Archway is where it all began for me, and I have found no reason to go anywhere else. From day one, everyone there from staff to other jumpers, to the DZO have made me feel right at home. There's never a dull moment, even when it's too cold or cloudy to jump. Whether you are into RW or freeflying, there's always someone to jump with. There is too much good stuff to say about Archway, so if you're ever in the neighborhood, stop on by and we'll leave the light on for ya
Joe Abeln
US Army Golden Knight
My first jump was an AFF, and then I transitioned to the Static Line Program at Archway. The Static Line program fit my budget better and was taught at a pace that allowed me to absorb all the new information. A few jumps later and I was freefalling by myself! Now, with over 100 jumps, I still go out to Archway as often as I can. The more experienced jumpers are always eager to share their knowledge and jump with me. Skydiving is a constant learning process and I can’t think of a better place to do it than Archway Skydiving!
Mike Toombs
I have been coming to Archway Skydiving since 1995. I have made over 1,000 skydives at Archway. I have had the opportunity to visit many dropzones……and will tell you that Archway Skydiving is one of the finest dropzones in the country. Since taking over Archway Skydiving, Jason and Anita have managed their business to an industry leading position. Jason and Anita’s level of business professionalism displayed on an ongoing basis and their uncompromising approach to safety makes them a preferred supplier to skydivers. I have many friends from Western Indiana, Eastern Illinois, Central Illinois, and Missouri who come to Vandalia every weekend to jump. The majority of these folks have airports and dropzones that are located physically closer to them. The quality of the airport in Vandalia and the operation of Archway Skydiving continue to draw them in.
Terry Ball
As a member of the University of Illinois skydiving club, Archway is like a second home to me. We pass several dropzones on our way down to Vandalia every weekend, but none can compare to the experience of Archway. The training I received was phenomenal, and I continue to learn from the many experienced coaches and instructors. I worked with many different instructors during my static line progression, and every single one was professional, friendly, and fun. The atmosphere is laid-back, and the regulars are approachable and excited to talk to students about skydiving or just about life in general. Although I've been to other dropzones, none compare to the wonderful place Jason and Anita have built.
Mike Murphy
Treasurer, Falling Illini Skydiving Club
I made my first jump with Archway back in 1989, I was on staff from '92-'95, and even after I had to move away from the area due to work, I continue to plan trips back to Archway as often as possible. Why? The people make the difference. I have never jumped with a more caring, fun-loving, professional and just plain fantastic group of folks anywhere else in the world. You will not find a finer dropzone anywhere. When I'm in the Midwest, I ONLY jump at Archway!
Steven "Casper" Sewell
Eagle River, Alaska
Skydive Equipment
Archway Skydiving offers you only state of the art student skydive
equipment. If you are
comparing skydiving centers, make sure to ask about the age and type of
equipment used - not just the price of the skydive.
Main Parachutes
You will not find a better main student parachute on the market than what you'll jump at Archway Skydiving. These canopies offer the student the best in design and handling. Made of a Zero Porosity top skin, the Skymaster gives the student better control and, generally, softer landings than parachutes made only of F-111 material.
Reserve Parachutes
All students wear a back-up or "reserve" parachute on every skydive. Our Tempo reserves are rectangular, just like the main parachute, which makes canopy flight training almost identical to the main parachute. Reserve parachutes are packed ONLY by an FAA certified rigger and are inspected every 120 days.
Containers
Our Wings containers were purchased specifically with you in mind. These new containers were specially designed to meet the needs of Archway Skydiving and are flexible enough for all solo jumps in Archway's Advanced Skydiving Training program. They have the most advanced safety features and flexibility to comfortably fit the largest or smallest student.
Automatic Activation Devices
All students are equipped with a Cypress automatic activation device on every skydive, designed to activate your reserve parachute based on your altitude and rate of descent. In other words, if you are falling too fast at too low of an altitude, the AAD is designed to deploy the reserve parachute.
Other Student Accessories
In addition to the primary equipment, all students are also provided:
- a helmet
- motorola radio for ground to air communication while under the parachute
- jumpsuit
- goggles
- and an altimeter.
