Cleveland Skydiving Center

# Cleveland Skydiving Center

Located near Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland Skydiving Center operates out of Gates Airport (7DB) in Garrettsville, roughly 30 miles southeast of the city. The dropzone operates everyday except Tuesdays and uses a Blackhawk Caravan for jumps, with weekday hours that vary seasonally—a detail worth checking directly given the frequent changes throughout the year.

Cleveland Skydiving Center caters to jumpers across the experience spectrum. The facility runs three primary training programs: AFF (Accelerated Freefall) for students building toward solo certification, IAD (Instructor-Assisted Deployment) for another entry pathway, and Tandem jumps for first-timers and thrill-seekers. The center also supports fun jumping for licensed skydivers looking for regular jump opportunities.

The facility is well-equipped for extended visits and group training. On-site amenities include a bunkhouse with beds, a designated camping area, equipment rental and sales, load organizers, packing service, a rigging service, RV parking with electrical hookups, shower facilities, team rooms, and Wi-Fi access. Videography is available for documenting jumps. This combination of lodging, services, and support infrastructure makes Cleveland Skydiving Center suitable for multi-day camps, group events, and jumpers traveling from distance.

The dropzone is part of the Mid-Eastern Region of the United States Parachute Association and holds membership in USPA, ensuring adherence to national skydiving standards and safety protocols. This affiliation also connects jumpers to the broader skydiving community and provides access to recognized training and competition pathways.

The atmosphere at Cleveland Skydiving Center reflects an approachable, inclusive operation. The site's tone emphasizes their everyday availability and invitation to "call us about our weekday hours," suggesting a welcoming stance toward both walk-ins and serious jumpers planning training intensives. The inclusion of practical details—RV electrical hookups, team rooms, load organizers, and camping—signals a facility built around actual jumper needs rather than minimal overhead.

For skydivers in the Ohio region and beyond, Cleveland Skydiving Center offers a full-service alternative to drop zones farther afield. Whether you're a student beginning AFF, a tandem customer marking a bucket-list jump, or a licensed jumper in search of regular air time, the combination of daily operations (bar Tuesdays), on-site accommodations, and established training programs positions it as a genuine regional hub. The presence of rigging and equipment services means jumpers can resolve gear issues without leaving the field—a practical advantage that extends its appeal beyond casual weekend visitors.