Parachuting, also known as skydiving, is defined as the activity involving a preplanned drop from a height that requires a deployable parachute. Most individuals would consider this to be simply jumping out of an airplane, but the sport may also include base jumping. Base jumping is parachuting from the top of a tall mountain or cliff that requires a parachute to land safely on the ground. Base jumping is much more dangerous than jumping from an airplane due to the reduced amount of time the jumper has for parachute deployment.

The history of parachuting is vague, but we do know that the first successful parachute jump from a hot air balloon occurred in 1797, by Andre-Jaques Garnerin. Parachuting was originally developed by the military as a way to save aircrews that were in balloons, and later aircraft, and needed to escape from fire or other emergencies. They later used the technology as a way to drop soldiers into the battlefield.
Today, parachuting is still used by the military, but it is also enjoyed as a recreational activity and competitive sport. Firefighters are also dropped into forest fires by parachuting. These individuals are often referred to as "smokejumpers." Parachuting competitions date back to the 1930's and in 1951, parachuting became an international sport.

Parachuting jumps typically involve individuals who jump out of an airplane, helicopter or hot air balloon at a level of about 13,000 feet. There is a freefall period before the parachute is deployed. The parachute is then used to slow down the landing speed and allow the skydiver to steer his or her way to a safe landing zone.

Parachuting is popular amongst many people as it is the closest one can get to flying, while others just like the rush of adrenaline that comes from jumping out of an airplane. Most skydivers will make their first jump and first few jumps in tandem with an experienced and trained skydiver.