Connecticut Parachutists, Inc.

# Connecticut Parachutists, Inc. — Skydiving Description

Connecticut Parachutists, Inc. has been a pillar of American skydiving since 1962, operating continuously from Ellington Airport for over 60 years. The dropzone is known as the "Home of Champions," a distinction that reflects its central role in skydiving history and culture. Located 12 miles northeast of Hartford and just 5 miles from the nearest hotel, Connecticut Parachutists operates two Cessna aircraft—a 208 Caravan and a 182—and is open year-round on Saturdays and Sundays, with select weekday jumps throughout the summer season.

The dropzone is one of New England's premier skydiving centers, offering tandem skydives with views of Long Island Sound, the Connecticut River, and Hartford on clear days. Jumpers can reach altitudes up to 14,000 feet before deployment. Connecticut Parachutists caters to everyone from first-time thrill-seekers to competitive athletes, with tandem skydives priced at $285 and weekday discounts available at $265. Student and military discounts bring jumps down to $255, while group discounts scale from $270 for groups of 5–14 jumpers to $265 per person for groups of 15 or more.

Beyond tandem experiences, Connecticut Parachutists operates a full Accelerated Freefall (AFF) student training program designed to help jumpers earn their USPA "A" license. All trainees must complete the entire structured program before skydiving with other jumpers; a minimum of 25 jumps is required to obtain a license. Student training is conducted regardless of weather. The facility also supports experienced jumpers with equipment rentals, rigging services, packing services, RV space with electricity, and a dedicated camping area. Facilities include showers, Wi-Fi, a bonfire pit, and covered packing areas—creating the atmosphere of a close-knit skydiving community rather than a transient tourist stop.

Connecticut Parachutists has produced world champions and world record holders in 4-Way Formation, Canopy Relative Work (CRW), Head Down Freeflying, and other disciplines. The dropzone's competitive legacy and long operational history make it a destination not just for recreation but for serious skill development. Most instructors have thousands of skydives and decades of training experience, reflecting a deep institutional commitment to safety and excellence.

The dropzone markets itself as focused on promoting the sport of skydiving itself, not generating profit—a philosophy underscored by its nonprofit status and reinvestment in modern gear, training, and aircraft. Whether you're seeking your first tandem under New England skies, pursuing your AFF certification, or jumping competitively, Connecticut Parachutists offers the expertise, facilities, and scenic backdrop that have made Ellington a cornerstone of American skydiving for six decades.