The skydiving tunnel accurately simulates free-fall conditions in a recirculating column of wind, says Wes Morgan, director of sales and marketing (281-942-4359 wes@ifly-houston.com) so much so that pro sky divers and military personnel train at iFly facilities all over the world (it’s cheaper for the military than actually sending people up in planes). IFly also offers corporate and other group flights, as well as children’s educational sessions, focusing on the physics of flying, call or check the website for information.
Flight Instructor/Manager Justin LaWarre (office 281-942-4359 Justin@ifly-houston.com) provided the Student Center with a quick tour of the facility that included a room for birthday parties, a counter with clothes, goggles and helmets and a classroom for the short mandatory first time flying training session. In the middle, there is a giant tube, which was the wind tunnel. It has chairs around it so you can watch. After the lesson, you put on gear: a full-body suit, goggles, earplugs (for the pressure) and a helmet. Then it’s time to go.
In less than a minute, a novice with their instructor, where airborne and under control. While that may sound like a terribly short time, it actually feels like wayyyyy more than that when you’re inside the 14-foot-diameter vertical wind tunnel, which has circulating winds that typically average from 100 to 125 mph, depending on the flier’s weight and proficiency. After the flight, you sit on a bench just outside the chamber and watched other group members fly. The more you fly the more exciting. Instructor and students fly up even higher into the air, and perform more challenging maneuvers to increase the adrenaline rush.
Click here to checkout the website and schedule a jump!!
iFly Houston, 26860 I-45 N.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
The Woodlands Area Student Center Blog 