Wilmington has officially taken flight! The region’s first indoor skydiving facility is now open on Eastwood Road, and it’s already making waves.
The $14 million iFly facility, which had been under construction since January, celebrated its grand opening on November 30. It’s part of a global franchise that started in Orlando in 1998 and now boasts over 80 locations worldwide. This is only the second iFly in North Carolina, joining its sister site near Charlotte.
Bringing indoor skydiving to Wilmington was a six-year journey for Patrick Maguire and his father-in-law, Jamie Jamison, who co-own the facility. Set on nearly two acres at 1441 Eastwood Road, the state-of-the-art building offers a thrilling experience that’s perfect for adventurers of all ages.
Step into the sleek check-in area, where you’ll find a service counter, a merchandise shop, and scales to determine the right wind speed for your flight. Most sessions are by reservation, but the facility also offers memberships, group events, STEM programs, and even training for military personnel.
A particularly heartfelt touch is the memorial wall honoring Michael Ernst, a Navy SEAL who was an early investor in the project.
From the check-in area, guests move to the heart of the facility—a spacious room surrounding the glass wind tunnel. Here, skydivers gear up with flight suits and helmets, meet their instructor, and get a quick safety briefing before heading into the tunnel.
The Wilmington location employs a team of 10 full-time flight instructors who recently completed intensive training. These skilled athletes help guide guests through their flight, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.
Inside the wind tunnel, participants can soar up to 35 feet, with wind speeds tailored to their skill level. Powered by four massive rooftop fans and a sophisticated air circulation system, the tunnel keeps everything running smoothly.
But there’s more than just skydiving. The facility also features a cutting-edge 270-degree simulator room developed with Conflict Kinetics. Originally used for military training, the simulators are now available for the public to sharpen their reaction time and coordination.
As for the future, this iFly location is just the beginning. Maguire and his team have big plans to expand across the Eastern Carolinas over the next 15 years.
If you’ve ever dreamed of flying, there’s no need to wait—Wilmington’s iFly is here and ready to make those dreams come true.