Formation Skydiving (belly)

Belly-down group flying. The first team discipline, foundation of all sport skydiving.

180–220 km/h
Speed
25+
Min. jumps
A
License
Low
Risk
01 — Overview

What it actually is

Everyone starts here. Belly-to-earth at ~200 km/h terminal, building coded formations of 4, 8, 16, or more. FAI recognizes 4-way, 8-way, and big-way as standalone events. It's the discipline that teaches group flying, freefall communication, slot discipline, and approach timing — skills that remain useful across all other disciplines.

Editorial note

Most practiced discipline in Italy. Nearly all ENAC schools offer 2-way/4-way coaching. Also the base of Italian big-way culture and World Team record attempts.

02 — Specs

Technical numbers

Terminal speed
180–220 km/h
Exit altitude
3600–4200 m
Deployment
1000 m
Suggested tunnel hrs
2 h
Tunnel-trainable
Yes
Min. license
A

After A-license you can start 2-way; competitive 4-way requires 50+ jumps and dedicated coaching.

03 — Gear

Kit specifics

Booty suit (wide legs) for surface area in freefall; student-level canopy 210-260 sqft by weight; RSL recommended.

Open gear catalog →
04 — Competitions

FAI/IPC circuits

FS-4
4-way FS
★ World Championship
FS-8
8-way FS
★ World Championship
FS-VFS
Mixed Formation Skydiving
★ World Championship
05 — Where

Reference dropzones worldwide

Skydive Empuriabrava
Empuriabrava (Girona) · Spain
FreeflyBelly / FSWingsuit
Skydive Spain
Bollullos de la Mitación (Siviglia) · Spain
FreeflyBelly / FSBig-way / records
Skydive Algarve
Alvor (Portimão) · Portugal
FreeflyBelly / FSAngle flying
Skydive Hibaldstow (Black Knights)
Hibaldstow (Lincolnshire) · United Kingdom
Belly / FSFreeflyCanopy formation (CRW)
Skydive Langar
Langar (Nottinghamshire) · United Kingdom
Belly / FSFreeflyCanopy piloting
Aéroclub de Gap-Tallard
Tallard (Hautes-Alpes) · France
Belly / FSFreeflyScenic
Roadmap
FS / Belly progression
Open →
Hub
All disciplines
Open →
Destinations
World DZ map
Open →
Sources: FAI IPC Technical Rules (fai.org/commission/ipc), USPA SIM, verified Italian community. Null values where not published by primary source. Last revision: April 2026.