Weather, weight, cameras and check-in
The practical rules that decide whether your flight happens.
Weather. Flights need visibility and calm air. Sand haze in spring and fog on winter mornings are the usual reasons for a delay; strong wind cancels skydiving and gyrocopters first. Operators decide on the day; a cancelled flight is moved or refunded in full. Book early in your stay so a rebooked slot still fits.
Weight and balance. Helicopters and seaplanes seat passengers by weight and will ask for each person's weight when booking; heavier passengers may be seated in a specific place or, on small aircraft, charged for a second seat. Skydiving limits are firm: usually 100 kg for men and 90 kg for women, and instructors can refuse on the day for safety.
Check-in. Arrive 45 minutes before a helicopter or seaplane flight for the safety briefing and ID check; two to three hours before a skydive for the paperwork, training and gear-up. Passport or Emirates ID is required for everyone flying.
Cameras. Phones and cameras are welcome on helicopters, seaplanes and gyrocopters if secured with a strap; nothing loose in an open aircraft. Skydiving includes a video and photo package by the instructor or a camera flyer.
Clothing. Closed shoes for everything, no scarves or loose hats in open aircraft, layers for winter mornings; a skydive is cold at altitude even in summer.