Skydive Carolina!

Established in 1986, Skydive Carolina has been a trusted dropzone serving North and South Carolina for nearly 40 years. Located at Chester Municipal Airport (DCM) in Chester, South Carolina—just 35 miles south of Charlotte and 8 miles from I-77—Skydive Carolina operates as a USPA-affiliated facility with a reputation built on safety, customer service, quality, and professionalism.

The dropzone operates from a distinctive location on an old military base in Chester featuring three 5,000-foot runways across 600 acres, one of the largest landing areas of any skydiving center in the country. Skydive Carolina flies a Supervan 208, Cessna 182, and Twin Otter, providing reliable aircraft for both tandem jumpers and training students. The facility is open year-round with extended seasonal hours (November through February on weekends and select weekdays; March through October seven days a week), accommodating everyone from first-time jumpers to experienced skydivers pursuing licensure.

For those making their first jump, Skydive Carolina offers tandem skydiving experiences starting at $229, where jumpers are securely attached to USPA-certified tandem instructors and freefall at 120 mph under canopy before landing at the designated drop zone. The center also operates Accelerated Freefall (AFF), the most comprehensive skydiving training program in the United States. The AFF curriculum is divided into progressive levels beginning with the First Jump Course (FJC) and continuing through Category H jumps. Students complete all jumps in a structured, supportive environment with instructor supervision, coach support, and self-supervision. Many students complete their full certification in weeks, while others progress at their own pace. By program conclusion, students complete at least 25 jumps and earn a USPA A License. All jumps are recorded for immediate feedback and learning during debriefs, and students must jump at least once every 30 days to stay current.

Skydive Carolina serves fun jumpers pursuing recreational skydiving and offers group packages with discounts of $10–$20 off per person based on group size. The facility includes gear rental and sales, load organizers, packing services, rigging services, shower facilities, videographers, and Wi-Fi. A Blue Sky Café, shaded spectator areas, and indoor packing facilities create a welcoming atmosphere for jumpers and guests.

The dropzone boasts impressive metrics: over 30,000 annual jumps, more than 2,500 five-star reviews, and a consistent claim as the #1 choice for skydiving in North Carolina. That reputation reflects decades of operational experience, a steadfast commitment to safety and service, and a diverse community spanning tandem skydivers, AFF students, fun jumpers, and world champion skydivers.