LALO vs. HAHO: What’s the Difference
In the world of skydiving, you may have heard acronyms like LALO and HAHO thrown around — especially in military or extreme expedition contexts. But what do they actually mean, and how do they compare to civilian skydiving experiences like the ones we offer at Skydive Chicago?
Let’s break it down.
What is LALO?
LALO stands for Low Altitude, Low Opening. This is a common jump method in the military, used to jump at low altitudes to deploy quickly and land precisely. In sport skydiving, we refer to these types of jumps as hop-and-pops — typically made from 3,500 to 5,000 feet, with parachutes deployed almost immediately after exit.
Hop-and-pops are valuable for emergency exit training, currency requirements and canopy practice (for minimal traffic), but freefall is for 5 seconds or less— not the full adrenaline-packed experience most new skydivers dream of.
What is HAHO — and What is a HALO Jump?
HAHO stands for High Altitude, High Opening — the opposite of a hop-and-pop. These jumps are used by elite military units for stealthy, long-distance canopy flights. Jumpers exit at high altitudes (often around 20,000 feet) and open their canopies shortly after, gliding silently for miles. These jumps require specialized HALO parachute gear, oxygen systems, and advanced training, and they are subject to FAA regulations.
Closely related is the HALO jump — or High Altitude, Low Opening — where skydivers freefall for extended durations before deploying their parachutes at low altitudes (around 3,500 to 5,000 feet). HALO dives are often dramatic, tactical, and visually stunning — think Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking 2012 space jump or Col. Joseph Kittinger’s 1960 stratospheric leap. These high-profile HALO jumps pushed the boundaries of human flight and inspired generations of skydivers.
While HALO and HAHO jumps are possible in civilian life, they are extremely rare and highly technical, and not typically part of a standard skydiving dropzone’s offerings.
Sport Skydiving Today — The Skydive Chicago Way
At Skydive Chicago, we jump from 13,000 feet — the standard in sport skydiving altitude. It’s high enough to give you a thrilling, full freefall experience (60 seconds in freefall) and low enough to ensure safety and comfort for jumpers of all levels – leaving around 5-7 minutes under the parachute.
Whether you’re here for your first tandem, want to learn to solo skydive through our AFP program, or are participating in one of our events for licensed jumpers, our altitude gives you the perfect mix of adrenaline, freedom, and fun!
Come See for Yourself
Not quite ready to do your own LALO or HAHO jump? Our Spectator Experience Tour offers a guided, behind-the-scenes look at the world of skydiving — from gear to training to the moment of exit.
Or if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable setting for your next gathering, check out our event rental space — from team retreats to weddings, we host events with a view like no other.
So whether you’re hopping, popping, or dreaming about your own HALO dive, Skydive Chicago is where core memories begins!
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