High-end sport

Skyranch Aviation Inc. has made skydiving such a popular sport in Northwest Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma that a recent jump with tandem expert Hoyt Perry, owner of Perry’s Jewelry in Fay-etteville, was hard to come by.

Skyranch Aviation owner Wolf Grulkey has conducted jumps since 1989 as Skydive Skyranch in Siloam Springs. The company annually averages 450 first-time jumps, and its core clientele consists of about 550 experienced skydivers.

During peak seasons, Skyranch conducts as many as 200 skydives in a single weekend. The company’s website is www.skyranch.com.

Static line jumps from about 4,000 feet are $145 per person for the initial ground school and skydive, and $45 for each additional jump. It takes 15 to 20 static line jumps to become a licensed skydiver.

The cost of tandem jumping from around two miles up is $145 per person, and that includes ground school. Video footage is available for $50 per person.