Flying
Basic Operation
The tunnel itself is in a pressurized room. This room consists of a flying chamber and an antechamber. The flying chamber has two doors – one for entrance and another for exiting.

The flying chamber (where the wind is) can accommodate up to 4 people, depending on tunnel experience. The antechamber (waiting room) can accommodate 14 people.

A typical session runs 1-2 minutes. At the end of the session finishing flyers exit while the next flyer enters. Generally the pressurized chamber is opened every 30 minutes to change groups.

To receive your full scheduled time, arrive early to the chamber entrance area. The door to the tunnel will close on time even if you are late.

Safety
A flight instructor is always present in the chamber. He or she is there to ensure your safety. Tunnel flying is different than skydiving. Simple movements in the air can be dangerous in the tunnel if not done correctly.

To avoid a broken neck or back, please avoid front loops, back loops, barrel rolls, or freefly maneuvers without consulting the instructor BEFORE entering the antechamber. Such maneuvers can generally be done safely with proper instruction and a prepared spotter. In addition, SkyVenture will require a demonstration of basic body flight prior to allowing any customer to try different maneuvers. Demonstration to the instructor would include complete control during 6 points of movement: Forward, Backward, Up, Down, Side Right, and Side Left.

Choosing Flying Times
It is not productive for a person to fly more then a couple of minutes at a time. This typically means alternating with other people in the antechamber. For example, if you purchase 10 minutes, you might spend 30 minutes in the antechamber, and fly (5) 2 minute sessions, alternating with other participants.

How much time you can productively fly depends on many factors, including experience, fitness, intending type of flying (belly or freefly), and coaching arrangements.

For a beginning tunnel flyer, a 10-15 minute share of a 30 minute block is reasonable. A reasonable amount of flight time for a whole day might be 30-60 minutes. As you gain experience, you will develop an understanding of your own limitations and how much you can fly.

Coaching
Coaching is a great way to learn skills more quickly. Like AFF in skydiving, everyone starts out in the tunnel with belly to earth flight. For students and experienced people, help and some instruction is available.

RW
Those who have achieved a strong level of body flight and are tunnel experienced can practice relative work with others in the tunnel. The number of flyers who can share the chamber and the types of drills they can participate in depend on skill level. By working with the tunnel instructor, you can advance along the steps of progression in the most efficient manner thus maximizing your tunnel value.

4-way
Practiced teams can do some 4-way in the tunnel. Most randoms are achievable for average sized people. In long formations like Bundy or Catacord, some severe cheating may be necessary. Blocks that work very well in the tunnel are Sidebuddies (7), Cat+Accordian (9), Bipole>Bipole (14), and Caterpillar>Caterpillar (15). Both Opal>Opal (5) and Stardian>Stardian (6) can be done well if verticals are used. Other blocks can be practiced with some modification (3 way) or careful engineering.

Freeflying
Freeflying in the tunnel can be a safe, productive, and exciting experience. There are a few key differences between skydiving and the tunnel. To keep everyone safe and maximize your learning, SkyVenture has developed a progression of skills. These steps allow you to develop and demonstrate tunnel flying ability in a logical sequence. Once a flyer demonstrates mastery of a certain set of skills, they are encouraged to work on new more challenging maneuvers.

Proficiencies are typically demonstrated in the following order: belly, back, sit, stand (walking), headdown. A flyer should minimally be able to move in six directions with control in order to proceed. Freeflying must be demonstrated with control at slower fall rates before taking advantage of the advanced wind speeds (up to 145 mph).

Gear Required
Jumpsuits
A special baggy suit is NOT necessary. Your typical RW suit will work fine. For freeflying, a baggier suit may help produce extra lift. Be aware any old zippers, loose threads, or tiny holes can quickly become major blowouts in the tunnel due to the extended amount of freefall time. If you do not have an adequate suit, SkyVenture has flight suits available.

Helmet
Any suitable skydiving full or open face helmet will suffice. For extended tunnel activities, most people find a full face more comfortable. No camera gear may be worn in the tunnel. Camera helmets should have any loose screws and parts removed to avoid potential fan damage. Please also be sure any Velcro kit is fresh. SkyVenture can provide you with a Protec helmet and goggles for use in the tunnel.

Earplugs
Everyone must wear earplugs in the flight chamber. SkyVenture will provide you with earplugs.

Knee/elbow pads
Knee and elbow pads are highly recommended to avoid painful contact with the walls. SkyVenture can provide you with pads.

Weight belts
Many jumpers who do not need weights in freefall choose to wear lead belts in the tunnel. It can be exhausting to arch for hours on end, and weight can help alleviate that. It also can equalize your fall rate with other flyers. If you have weight, it is wise to bring it.

Technical Specifications & Schematics

Facilities
Tunnel Details
•96 foot tall structure, 60 feel diameter
•12 foot flight chamber, 30 foot by 53" antechamber
•Wind speeds capable of up to 145 mph
•Five 200 hp fans with variable frequency drives for ease in control of wind speed
•Antechamber capacity: 14
•Analog and digital recording system in control room for recording flight
•Three team rooms with digital video access
•Restroom and DZ viewing lounge in tunnel
•Gear available: flight suits, helmets, elbow & Knee pads, ear plugs, goggles, weight belts, climbing harnesses.

Skydiver Area
The second floor of the tunnel has three team rooms and general area for debriefing. There is ample creeper space, a kitchenette, bins to stash your stuff, and a restroom.

Video Capabilities
We can tape your session on VHS and digitally with the Canopus system. Digital video allows high quality frame by frame debriefs of your session. DVD burns are available.

Proximity to Perris Valley Skydiving
The tunnel is on the Perris Airport property, in the parking lot of Skydive Perris. The tunnel exit is approximately 650 feet away from the loading area.