Is skydiving really that dangerous? On fear, facts and reality
Bottom line:
Many people think skydiving is extremely dangerous. But if you look beyond the headlines, you’ll see a very different picture. This blog is about perception, statistics, and the huge steps skydiving has taken in terms of safety.
- Skydiving has a scary reputation, but most accidents are caused by human error, not equipment failure.
- Compared to everyday risks like driving, skydiving is statistically much safer than people assume.
- Modern gear, serious training and your mindset make the biggest difference — and you’re more capable than you think.
Why skydiving has such a risky image
As soon as someone mentions ‘skydiving’, many people immediately think of danger. The image is clear: people jumping out of a plane — that has to be life-threatening, right? And when something does go wrong, the headline is predictable: “Parachute failed to open.”
What those articles often leave out is the real cause. In most cases, it’s not the equipment that fails, but human error. That changes the story quite a bit. Still, the reputation sticks.
Compare it to driving a car
Anything outside our comfort zone quickly feels dangerous. But ironically, we get in the car every day — without realizing that driving is statistically far riskier.
In 1970, over 3,300 people died in traffic accidents in the Netherlands. Thanks to better rules and technology — like seatbelts, helmet laws, and speed cameras — that number has dropped. In 2023, there were still 684 traffic fatalities.
Skydiving? The number is far, far lower. And that’s no coincidence.
Skydiving is safer than ever
The sport has evolved massively in recent decades. Modern parachute systems are robust, reliable, and equipped with an automatic activation device (AAD) that deploys your parachute if you don’t.
Training has also become far more serious. During an AFF course, you learn step-by-step how to handle your gear, emergency situations, and your own nerves.
At Airboss, we use only certified equipment, maintained under strict protocols. Our instructors are certified and constantly continue their training.
Want to know more about how our equipment works and is maintained? Check out the blog ‘Equipment safety’.
The most important factor is you
No matter how safe skydiving has become: you’re still the key factor. Just like in traffic, awareness matters. Don’t get reckless. Keep learning. Be willing to talk about mistakes.
And that attitude pays off. Skydivers are often more safety-conscious than people think. Not because they’re scared, but because they understand responsibility.
More on safety and mindset
- ➔ Skydiving and stress: how to stay calm when everything is moving.
- ➔ The psychology of skydiving: what freefall teaches you about yourself.
- ➔ Afraid of heights but still want to skydive?: why fear doesn’t mean you can’t do it.
Want to explore more about skydiving, courses, and holidays?
Check out our Airboss homepage for all options.
“It’s not the risk, but our fear that defines what we dare to do.”
— and skydiving helps you break through it.