Skydive Langar

Skydive Langar, a skydiving centre at Langar Airfield

Skydive Langar operates from Langar Airfield in Nottinghamshire, on a site first opened in 1942 as a base for the RAF 207 squadron during the Second World War. The centre began operating from the historic control tower building in 1977 and describes itself as the busiest civilian skydiving centre in the UK, completing over 50,000 jumps annually. It is affiliated to British Skydiving and states that it works to the organisation's safety standards.

First jumps: tandem and AFF

For people jumping for the first time, the centre presents two routes. The tandem skydive pairs the participant with an instructor, harnessed to the front, for a jump from roughly two miles above ground. After a short briefing, the jump includes freefall reaching terminal velocity at around 120mph and about five minutes under canopy on the way down. The tandem option is also framed as a way to raise money for charity.

The Accelerated Freefall (AFF) course is described as the fastest route to becoming a qualified skydiver: a full day of ground training followed by a jump from 14,000ft with two instructors assisting and coaching in the air.

Prices listed on the site

The website listed the following rates at the time of writing this profile:

• Weekend tandem skydive (Saturday or Sunday): £270
• Midweek tandem skydive (Monday to Friday): £230
• Solo learn-to-skydive course: £385
• Skydiving gift vouchers: from £60

Gift vouchers are marketed as experience presents, including a seasonal campaign running until Christmas.

Training and progression for licensed jumpers

Beyond first jumps, the centre addresses experienced skydivers with a B Licence progression programme, packing courses, canopy courses and checkout jumps. It also runs events aimed at its sport jumper community across all levels.

Other services and facilities

The range of services extends beyond jumping. The site lists skydiving expert witness work, film and TV skydiving projects and parachute displays, along with rigging and reserve repacks. On the ground, the drop zone has a merchandise store, the Ripcord Cafe, accommodation and tent hire, and information on local food.

Aircraft fleet

Jumps are made from a fleet of three turbine-powered aircraft: two Cessna Grand Caravans and one Cessna standard Caravan.

Staff and approach

The centre states that its staff accumulate tens of thousands of skydives between them and decades of experience in the sport. Its stated aim is for jumpers of every level to enjoy the sky together, with priority given to safety, development and enjoyment. The site also carries a testimonial from a first-time tandem customer who praised her instructor.