Have you recently watched a wingsuit flight and wondered if you should start this adventurous hobby? Or are you already an experienced skydiver who wants to expand into wingsuit flying? Either way, it is important to understand the financial aspect of wingsuit flying. So how much does wingsuit flying cost?
As a general rule, it costs around $8,000 to $13,500 to learn wingsuit flying and around $9,000 to $22,000 to buy your own equipment in the US and Canada. Once you have your own equipment and the relevant license, you are likely to spend between $200 and $750 per month on wingsuit flying.
In the following guide, I provide a detailed cost overview of the different aspects of wingsuit flying from learning, over equipment to regular hobby costs. I will delve into the different costs between Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia and will also provide you with practical tips on how to save money. I have analyzed over 150 skydiving companies to find out how you can save several thousands of dollars!
The Cost of Wingsuit Flying in the US and Canada
The cost of wingsuit flying can be broken down into the cost of learning how to fly, buying your own equipment, and doing it as a regular hobby. Let’s go through each of the items so you understand what they encompass!
How Much Does It Cost to Be Able to Fly Wingsuit in the US and Canada?
As a general rule, it costs between $8,000 – $ 13,500 to learn wingsuit flying without prior skydiving experience, depending on the location, skydiving company, learning course, and amount of private coaching. If done right, you can expect to spend between $8,500 – $9,500 to learn wingsuit flying.
Yes, that is a lot of money. So how can the learning cost be broken down? And what are the requirements to go wingsuit flying?
There are several requirements that people need to fulfill to be allowed to wingsuit flying. They must have completed the basic skydiving A-license, performed a minimum of 200 skydiving jumps within the last 18 months, and completed a wingsuit learning course (such as Wingsuit First Flight Course).
The costs of this depend on the location and your own ability to learn but can be broken down into the following table.
| Learning Step | Typical Cost | Lower Range | Upper Range |
| Skydiving Course (incl. A-License) | $3,500 | $3,200 | $4,000 |
| Cost of Reaching 200 Jumps (25 Jumps Are Part of A-License) | $5,250 ($30 per jump) | $4,325 ($25 per jump) | $8,750 ($50 per jump) |
| Wingsuit Course | $500 | $350 | $800 |
| Total Learning Cost | ~$9,200 | ~$8,000 | ~$13,500 |
If you want to learn more about how long this process takes, make sure to check out my guide answering the question of how long it takes to learn wingsuit flying. It also includes practical tips to speed the process up!
How Much Does Wingsuit Equipment Cost in the US and Canada?
On average, the full set of wingsuit equipment in the US and Canada costs between $9,200 – $22,000 depending on the type, brand, and quality. You can save between 10 – 15% when buying the equipment in bulk and up to 50% when buying second-hand.
Wow. That is a lot of money to invest. But what equipment is needed for wingsuit flying?
As a general rule, wingsuit flyers need a wingsuit, a main parachute, a reserve parachute, a harness system (also known as parachute container), an automatic activation device (AAD), an altimeter, a helmet, and optional equipment such as gloves and cameras.
The costs of this equipment vary by manufacturer, location, and quality but a good overview can be found in the table below.
| Item | Typical Cost | Lower Range | Upper Range |
| Harness System/ Parachute Container | $2,000 | $1,900 | $2,800 |
| Automatic Activation Device (AAD) | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,200 |
| Main Parachute (Used For Skydiving) | $2,000 | $1,500 | $5,500 |
| Main Parachute (Used For Wingsuit Flying) | $2,000 | $1,500 | $5,500 |
| Reserve Parachute | $1,500 | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Wingsuit | $1,200 | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Audible Altimeter | $250 | $200 | $400 |
| Other Equipment (e.g., Gloves, Helmet, etc.) | $750 | $550 | $1,100 |
| Total Equipment Cost | ~$10,500 | ~$9,200 | ~$22,000 |
It is most reasonable to buy most of the equipment after you completed your skydiving A-license. Otherwise, you need to rent the equipment every time you want to go skydiving. This can get really costly over the course of 175 jumps, which are required before conducting a wingsuit course.
While you can use most of the equipment such as AAD, and reserve parachute for normal skydiving, you will need a different main parachute for wingsuiting than for skydiving. Wingsuit flyers should use a canopy that is one or two sizes larger than the one they use during skydiving. In this way, it is easier to deploy the parachute without incidents.
If you are sure that you start skydiving with the goal of going into wingsuit flying, I would advise you to buy an audible altimeter rather than a hand-worn one. Your arms need to keep the tension of the wings during wingsuiting so that you will not be able to check the altimeter while flying. As a result, wingsuiters normally use audible altimeters – so you can save some money by directly buying an audible.
How Long Does Wingsuit Euipment Last?
As a general rule, wingsuit equipment lasts between 5 – 10 years or between 750 -1,500 jumps, depending on how you treat the equipment. Collisions during airplane exit, under the canopy, or during the landing process can significantly reduce the durability of wingsuit equipment.
When Does It Make Sense to Buy Own Equipment?
On average, it makes sense to buy your own wingsuit equipment if you consistently perform more than 8 jumps per month. Depending on the type of equipment that you buy and the cost of renting at your local dropzone, the own equipment pays off after 3 – 5 years.
My personal advice is to first try out the sport and figure out if you want to do it in the future. If yes, I would rent out different materials to see what you like. Afterward, you can go ahead and buy your own equipment – you will have more safety to buy the right one.
An alternative way to test if you like wingsuit flying is to go on a tandem wingsuit flight. Tandem wingsuiting is a recent development of the sport and enables you to enjoy the thrill of wingsuit flying without performing 200 skydivers beforehand.
If you want to learn more about this topic, make sure to check out my complete guide to tandem wingsuit flying. It includes everything that you need to know about this new development!
Why Is Wingsuit Equipment So Expensive?
Wingsuit equipment is expensive because it is made from expensive raw materials with high quality and reliability standards. In addition, manufacturers have high R&D expenses, often produce in high-cost countries, and lack economies of scale due to the niche market characteristic of wingsuit flying.
If you want to dive deeper into the underlying economical reasons for the expansiveness of wingsuit equipment, feel free to read my article about why skydiving helmets are so expensive. You can transfer a lot of the reasons and underlying mechanisms to other wingsuit equipment.
How Much Does Wingsuit Flying Cost As a Regular Hobby?
As a general rule, wingsuit flying costs between $200 and $750 per month for lifting fees, transportation to the dropzone, and occasional travel to other dropzones. The cost also highly depends on the number of jumps performed per month and whether wingsuit equipment is owned or rented.
More specifically, the cost highly depends on the average number of jumps that wingsuit pilots perform and if you need to rent equipment or own it. You can find an estimation of the costs per number of jumps below:
- The costs for 4 wingsuit flights per month lie between $140 – $375.
- The costs for 8 wingsuit flights per month lie between $280 – $750.
- The costs for 12 wingsuit flights per month lie between $370 – $1,000.
You can find a more detailed breakdown of the cost below.
| Cost Item | Cost | 4 Jumps | 8 Jumps | 12 Jumps |
| Lift Fee | Typical: $30 Range: $20 – $50 per jump | Typical: $120 Range: $80 – $200 | Typical: $240 Range: $160 – $400 | Typical: $360 Range: $240 – $600 |
| Transport | Typical: $20 Range: $10 – $50 per trip | Typical: $20 Range: $10 – $50 | Typical: $40 Range: $20 – $100 | Typical: $60 Range: $30 – $150 |
| Occasional Travel (e.g., To Other Dropzones) | Typical: $150 $100 – $250 per trip | Typical: $75 Range: $50 – $125 | Typical: $150 Range: $100 – $250 | Typical: $150 Range: $100 – $250 |
| Monthly Cost (Own Equipment) | Typical: ~$215 Range: $140 – $375 | Typical: ~$430 Range: $280 – $750 | Typical: ~$570 Range: $370 – $1000 | |
| Equipment Rent (Full Month vs. Per Jump) | Typical: $250 Range: $200 – $300 for full month Typical: $20 Range: $20 – $30 per jump | Typical: $80 Range: $80 – $120 | Typical: $160 Range: $160 – $240 | Typical: $240 Range: $200 – $300 |
| Monthly Cost (Without Own Equipment) | Typical: ~$295 Range: $220 – $495 | Typical: ~$590 Range: $440 – $990 | Typical: ~$810 Range: $570 – $1300 |
In the table above, you find a cost item for occasional travel. This only includes domestic travel and no travel to foreign countries. Depending on your enthusiasm, you might want to visit other countries as well. If you are looking for inspiration, make sure to check out my article about the most stunning places for wingsuit flying. You will fill your travel list afterward!
How Can You Save Money On Wingsuiting As a Regular Sport?
The best strategies to save money when going wingsuit flying regularly are to buy your own equipment, purchase bulk lifting tickets, share the transportation expenses with friends, avoid jumping only on weekends and during high season, and earn money as a tandem instructor.
Following the strategies can save you hundreds of dollars per month, which can add up to more than a thousand dollars per year. So let’s look at the strategies in more detail:
- Buying own equipment: Investing in personal wingsuit gear may seem costly upfront, but it saves money in the long run by eliminating rental fees for gear during each jump.
- Purchasing bulk lifting tickets: Buying lift tickets in bulk or purchasing season passes often comes with discounts, reducing the cost per jump and overall expenses.
- Sharing transportation expenses with friends: Carpooling or sharing travel costs with fellow wingsuit flyers reduces the financial burden of commuting to jump locations.
- Avoiding jumping only on weekends and during high season: Jumping during weekdays and off-peak seasons can lead to lower rates for lift tickets and accommodations, providing significant savings.
- Earning money as a tandem instructor: Becoming a certified tandem instructor allows you to earn money while enjoying skydiving, offsetting some of the costs associated with the sport. If you are interested in knowing how much money tandem instructors make, check out my article about the salaries of skydiving instructors. It also includes some tips to increase your earnings!
The Cost of Wingsuit Flying in the UK
There are varying costs associated with wingsuit flying in the United Kingdom, typically ranging from £5,100 to £9,500 for learning the sport and between £10,000 and £19,000 for purchasing the equipment. Flying a wingsuit as a regular hobby typically costs between £120 and £600 per month.
In order to understand how you can save some money, let’s break the costs down into its parts.
How Much Does It Cost to Learn Wingsuit Flying in the UK?
As a general rule, learning wingsuit flying in the United Kingdom without prior skydiving experience costs £5,100 – £9,500, depending on the skydiving company, location, learning course, and amount of private coaching. If done right, you can expect to spend £6,000 – £6,500.
The costs are contingent on location and your learning ability, but they can be itemized in the following table.
| Learning Step | Typical Cost | Lower Range | Upper Range |
| Skydiving Course (incl. A-License) | £1,500 | £1,300 | £1,800 |
| Cost of Reaching 200 Jumps (25 Jumps Are Part of A-License) | £4,375 (£25 per jump) | £3,500 (£20 per jump) | £7,000 (£40 per jump) |
| Wingsuit Course | £400 | £350 | £750 |
| Total Learning Cost | ~£6,300 | ~£5,100 | ~£9,500 |
The learning cost above does not include potential coaching costs for your skydiving and wingsuit flying endeavors. Some people need separate coaching while others do not need it at all to learn the sport. Either way, one very effective way to improve your wingsuit flying skills is to train in an indoor wind tunnel. To learn about this, make sure to check out my ultimate guide to indoor wingsuit flying.
How Much Does Wingsuit Equipment Cost in the UK?
In total, the cost of wingsuit equipment in the United Kingdom fluctuates between £10,000 and £19,000, influenced by factors such as the brand, and quality. By acquiring the equipment in bulk, savings of 10 to 15% can be attained. Alternatively, second-hand equipment is up to 50% cheaper.
Obviously, there is variation in the costs of this equipment based on the manufacturer, location, and quality. However, the table below provides a comprehensive overview.
| Item | Typical Cost | Lower Range | Upper Range |
| Harness System/ Parachute Container | £3,000 | £2,200 | £4,000 |
| Automatic Activation Device (AAD) | £1,100 | £870 | £1,400 |
| Main Parachute (Used For Skydiving) | £2,300 | £2,000 | £4,000 |
| Main Parachute (Used For Wingsuit Flying) | £2,300 | £2,000 | £4,000 |
| Reserve Parachute | £1,500 | £1,300 | £1,900 |
| Wingsuit | £1,200 | £1,000 | £2,400 |
| Audible Altimeter | £230 | £190 | £420 |
| Other Equipment | £650 | £500 | £1,200 |
| Total Equipment Cost | ~£12,300 | ~£10,000 | ~£19,000 |
When looking at the wingsuit equipment cost in the UK, it’s important to pay attention to the limited availability of options due to fewer stores and a smaller skydiving community compared to the US. To save money, you can explore international purchasing options from the US or Europe. Stores in the US and Europe usually have more choices at competitive prices, which offset the shipping cost.
Another important note is that you need to add an additional main parachute to your skydiving equipment because wingsuiting requires a larger canopy. The need for a bigger canopy is one of the differences between wingsuit flying and skydiving. If you want to get to know more differences, make sure to check out my post about the 11 differences between skydiving and wingsuit flying. They will make you look at the sport with other eyes!
How Much Does Wingsuit Flying Cost As a Regular Hobby in the UK?
On average wingsuit flying entails monthly costs of £120 to £600 in the United Kingdom, covering lifting fees, dropzone transportation, and occasional travel to other dropzones. The total expense depends on the number of jumps performed each month and whether wingsuit equipment is owned or rented.
For specific scenarios, the estimated costs per number of jumps are as follows:
- 4 wingsuit flights per month: £120 – £300
- 8 wingsuit flights per month: £240 – £600
- 12 wingsuit flights per month: £335 – £800
If you want to have deeper information about the cost please refer to the table below. It provides a breakdown of the costs associated with wingsuit flying for different scenarios based on the number of jumps performed.
It includes details for lift fees, transportation to the dropzone, occasional travel expenses, monthly costs with and without own equipment, and equipment rent options (full month vs. per jump) in the United Kingdom.
| Cost Item | Cost | 4 Jumps | 8 Jumps | 12 Jumps |
| Lift Fee | Typical: £25 Range: £20 – £40 per jump | Typical: £100 Range: £80 – £160 | Typical: £200 Range: £160 – £320 | Typical: £300 Range: £240 – £480 |
| Transport | Typical: £25 Range: £15 – £40 per trip | Typical: £25 Range: £15 – £40 | Typical: £50 Range: £30 – £80 | Typical: £75 Range: £45 – £120 |
| Occasional Travel (e.g., To Other Dropzones) | Typical: £100 £50 – £200 per trip | Typical: £50 Range: £25 – £100 | Typical: £100 Range: £50 – £200 | Typical: £100 Range: £50 – £200 |
| Monthly Cost (Own Equipment) | Typical: £175 Range: £120 – £300 | Typical: £350 Range: £240 – £600 | Typical: £475 Range: £335 – £800 | |
| Equipment Rent (Full Month vs. Per Jump) | Typical: £250 Range: £200 – £300 for full month Typical: £20 Range: £20 – £30 per jump | Typical: £80 Range: £80 – £120 | Typical: £160 Range: £160 – £240 | Typical: £240 Range: £200 – £300 |
| Monthly Cost (Without Own Equipment) | Typical: £255 Range: £200 – £420 | Typical: £510 Range: £400 – £840 | Typical: £715 Range: £535 – £1100 |
You might have realized that the cost of doing wingsuit flying regularly is cheaper in the UK than in the US. This is mostly driven by lower travel expenses. In the UK, travel costs tend to be lower because of the proximity of various dropzones. As everything is closer together, wingsuit pilots can minimize transportation expenses.
However, in the UK, some enthusiasts may choose to travel through Europe to access a broader range of dropzones and escape the relatively smaller wingsuit flying community in the UK. This opportunity to explore different locations may increase the overall cost compared to the US.
The Cost of Wingsuit Flying in Australia and New Zealand
In total, individuals interested in wingsuit flying in Australia and New Zealand can expect to spend approximately A$26,000 to A$39,000, encompassing the costs of learning of A$10,000 to A$15,000 and acquiring equipment of A$16,000 to A$24,000. The monthly expense lies between A$225 and A$900.
To grasp potential cost savings, let’s dissect the expenses into their individual components.
How Much Does It Cost to Learn Wingsuit Flying in Australia?
On average, individuals spend between A$10,000 and A$15,000 to learn wingsuit flying in Australia and New Zealand. If approached with a focus on optimizing the learning experience, individuals may expect to invest between A$11,000 and A$12,000 to learn wingsuit flying.
The cost is influenced by various factors, including individual learning capability, location, skydiving company, and coaching. The table below presents the cost range and average expenses you can anticipate. If a skydiving company falls within the lower range, you can confidently book your course without further search.
| Learning Step | Typical Cost | Lower Range | Upper Range |
| Skydiving Course (incl. A-License) | A$3,300 | A$3,000 | A$4,500 |
| Cost of Reaching 200 Jumps (25 Jumps Are Part of A-License) | A$7,000 (A$40 per jump) | A$6,650 (A$38 per jump) | A$9,625 (A$55 per jump) |
| Wingsuit Course | A$600 | A$530 | A$1,100 |
| Total Learning Cost | ~ A$11,000 | ~ A$10,000 | ~ A$15,000 |
I understand if you find the cost of starting wingsuit flying to be high. If you’re looking for adrenaline-fueled activities that are more budget-friendly, be sure to read my article on 13 similar activities to skydiving. I’m confident you’ll discover exciting inspiration for alternative hobbies there!
How Much Does Wingsuit Equipment Cost in Australia?
As a whole, the cost of wingsuit equipment in Australia and New Zealand typically falls within the range of A$16,000 to A$24,000, with an average cost of around A$18,500. Bulk purchases can result in savings of 10 to 15% while opting for second-hand equipment offers a cost reduction of up to 50%.
The costs of this equipment are subject to variation due to factors such as the manufacturer, location, and quality. For a detailed overview, consult the table below.
| Item | Typical Cost | Lower Range | Upper Range |
| Harness System/ Parachute Container | A$3,100 | A$1,900 | A$3,800 |
| Automatic Activation Device (AAD) | A$2,000 | A$1,920 | A$2,020 |
| Main Parachute (Used For Skydiving) | A$3,800 | A$3,600 | A$4,500 |
| Main Parachute (Used For Wingsuit Flying) | A$3,800 | A$3,600 | A$4,500 |
| Reserve Parachute | A$2,200 | A$1,900 | A$2,900 |
| Wingsuit | A$1,920 | A$1,630 | A$3,800 |
| Audible Altimeter | A$550 | A$450 | A$725 |
| Other Equipment | A$980 | A$750 | A$1,800 |
| Total Equipment Cost | ~ A$18,500 | ~ A$16,000 | ~ A$24,000 |
When calculating your individual cost, keep in mind that wingsuiting requires an additional main parachute equipped with a larger canopy than traditional skydiving equipment. Furthermore, I would invest in an audible altimeter as part of your skydiving equipment as you cannot use a hand-worn altimeter during wingsuit flying.
Unfortunately, you cannot omit any of the equipment items, as they are essential for your safety and overall skydiving experience. For example, some beginners might think that a helmet is unnecessary. To clarify whether this common belief is accurate, you can refer to my article on “Do You Need to Wear a Helmet When Skydiving?” It provides insights into the importance of wearing a helmet during skydiving activities.
How Much Does Wingsuit Flying Cost As a Regular Hobby in Australia and New Zealand?
On average, wingsuit pilots in Australia and New Zealand spend between A$225 and A$900 per month on their hobby. The monthly cost, however, strongly depends on the number of jumps performed, whether the equipment is owned or rented, and on the prices at the local dropzone.
Below are three common cost scenarios based on the level of activity of a wingsuit pilot.
- The typical cost for 4 jumps is approximately A$260, with a range of A$225 to A$445.
- The typical cost for 8 jumps is approximately A$525, with a range of A$450 to A$890.
- The typical cost for 12 jumps is approximately A$725, with a range of A$636 to A$1210.
For more comprehensive cost details, please refer to the table below. It provides a breakdown of the expenses related to wingsuit flying, encompassing lift fees, transportation to the dropzone, occasional travel expenses, monthly costs with and without own equipment, and equipment rent options in Australia and New Zealand.
| Cost | 4 Jumps | 8 Jumps | 12 Jumps | |
| Lift Fee | Typical: A$40 Range: A$38 – A$55 per jump | Typical: A$160 Range: A$152 – A$220 | Typical: A$320 Range: A$304 – A$440 | Typical: A$480 Range: A$456 – A$660 |
| Transport | Typical: $40 Range: $35 – $100 per trip | Typical: A$40 Range: A$35 – A$100 | Typical: A$80 Range: A$70 – A$200 | Typical: A$120 Range: A$105 – A$300 |
| Occasional Travel (e.g., To Other Dropzones) | Typical: A$125 A$75 – A$250 per trip | Typical: A$62.5 Range: A$37.5 – A$125 | Typical: A$125 Range: A$75 – A$250 | Typical: A$125 Range: A$75 – A$250 |
| Monthly Cost (Own Equipment) | Typical: ~A$260 Range: ~A$225 – A$445 | Typical: A$525 Range: A$450 – A$890 | Typical: A$725 Range: A$636 – A$1210 | |
| Equipment Rent (Full Month vs. Per Jump) | Typical: A$380 Range: A$300 – A$450 for full month Typical: A$45 Range: A$38 – A$50 per jump | Typical: A$180 Range: A$152 – A$200 | Typical: A$360 Range: A$300 – A$400 | Typical: A$380 Range: A$300 – A$500 |
| Monthly Cost (Without Own Equipment) | Typical: ~A$440 Range: ~A$375 – A$645 | Typical: ~A$885 Range: ~A$750 – A$1290 | Typical: ~A$1,100 Range: ~A$930 – A$1710 |
Wingsuit flying is undeniably an expensive hobby, considering the costs involved in learning, acquiring equipment, and regular jumping. However, significant cost-saving opportunities lie in purchasing equipment at more affordable prices. Let’s delve into strategies that can help you save thousands of dollars when buying wingsuit gear.
Five Tips to Buy Wingsuit Equipment Cheaper
As a general rule, buyers can save between 10% to 50% of the original wingsuit equipment price by opting for second-hand purchases, acquiring demonstration gear, purchasing in bulk, buying directly from manufacturers, or making off-season purchases.
That sounds great but how can I really save thousands of money when buying wingsuit equipment? To answer that, let us check each strategy individually:
- Second-hand Purchases: Buying used wingsuit equipment from experienced flyers or through dedicated platforms can yield substantial savings. While the equipment has been previously used, it is often well-maintained and functional, offering a cost-effective option for those on a budget. However, buyers should exercise caution, inspecting the gear thoroughly for any signs of wear or damage to ensure safety and performance.
- Acquiring Demonstration Gear: Some manufacturers and retailers offer demonstration or display wingsuits and other skydiving equipment at discounted prices. This equipment has been used for showcase purposes or during events and is generally in excellent condition. Acquiring demonstration gear allows buyers to obtain high-quality equipment with a lower price tag, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious wingsuit enthusiasts.
- Bulk Purchases: Purchasing wingsuit equipment in bulk, particularly when done as part of a group or wingsuit flying club, can lead to substantial cost savings. Manufacturers or retailers may offer wholesale or discounted pricing for large orders. Collaborating with fellow flyers can help individuals access these discounted rates, making it an economical approach to equip multiple participants.
- Direct Purchase from Manufacturers: Buying wingsuit equipment directly from manufacturers can sometimes result in cost advantages. By eliminating intermediary markups, buyers can potentially obtain the gear at a more competitive price. Additionally, purchasing directly from the manufacturer ensures authenticity and may provide access to the latest models or custom options.
- Off-Season Purchases: Timing the purchase during the off-season when demand is lower can lead to better deals and discounts. Retailers may offer clearance sales or promotions to move inventory and prepare for new releases. Being patient and waiting for the off-season can be a prudent strategy to save money while still acquiring quality wingsuit equipment.
That being said, enjoy your freefall!
