HOW WORLD’S SAFEST TUNNELS ARE MADE

Why Safety is the Key to an Unforgettable Flying Experience

The Thrill of Flight Without the Fear

Have you ever dreamed of trying indoor skydiving? If so, safety was probably the last thing on your mind. And that’s exactly how it should be.

When you enter an entertainment or recreational facility, you won’t to question whether it’s safe—you expect it to be. The idea of risk rarely crosses your mind because you trust that everything has been carefully engineered for your protection.

But why do we feel so confident? Because behind every thrilling experience, there are experts who have dedicated themselves to making it safe.

The Hidden Effort Behind a Safe Flight

Enjoying the sensation of flight without concern isn’t just a happy accident—it’s the result of years of innovation, engineering, and commitment from industry pioneers.

Visionary companies have worked tirelessly to develop cutting-edge technologies and safety systems that allow people to experience the joy of flying without fear. Everything, from wind tunnel airflow dynamics to instructor training and protective gear, has been designed, tested, and refined to ensure a seamless and secure experience.

AERODIUM: Leading the Way in Flight Safety

Among these pioneers is AERODIUM that has set new benchmarks in vertical wind tunnel safety. We don’t see safety as just a regulatory requirement—it’s a core part of our mission.

Through continuous innovation and investment, AERODIUM has created some of the world’s safest and most advanced wind tunnels, ensuring that flyers of all skill levels can fully enjoy the experience without hesitation.Our goal? To make indoor skydiving an unforgettable, accessible, and completely secure adventure for everyone.

How Did It All Begin?

But how did this journey toward safe, exhilarating flight experiences start? Let’s take a step back and explore the evolution of wind tunnel safety—from the early days of experimentation to the cutting-edge technologies we have today.

The History of Vertical Wind Tunnel Safety

The Evolution of Safety in Recreational Indoor Skydiving

Recreational indoor skydiving—also known as vertical wind tunnel flying or simulated skydiving—has come a long way since its early days. Safety, which is now a top priority, has continuously evolved to make the experience both thrilling and secure.

The journey began in 1979, when Jean St. Germain, a French-Canadian inventor, built the first-ever recreational vertical wind tunnel in Saint-Simon-de-Bagot, just 80 km from Montreal. At the time, the focus was purely on entertainment. The sensation of floating in the air was so captivating that most people gave little thought to safety.

The Early Days: Minimal Safety Measures and Trial-and-Error Learning

In the beginning, safety in vertical wind tunnels was a work in progress. Flyers were drawn in by the sheer excitement of hovering in mid-air, and safety measures were kept to a bare minimum—just enough to prevent major risks.

Since indoor skydiving was a new and experimental activity, there was no established knowledge on:

✅ How to properly control movement in the tunnel

✅ What potential risks existed

✅ How to best prevent accidents

Early wind tunnels relied on basic, custom-made safety solutions, often developed through trial and error. Flyers and operators learned through hands-on experience, gradually identifying the challenges and refining safety practices along the way.

Then vs. Now: How Safety Has Transformed the Industry

Looking back at old photos and videos of early wind tunnels, the difference is striking. Compared to the sophisticated safety measures in place today, early setups were rudimentary.

Modern vertical wind tunnels are entirely different from their predecessors. Today, they incorporate:

🔹 Advanced airflow control technology for smoother, more predictable flight

🔹 Highly trained instructors to guide flyers safely

🔹 Protective gear, safety nets, and padding to prevent injuries

🔹 Real-time monitoring systems that adjust wind conditions instantly

Over the years, technology, experience, and expertise have transformed indoor skydiving into a safe, high-adrenaline sport accessible to people of all skill levels. The focus is no longer just on the thrill of flying—it’s also on ensuring every participant can enjoy the experience with complete peace of mind.

The Need for Advanced Safety in Modern Wind Tunnels

Our clients are increasingly prioritizing efficiency and safety when selecting vertical wind tunnels. These factors have become essential prerequisites for introducing AERODIUM’s cutting-edge wind tunnels and showcasing their exceptional capabilities.To deliver the ultimate flight experience, it is crucial to understand the technology behind these tunnels—ensuring both performance and safety are seamlessly integrated.

The Power of Vertical Wind Tunnels

Modern vertical wind tunnels are stronger and more advanced than ever before. Some can generate wind speeds exceeding 300 km/h (186 mph)—a force powerful enough to simulate real skydiving conditions.

While these high speeds make indoor skydiving an exhilarating experience, they also introduce potential risks. Without advanced safety systems, even small mistakes could lead to instability, loss of control, or injuries.

How Safety Has Evolved Alongside Technology

As technology has improved, so has our understanding of safety in vertical wind tunnels. Over the years, continuous learning and innovation have transformed safety from a basic necessity into a comprehensive system designed to protect flyers at all levels.

Today, every aspect of a vertical wind tunnel—from airflow control to instructor training and protective gear—has been carefully developed to ensure the safest experience possible.

A Safety System Built on Experience

This progress didn’t happen overnight. It has taken decades of research, real-world testing, and industry expertise to create the highly sophisticated safety protocols that exist today. Thanks to these advancements, anyone—from complete beginners to professional athletes—can fly with confidence, knowing they are in a controlled and secure environment.

AERODIUM’s Safety Innovations: Breaking New Ground

The Turning Point: A Personal Experience That Led to a Safety Breakthrough

Ivars Beitāns, CEO of AERODIUM, is not just a pioneer in vertical wind tunnel technology—he’s also a passionate flyer himself. One of his most unforgettable and exhilarating experiences was performing a gravity-defying flight during the Closing Ceremony of the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics. This historic moment made him the only vertical wind tunnel flyer ever to participate in the Olympic Games.

However, this experience was more than just a milestone—it was a turning point in the understanding of wind tunnel safety. Flying in such a high-profile and high-pressure setting gave Beitāns firsthand insight into the challenges and risks involved.

This experience directly influenced the development of AERODIUM’s advanced safety systems, setting new standards that have made vertical wind tunnel flying safer and more accessible for everyone ever since.

When AERODIUM built its first recirculating vertical wind tunnel in Shanghai, China, for the Latvian Pavilion at WORLD EXPO 2010, it marked a turning point in wind tunnel safety.

For Ivars Beitāns, this was more than just another project—it was a firsthand experience that transformed the way safety was approached in vertical wind tunnels.

As Ivars explains in his own words: 

“I was amazed the first time I experienced flying—I was going up and down, up and down, fully immersed in the moment. But then, suddenly, I fell hard.

The impact was so severe that I injured my back badly. I couldn’t walk for weeks. That accident was a wake-up call. It made me realize that, as thrilling as flying is, safety must come first. I didn’t want anyone else to experience the same kind of injury. It was a pivotal moment, a sharp realization—we had to do something. We needed to find a way to make wind tunnel landings safer without compromising the experience.“

Developing a Safer, More Flexible Landing Surface

“Through continuous testing and innovation, we came up with a solution: the landing surface had to be flexible enough to absorb impact while still maintaining stability.Not everyone welcomed this change. Some professional flyers, particularly those in Relative Work (RW) disciplines, weren’t fans of the new feature. Since RW flyers typically stand in a group inside the tunnel, the flexible surface would sink under their combined weight, making it harder to maintain balance.However, for most other disciplines, this innovation significantly improved safety.”

The Ultimate Goal of AERODIUM’s Safety System: Zero Accidents

Since AERODIUM established its safety system in its tunnels it shows that the ultimate safety goal has been achieved – zero accidents in AERODIUM vertical wind tunnels. Ivars Beitāns on the achievement in his own words:

“We even had a head instructor from the UK join our team, and he was truly amazed. In the previous tunnel where he worked, accidents happened almost every week. The difference in safety standards was immediately clear to him.”

For years, AERODIUM has been at the forefront of safety innovation in vertical wind tunnels. But in 2024, the World Cup of Indoor Skydiving in Macau unexpectedly became a global showcase of just how effective AERODIUM’s patented safety systems truly are.

A Dramatic Exit That Shocked the Crowd

At the very start of the competition, Toms Īvāns—the 2018 World Cup winner and newly crowned 2024 European Cup champion from Latvia—took his first flight. However, as he prepared to exit the tunnel, things took an unexpected turn.

A slight miscalculation in his trajectory led to a sudden and abrupt end to his flying routine. The moment was intense and dramatic, leaving spectators in shock as they anticipated the worst.

From Shock to Applause: A Safety System That Delivered

But within moments, the crowd’s gasps turned into thunderous applause. Despite the unexpected exit, Toms emerged completely unscathed—without so much as a scratch.

His survival wasn’t luck—it was a direct result of AERODIUM’s advanced safety technology, designed to protect flyers even in high-risk scenarios.

In his own words, Toms describes what happened next:

“It felt like crashing into a car. But the moment I hit the ground, the safety cushion absorbed the shock completely. I was surprised—there was no pain, no injury, nothing. I got up, completely fine, and was able to continue competing without any issues.”

Toms Īvāns highlighted the risks what even the world’s best indoor skydivers could face if AERODIUM’s safety innovations didn’t exist.

To fully understand its impact, let’s break down exactly how the system works and what it does to protect flyers in high-speed environments.

Patented Lifted Step – How It Prevents Accidents

One of AERODIUM’s most revolutionary safety features is the patented lifted step, designed to prevent uncontrolled exits. This small yet impactful innovation:

• Provides a safe transition area for flyers entering and exiting the tunnel.
• Prevents sudden falls by offering a softening step-off and landing surface.
• Reduces risks of injuries and loss of balance.

Impact Absorption Technology – Minimizing Landing Injuries

AERODIUM has implemented an impact absorption safety net that significantly reduces landing force, preventing leg and ankle injuries. This system is particularly beneficial for beginners who might struggle with controlled landings.

Patented Safety Net for Open-Air Tunnels

For open-air tunnels, where flyers can reach greater heights, AERODIUM developed a patented safety net system that ensures:

• Soft-impact landings in case of flight instability.
• High-tensile strength material that absorbs kinetic energy effectively.
• Minimized risks for professional and recreational flyers alike.

Key Safety Innovations in AERODIUM Kyiv: An Instructor’s Perspective

Andy Durnford, Chief Instructor at AERODIUM Kyiv, has accumulated over 1,000 hours of experience in vertical wind tunnel flying. With extensive firsthand knowledge, he shares his perspective on AERODIUM’s safety system and how it is designed to meet the needs of clients.

In his own words:

“As Chief Instructor at AERODIUM Kyiv, I’ve had the opportunity to experience some of the best safety features in any wind tunnel I’ve flown or instructed in. Two standout innovations that I firmly believe in are the net and the door ramp. These aren’t just theoretical safety measures—they have proven their effectiveness firsthand.

A Safer Net: Reducing Injury Risks

In most wind tunnels, the net is made of tightly stretched wire, which can cause serious injuries. I’ve seen flyers suffer deep cuts and heavy impact injuries, some severe enough to require hospitalization.

By contrast, I witnessed a flyer fall from near the top of the Kyiv tunnel—a drop that could have resulted in major injuries in other tunnels. Thanks to AERODIUM’s specially designed net, the flyer walked away with nothing more than minor bruises.

The Door Ramp: A Critical Improvement in Tunnel Safety

The tunnel door is one of the most dangerous areas due to a lack of airflow. In standard tunnels, doors often have a solid rubber frame or a hard floor, which can cause sprains, fractures, or even broken bones if a flyer lands incorrectly.

Instructors are typically placed near the door to prevent accidents, but AERODIUM’s door ramp adds another layer of protection. While it doesn’t eliminate the need for instructors, it greatly reduces the risk posed by the door area.

I can personally vouch for its effectiveness— I once fell out of the Kyiv tunnel and, thanks to the ramp’s impact-absorbing design, walked away completely unscathed.

The Future of Safe Flight Training

A vertical wind tunnel—essentially a tube of glass and metal—is far from an ideal environment for learning acrobatics. However, continuous safety innovations are making the sport safer and more accessible.

Of all the advancements I’ve seen, these two features stand out as essential, and I will continue to advocate for their implementation in as many tunnels as possible.“

Real-Time AI Monitoring – The Future of Safety

For the past few years, we’ve been working on AI-powered systems to enhance safety, monitoring, and efficiency in vertical wind tunnels. When AI first entered the market, we didn’t rush to make bold claims—we knew this was a learning process, and we’re still refining it today.

Despite our quiet approach, AI is already making a difference. It helps us:

✅ Enhance safety by predicting and preventing potential risks

✅ Optimize wind speed based on a flyer’s weight, skill level, and flying style

✅ Improve real-time monitoring to create a smoother, more controlled flight experience

Continuous Learning, Continuous Improvement

As AI rapidly evolves, so do our applications. At AERODIUM, we have a saying:

“Work in progress is never finished.”

It’s a phrase that reminds us of our home city, Riga, Latvia—a place with a local legend that says:

“The day Riga is finished, it will sink into the Daugava River.”

But Riga still stands, just as we continue to push boundaries, explore AI’s potential, and integrate new advancements into our vertical wind tunnels.

AERODIUM is actively developing AI-driven safety monitoring, which will:

• Track flyer movements and predict instability.
• Adjust wind conditions in real-time based on flyer behavior.
• Provide instant feedback to instructors for better training insights.

Training and Human Factor: The Role of Instructors

A Systematic Approach to Safety and Excellence

These achievements wouldn’t be possible without a structured, comprehensive approach to ensuring the highest quality indoor skydiving experience.

To uphold exceptional safety standards, AERODIUM established the AERODIUM ACADEMY—a specialized training program designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to maintain a safe and seamless flying environment.

This program provides rigorous training for:

• Instructors
• Spotters
• Wind tunnel operators

Importance of Ongoing Safety Drills and Certification

AERODIUM instructors participate in continuous training programs that refine their skills in handling:

• Emergency scenarios.
• Spotting and assisting flyers in distress.
• Maintaining industry-leading safety protocols.

Expert Testimonials – Alexandra Adina Iancu perspective

With 20 years of experience as a professional skydiver and wind tunnel flyer, Alexandra Adina Iancu or better known in professional circles as Mao has established herself as a seasoned expert in the world of aerial sports.

Throughout her career, she has flown in many wind tunnels across the globe, exploring some of the most advanced facilities in locations such as Empuriabrava, Prague, Bedford, Warsaw, Budapest, Dubai, Novi Sad, Stockholm, Sion, Arizona, and Kyiv. In Alexandras own words she described recent experience in AERODIUM Kyiv tunnel:

Alexandra Adina Iancu aka Mao in AERODIUM Kyiv, February 16, 2025

“My experience in Kyiv’s wind tunnel was truly unique.

A Futuristic and Beautiful Design

The first thing that stood out was its futuristic, sleek, and clean design—unlike anything I’ve seen in other tunnels. Everything is simplified and well-organized, from the control console to the first-time flyer experience. It’s simply a beautiful tunnel—truly stunning.

Perfect for Kids and Dynamic Training

This tunnel is ideal for children—they absolutely love it! The air quality is consistent and smooth, making it great for:

✔ Kids’ training sessions

✔ 4-way belly teams

✔ 2-3 way dynamic flights

Even though it’s not as large as some competition tunnels, it provides great conditions for various flying styles.

Exceptional Air Quality and Stability

I was impressed by the airflow—it remained consistent across the entire tunnel surface. In other tunnels, I’ve experienced air gaps near the door, which caused me to fall. Initially, I was hesitant to fly over the door area, but in Kyiv, I felt no turbulence. This gave me more confidence in my flight.

I tested wind speeds between 60% and 85%, but after a long break from flying, I didn’t push it to the maximum speed. However, I watched instructors fly at full power, and it looked incredible.

A Quieter, More Comfortable Experience

One thing I really noticed was the low noise level—it’s much quieter than many other tunnels, and the floor doesn’t vibrate under your feet. This makes the experience more immersive and comfortable.

Soft Landings and a Glass Flight Experience

Exiting through the soft doorstep felt amazing. When doing a back-layout exit, the landing was incredibly soft and smooth—a detail that makes a real difference.

Flying through the glass tube all the way to the top gives you a feeling of freedom and height. It made me feel high and happy—a truly uplifting experience! 😊

An Addictive and Futuristic Atmosphere

The “Hero Tunnel” with its dramatic lights and design before entering the flight area is perfect for photos—a beautiful and futuristic addition that creates a sense of excitement. It made me feel genuinely thrilled to fly!

Simplified, Yet High-Tech Control System

I was also impressed by the control room—or rather, the lack of one! Instead of a traditional setup, it’s just a minimalist console with a display. It’s simple yet incredibly advanced, making the whole operation efficient and intuitive.

A Return to Flight and a Glimpse of the Future

After so much time away from flying, Kyiv’s tunnel felt like stepping into the future. I could truly feel AERODIUM’s innovation and the advancements they’ve made over the years.

I can’t wait to return to Kyiv and try more AERODIUM tunnels! Each one is unique, and their cutting-edge designs make me excited to see what’s next. ”

AERODIUM’s Commitment to Safety: Tried, Tested, and Perfected

As the saying goes, AERODIUM has tried, tested, improved, and delivered—creating a system that lets you enjoy the thrill of flight with complete confidence.

We have thought through every detail, refining our safety systems countless times—even fighting for their development to ensure they meet the highest standards. Today, we can confidently say that our system is near perfection.

Of course, innovation never stops. We continue to fine-tune small details, making ongoing improvements. But what matters most is that it works—delivering exactly what we’ve promised: the safest flying experience in vertical wind tunnels.