Skydiving Experience Minus the Plane, iFLY Coming Soon to Novi
(Mark H. Stowers, April 20, 2021)
Novi, MI – Throughout history, people of all ages have dreamed of flying. For many brave folks, jumping out of airplanes became an expression of that. But finding skydiving schools – and the money needed – can be a hindrance. That’s where iFly Skydiving steps in to give the experience – without the plane and high costs. Oakland County will be the recipient of iFLY’s newest facility in Novi. With plans to open on June 1st at the Adell Center Drive, owner Mike Fijas is happy to make dreams come true.
“We deliver the dream of flight to ages three and up,” Fijas said. “There are no heights, you fly around a room with an instructor who is there to guide you every step of the way.”
The facility is NASA-esque and will offer the venue for plenty of eclectic social occasions.
“We have a great place for birthday parties, and date nights. Businesses will find our team building sessions the best that they have ever done, and teachers will love their students’ class 
participation in our STEM program,” he said.
But what is it exactly? Basically, a large cylinder filled with air where folks can learn the art of skydiving in a safer environment. Here’s a quick video overview from a Wall Street Journal reporter on his experience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rgc8PPoWqo.
iFLY Skydiving has dozens of locations around the world and continues to grow. In addition to having fun, there are also educational opportunities for schools to check out. More information about iFLY’s STEM Program can be found at this video link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6Fn2hdA9no
There are very few restrictions to participate.
“We fly people as young as three and as old as 103. Age and level of physical fitness are not big factors,” he said. “One of our best programs is our all-abilities program where people with physical limitations can enjoy the freedom of flying.”
iFLY also has a video link with more information on that as well here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GguLh-hvtIs
iFLY Detroit is a franchise and there are many other iFLY locations.
“There are about 90 worldwide and more are added every year. We operate one other location as well, with more to come,” Fijas said. “It’s easy! You can book online – a great idea, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend, as we book out weekends in advance pretty regularly. You can also visit in person or give us a call.”
After booking online, a waiver needs to be signed upon arrival or that can be done online as well. You’ll be able to watch people fly before your initial bodyflight.
“Then you meet your instructor who takes you through a class in ‘how to fly,’ then gets you suited up. We have all the gear you need. You then enter the staging area with your instructor and, one by one, you take flight with the instructor right there to guide you on your journey. Once you’re done, you de-gear, as your instructor gives you tips on what you can work on in your flyer 
progression the next time you come. It’s that easy.”
He noted that “There is one flight chamber in the facility, and you will fly with your instructor, one by one. As you get better, you can fly with your friends. Up to about eight people can fly at once.”
iFLY has seen quite a few interesting flights over the years.
“There are so many great stories at iFLY, from marriage proposals to centenarians taking flight, iFLY indoor skydiving makes any occasion very memorable. It’s a great family day adventure – something different,” he said.
The iFLY facilities also help train professionals.
“The military does use our facilities to train their personnel in both initial training as well as proficiency training. The Golden Knights do use our facilities to practice the skill that it takes to become world champion skydivers,” he said. “iFLY Indoor Skydiving is a treadmill for skydiving. If you fly well in an iFLY facility, you fly well in the sky.”
Learn more at https://www.iflyworld.com/detroit/.
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