Is Skydiving Through Clouds Illegal? The Surprising FAA Truth

Key Takeaways
Skydiving into or through clouds is illegal under FAA regulation 14 CFR § 105.17 – no exceptions! The rule exists for safety: clouds cause disorientation, zero visibility, higher collision risk, and can fog up goggles instantly. The FAA can hit individual skydivers and pilots with penalties for cloud jumps. Strict spotting skills, weather holds, and go-arounds are all pieces of the puzzle that keep skydivers far away from clouds.

It’s all fun and games until someone skydives through a cloud. Skydiving through clouds can be disorienting, obstruct our vision, and even have legal consequences. Wait … Is it illegal to skydive through a cloud? Yes, skydiving into the clouds is a no-go! Let’s take a deeper dive. 

The FAA Regulation: FAR § 105.17 Explained

Although skydivers may seem like a bunch of crazy people jumping from planes, we’re actually a pretty civilized group! In addition to local airport authorities and the like, we are governed by two primary bodies: the United States Parachute Association and the Federal Aviation Administration. 

What is the FAA?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a governing body over skydiving. Yes, the same administration that governs commercial air traffic governs skydivers and skydiving operations! 

What does the regulation say?

When concerning jumpers and clouds, the FAA Regulation FAR § 105.17 states: “No person may conduct parachute operations … into or through a cloud.” Is it legal to fly through clouds in the plane? It’s not illegal in certain instances, but a pilot is not allowed to put skydivers out in a cloud or in a way that would cause them to fall through a cloud

Why is it illegal to skydive through a cloud?

It is illegal to skydive through a cloud because we put safety first in everything we do. Simply put, clouds increase risk! In 1967, the skydiving community was devastated when 18 skydivers accidentally exited over Lake Erie, causing 16 fatalities. Why did this happen? The plane radar experienced a complication and the jumpers were put out over the lake, instead of their landing area, which was miles away. What went wrong? They jumped through clouds without spotting. 

What happens if you violate the FAA regulation about clouds?

What is the fine for skydiving through a cloud? Civil penalties are assessed by the FAA on a case-by-case basis, but violating FAA regulations can result in fines for individual skydivers and loss or suspension of skydiving licenses or ratings.

The Dangers Of Skydiving Through Clouds 

Can you skydive through a cloud … ever? Nope. Why is it illegal to jump in a cloud? It adds an element of risk that we simply don’t need. As an extreme sport, skydiving is risky in nature, and we do all we can to mitigate risk wherever possible, so adding it into the mix isn’t really what we do. 

Skydiving through clouds has multiple implications, including … 

Lack of Visibility = Lack of Awareness

Can you skydive in the cloud if it isn’t that thick? Nah, not worth the risk! Being in a cloud during the freefall of a skydive is not like floating around on a fluffy, whimsical fairytale cloud. Rather, it’s like falling at terminal velocity with your eyes closed and no way to open them – ah!

Risk of Collision 

If we can’t see, how will we know where we’re going? It is critical that we can clearly see other skydivers in freefall and flying their parachutes. Skydivers are taught to ‘keep their heads on a swivel’, which means being constantly aware of their surroundings, during the entire skydive. 

Landing Area Considerations 

One reason we need our vision to be unobstructed by clouds is so we know we’re headed toward the correct landing area! Although skydivers are trained to land ‘off’ (away from their intended landing area), it’s not ideal. Having a clear view of the landing area allows skydivers to assess the ground conditions (wind, etc.), other canopy traffic coming in to land, and sets them up to land safely. 

Equipment Issues 

Ya know when you turn the heat on in your car on a rainy or particularly humid day? The windows fog up instantly and you have to turn your defrost on. Goggles and helmet visors work the same way, except there’s no defrost setting! 

Has anyone ever skydived through a storm cloud? Nope, or at least, not intentionally. Skydiving through clouds is a no-go, and therefore, so is skydiving in the rain. 

What Happens If Clouds Appear During Your Jump?

We share the sky with clouds, it’s inevitable! Does this mean we’re bound to jump through them? Nope. Skydivers are constantly checking the weather, from the time they decide to get on the load to right before they exit the airplane. 

What Is Spotting? 

Spotting is the act of looking out the open airplane door to determine where the plane is relative to the landing area. The ideal spot (position above the landing area) is determined prior to takeoff and is based on the wind speed and direction. When someone spots, they aren’t only looking for the landing area, they’re checking for other rogue aircraft and potential hazards, like clouds! 

What Is A Go Around? 

Let’s say the person spotting sees too many clouds, what happens? It depends. If there are a few big fluffy clouds, and one happens to be sitting right over the landing area, we may do a ‘go around.’ This is when the plane flies around for a bit to wait for the cloud to move along. On the other hand, if there’s a thick layer of clouds as far as we can see, we’ll land in the plane and go on a weather hold. 

What Is A Weather Hold? 

If the weather is not conducive for jumping, the plane will remain grounded until the unfavorable weather has passed by – this is called a weather hold. 

Experience Clear-Sky Skydiving At Skydive New England 

At Skydive New England, our instructors are USPA certified and we fly state-of-the-art aircraft. Our dropzone is conveniently located, making the commute easy from Portland, Boston, Manchester, and Portsmouth!

What if there are too many clouds when I book my skydive? Fear not! Skydive New England offers free rescheduling for days we’re grounded by weather. Although disappointing in the moment, we will never compromise safety for convenience. 

Are you ready to taste the freedom of the big, blue sky with us? Book today!