. Generally formal evaluations should be conducted every eight weeks.

The skills developed as part of the IBA program can translate across many types of tunnels. However, due to the nature of the course the skills translate best to tunnels that have wall-to-wall airflow, a cable floor that the instructor can walk on and variable speed fans. IBA Instructor ratings are only considered "active" when the rating holder is working at an iFLY/SkyVenture facility.

No, facilities do not allow this

Yes.  As long as you wear approved ear plugs, jumpsuit, helmet and shoes.  Your gear should be inspected by your instructor.  If you require any gear, we always provide it free of charge.

The instructor will be inside the tunnel for your safety at all times. To learn tricks we have a flight progression that will teach you how to fly, ask your instructor about how you can continue on the path.

No.  The wind-speed controller is not allowed to take instructions about wind-speed changes from anyone except the instructor conducting your session.  If you wish a change to be made, you must communicate that to your instructor.

The first thing one must learn in the tunnel is to relax in a good, stable, body position.  Then you must learn to perform six points of motion while flying on your belly. These are left turn, right turn, forward, backward, up, and and down. Once you are controlled and proficient with these maneuvers, you can then start flying at higher wind speeds and being more aggressive with your movements … gradually allowing you to fly higher and higher in the wind column.

No.  However, the wind tunnel is the cheapest, fastest, and easiest way to learn about almost all aspects of the free-fall portion of skydiving.  Most skydivers actively use the tunnel to improve their flying skills.  

The first thing one must learn in the tunnel is to relax in a good, stable, body position.  Then you must learn to perform six points of motion while flying on your belly. These  are left turn, right turn, forward, backward, up, and and down. Once you are controlled and proficient with these maneuvers you can begin to learn more advanced belly flying skills or you can begin the free-flying progression.  This begins with back flying.  You then learn the same skills which you acquired on you belly:  Entering the tunnel, exiting the tunnel, and 6 controlled points of motion.  Then you will be ready to begin learning transitions (changes) between the different flying orientations.  When combined, these transitions are “tricks”.

Although a good foundation in skydiving (and more importantly - tunnel flying) looks good on your resume, no previous experience in the sport is needed.

As tunnels become operational, potential instructors will undergo training by attending a Flight Instructor Training Program (FITP) and upon successful completion will receive a Level I Instructor Rating. Constant evaluation by the tunnel's own staff will help ensure the continuation of correct techniques. Then, as instructors gain more proficiency, subsequent training by the IBA can help the staff achieve higher rating levels, this will allow for tunnels to safely allow flyers to more advanced skills.

The most important factor in an ideal instructor is their attitude; they should be customer service focused, have a can do attitude, and love dealing with people. Candidates will then begin a 12 hour (tunnel time) multi-day (usually over a four week period) training program. Successful trainees will be awarded the Level I Instructor Rating.

Trainers designated by the IBA can conduct evaluations. Trainers can be rated to conduct Safety Meetings. An evaluation will be conducted by a Trainer Level 3 or higher as they will be approved to conduct facility safety meetings that cover all aspects of what is required to meet the standard.

Once the course is complete you will receive an Instructor Rating. Management and training staff at facilities aswell as your team will constantly evaluate each instructor's progress in order to strive for greatness. Generally formal evaluations should be conducted every eight weeks.

The skills developed as part of the IBA program can translate across many types of tunnels. However, due to the nature of the course the skills translate best to tunnels that have wall-to-wall airflow, a cable floor that the instructor can walk on and variable speed fans. IBA Instructor ratings are only considered "active" when the rating holder is working at an iFLY/SkyVenture facility.

No, facilities do not allow this

Yes.  As long as you wear approved ear plugs, jumpsuit, helmet and shoes.  Your gear should be inspected by your instructor.  If you require any gear, we always provide it free of charge.

No.  The wind-speed controller is not allowed to take instructions about wind-speed changes from anyone except the instructor conducting your session.  If you wish a change to be made, you must communicate that to your instructor.

The first thing one must learn in the tunnel is to relax in a good, stable, body position.  Then you must learn to perform six points of motion while flying on your belly. These are left turn, right turn, forward, backward, up, and and down. Once you are controlled and proficient with these maneuvers, you can then start flying at higher wind speeds and being more aggressive with your movements … gradually allowing you to fly higher and higher in the wind column.

No.  However, the wind tunnel is the cheapest, fastest, and easiest way to learn about almost all aspects of the free-fall portion of skydiving.  Most skydivers actively use the tunnel to improve their flying skills.  

The first thing one must learn in the tunnel is to relax in a good, stable, body position.  Then you must learn to perform six points of motion while flying on your belly. These  are left turn, right turn, forward, backward, up, and and down. Once you are controlled and proficient with these maneuvers you can begin to learn more advanced belly flying skills or you can begin the free-flying progression.  This begins with back flying.  You then learn the same skills which you acquired on you belly:  Entering the tunnel, exiting the tunnel, and 6 controlled points of motion.  Then you will be ready to begin learning transitions (changes) between the different flying orientations.  When combined, these transitions are “tricks”.

Although a good foundation in skydiving (and more importantly - tunnel flying) looks good on your resume, no previous experience in the sport is needed.

You may only walk in the tunnel if you have been approved to do so by a current and qualified IBA rated Instructor. You may fly with and coach your students once you have completed the training and been awarded an IBA Coach Rating.

A current and on-duty tunnel instructor must always be present in the tunnel during all flight sessions.

Qualified coaches may give the safety briefing but the instructor will need to confirm that all the appropriate information is presented to the flyer. 

Only qualified instructors are allowed to spot transitions. Each skill on the Flight Chart denotes what level of instructor is required to spot that specific skill.

For example, the Back to Sit Transition is a Level 3 flying skill that requires a Level 3 instructor to spot.

Flyers must be able to perform controlled 6 points of motion (forward, backwards, left turn, right turn, up, and down) in belly, back, and sit orientations.  They must also be signed off to perform at least one of the complete sit to sit transitions.

Before you can coach and fly with your student, you will need to have completed and been approved for an IBA Coach Rating by a current IBA Trainer Level 4. This training will outline the requirements of entering the airflow with your student.

Most tunnels do not allow foreign objects into the wind tunnel as they could get loose and become a hazard, destroying the object and potentially damaging the tunnel itself.

Yes, protective gear must be worn in the staging area.

Each tunnel has different policies related to this matter.  Please contact the tunnel directly to learn about their specific policies.

Every flyer must go through the IBA's Flyer Progression in order to support the level of safety it is aimed to provide.  Skydivers who are proficient will most likely move through the progression significantly faster than those without these skills.

As tunnels become operational, potential instructors will undergo training by attending a Flight Instructor Training Program (FITP) and upon successful completion will receive a Level I Instructor Rating. Constant evaluation by the tunnel's own staff will help ensure the continuation of correct techniques. Then, as instructors gain more proficiency, subsequent training by the IBA can help the staff achieve higher rating levels, this will allow for tunnels to safely allow flyers to more advanced skills.

If you are currently working full-time at a facility, it will be under a set routine as to when your particular evaluations will occur. Attending one of these set meetings will be the only way to keep a current rating. An Instructor must complete one Safety Meeting per quarter to remain an active Instructor Rating holder along with work a minimum amount of Instructor hours as defined in the Instructor manual.

Trainers designated by the IBA can conduct evaluations. Trainers can be rated to conduct Safety Meetings. An evaluation will be conducted by a Trainer Level 3 or higher as they will be approved to conduct facility safety meetings that cover all aspects of what is required to meet the standard.

Once the course is complete you will receive an Instructor Rating. Management and training staff at facilities aswell as your team will constantly evaluate each instructor's progress in order to strive for greatness. Generally formal evaluations should be conducted every eight weeks.

No. As stated in your ratings book, no instructor can be signed off for a particular discipline until the preceding level has been successfully completed. You will however be able to begin training on this discipline whilst working towards that particular level.

Although a good foundation in skydiving (and more importantly - tunnel flying) looks good on your resume, no previous experience in the sport is needed.

Before a student can move to the next level in the IBA progression, they must be proficient in flying 6 points of points of motion.  These are left, right, forward, backward, up, and down.  Although these are the minimum standards for progressing, much more skill is needed to efficiently fly in a new orientation.  An effective instructor/coach will ensure the student has met the minimum safety standards to move forward and that moving on will be an effective use of their flight time.

Each student is different.  As a general rule, it is better to not let a first time flyer go above your head until you are comfortable that their flying will be predictable when out of reach.  It is good to be reasonably sure that your flyer will stay still and relaxed with their head up even when flying at a higher level.  Also, it is good to be sure they will use their hands to push away from the wall once you are unable to keep them from hitting the wall.  It is never a good idea to allow a small child to be out of your reach or let anyone fly in a way that you are uncomfortable spotting them.  

By making a personal connection with a students through your class and tunnel behavior, one can greatly help to keep students relaxed.  This can be accomplished by being confident, knowledgeable, friendly, smiling, and avoiding any behavior that would indicate to the student that flying is anything but safe, fun, and easy.

Suits should fit first time students without being tight or excessively baggy.  A loose fitting suit will allow the flyer to get lift with slower wind speed.  This provides a safer environment for the student and coach.  As a flyer progresses, they will want a tighter suit.  Eventually, a custom suit is recommended.

Earplug insertion can present a problem for many flyers.  Children's earplugs should always be inserted by an instructor to ensure correct placement and no hearing loss for the child.  Adults may insert their own earplug with the appropriately explained technique, but the correct placement should be confirmed by the instructor.

When presented with too much information, flyers tend to forget important aspects of flying.  A student will do well if they remember the hand signals as well as the need to be still, relaxed, and to keep their chin up.  Limiting the information given to them, increases their chances of remembering these key items.

The 3 most important things a first-time flyer can do is to Hold Still, Relax, and keep their Chin Up.  

Students who attempt to perform advanced maneuvers in the tunnel without the needed training and assistance present the greatest safety risk to themselves and the instructor who must attempt to spot the individual.

Ensuring the student is having fun and aimed at the camera when photos are taken.  It is easy to sell a product that you believe in.

The wind-speed controller can be of assistance with helping to adjust the students body position.  It is the primary job of the wind-speed controller to adjust the wind-speed appropriately.  

Only expert controllers possess the multi-tasking skill needed to safely accomplish this task.  So, one must carefully consider when to utilize this help.  A wind-speed controller should never offer help to a flyer unless the instructor has requested it.

Seeing the excited face of first time students experiencing the thrill of bodyflight for the first time.

Absolutely. Use the flyer directory option on this website and use the Filter feature to search all instructors to see where they are located.

Although most are, not all of them are active skydivers

Qualified coaches may give the safety briefing but the instructor will need to confirm that all the appropriate information is presented to the flyer. 

Flyers must be able to perform controlled 6 points of motion (forward, backwards, left turn, right turn, up, and down) in belly, back, and sit orientations.  They must also be signed off to perform at least one of the complete sit to sit transitions.

As tunnels become operational, potential instructors will undergo training by attending a Flight Instructor Training Program (FITP) and upon successful completion will receive a Level I Instructor Rating. Constant evaluation by the tunnel's own staff will help ensure the continuation of correct techniques. Then, as instructors gain more proficiency, subsequent training by the IBA can help the staff achieve higher rating levels, this will allow for tunnels to safely allow flyers to more advanced skills.

The most important factor in an ideal instructor is their attitude; they should be customer service focused, have a can do attitude, and love dealing with people. Candidates will then begin a 12 hour (tunnel time) multi-day (usually over a four week period) training program. Successful trainees will be awarded the Level I Instructor Rating.

Trainers designated by the IBA can conduct evaluations. Trainers can be rated to conduct Safety Meetings. An evaluation will be conducted by a Trainer Level 3 or higher as they will be approved to conduct facility safety meetings that cover all aspects of what is required to meet the standard.

Once the course is complete you will receive an Instructor Rating. Management and training staff at facilities aswell as your team will constantly evaluate each instructor's progress in order to strive for greatness. Generally formal evaluations should be conducted every eight weeks.

The skills developed as part of the IBA program can translate across many types of tunnels. However, due to the nature of the course the skills translate best to tunnels that have wall-to-wall airflow, a cable floor that the instructor can walk on and variable speed fans. IBA Instructor ratings are only considered "active" when the rating holder is working at an iFLY/SkyVenture facility.

No. Closed toed athletic shoes with laces are required in the flight chamber.

No, facilities do not allow this

Yes.  As long as you wear approved ear plugs, jumpsuit, helmet and shoes.  Your gear should be inspected by your instructor.  If you require any gear, we always provide it free of charge.

No.  The wind-speed controller is not allowed to take instructions about wind-speed changes from anyone except the instructor conducting your session.  If you wish a change to be made, you must communicate that to your instructor.

The first thing one must learn in the tunnel is to relax in a good, stable, body position.  Then you must learn to perform six points of motion while flying on your belly. These are left turn, right turn, forward, backward, up, and and down. Once you are controlled and proficient with these maneuvers, you can then start flying at higher wind speeds and being more aggressive with your movements … gradually allowing you to fly higher and higher in the wind column.

No.  However, the wind tunnel is the cheapest, fastest, and easiest way to learn about almost all aspects of the free-fall portion of skydiving.  Most skydivers actively use the tunnel to improve their flying skills.  

The first thing one must learn in the tunnel is to relax in a good, stable, body position.  Then you must learn to perform six points of motion while flying on your belly. These  are left turn, right turn, forward, backward, up, and and down. Once you are controlled and proficient with these maneuvers you can begin to learn more advanced belly flying skills or you can begin the free-flying progression.  This begins with back flying.  You then learn the same skills which you acquired on you belly:  Entering the tunnel, exiting the tunnel, and 6 controlled points of motion.  Then you will be ready to begin learning transitions (changes) between the different flying orientations.  When combined, these transitions are “tricks”.

Although a good foundation in skydiving (and more importantly - tunnel flying) looks good on your resume, no previous experience in the sport is needed.

Qualified coaches may give the safety briefing but the instructor will need to confirm that all the appropriate information is presented to the flyer.