Frequently Asked Questions

Accelerated Freefall (AFF) is a comprehensive, skydiving training program sanctioned by the USPA (United States Parachute Association). With a scaffolded progression of skills and supervised jumps, AFF helps students gain confidence, control, and the knowledge needed to become licensed skydivers.

The USPA issues four skydiving licenses: A, B, C, and D. The USPA A License is your first skydiving certification and confirms that you’ve gained the knowledge and skills needed to jump with others and visit dropzones around the world.

To earn your A License, you must complete:

• A minimum of 25 total jumps
• All requirements on the A License Progression Card
• A written exam and practical skills tests
• A successful Check Dive
• A parachute-packing class
• Active USPA membership

Skydivers progress through four USPA license levels, each unlocking new skills, privileges, and opportunities in the sport:

• A License: Jump solo without supervision, pack your own main parachute, join group skydives, and jump at any USPA-member dropzone.
• B License: All A-level privileges plus eligibility for night jumps and the first step toward earning instructional ratings.
• C License: Expanded privileges, including eligibility for many instructor ratings and participation in demo jumps and larger formation skydives.
• D License: The highest level of skydiving certification, allowing you to pursue all USPA ratings and participate in advanced disciplines and demonstration jumps.

No, at Skydive Danielson we require two tandem jumps before solo jumps are permitted. Why? We are committed to training confident, competent, and responsible skydivers. As such, you must complete two training tandems as the first step in your AFF progression. Training tandems allow you to witness and gain hands-on experience with the fundamentals of skydiving without having to be responsible for them off the bat.

You must log at least 25 jumps to be considered as a candidate for the USPA A License. At Skydive Danielson, the standard training curriculum includes:

• Training Tandems (Cat A & B): 2 jumps
• AFF Jumps (Cat B-E): 8 jumps
• Coach Jumps (Cat F-H): 7 jumps
• Solo Jumps: 8 jumps

Note: Jumps are repeated as necessary in order to ensure mastery of skills.

Yes. All AFF students must complete a parachute packing class as part of the A-License requirements. Over the course of the half-day class, you’ll learn how the system works, how to pack your own main canopy, and how to perform essential safety checks before every jump.

Yes. To earn your skydiving license through the AFF program, you must become a USPA member. Membership provides your student proficiency card, required training materials, and the third-party liability insurance needed to progress safely and legally through the program.

A 15-minute indoor skydiving session can give you the equivalent freefall practice of 15 real skydives, helping you build body-flight skills and confidence before you even board the airplane. Talk to your instructor to learn about optional wind tunnel training!

The amount of time needed to complete the requirements for a skydiving license vary from person to person. Some students progress through AFF in just a few weeks, while others take longer depending on schedule, weather, and budget. To remain current, you must make at least one jump every 30 days.

Per USPA rules, you remain current as long as you make at least one jump every 30 days. We strongly encourage students to stay as active as possible – frequent jumps build confidence, sharpen skills, and help you progress more quickly.

If more than 30 days pass between jumps, you’ll need to take a refresher Ground School course before continuing. If more than 60 days pass, you must repeat the First Jump Course as well as the last completed jump.

Yes, the gear rental fees associated with the 25 required AFF jumps is included in the program cost at Skydive Danielson. This includes your student parachute and harness system, helmet, jumpsuit, goggles, and altimeter.

Not necessarily; you can continue to rent gear if that’s your preference. When you’re ready to make a purchase, we recommend starting with used gear before. At Skydive Danielson, our rental equipment is maintained by FAA-certified riggers and is available for purchase through our gear store – giving you the chance to try gear before you buy it. If you prefer new equipment, our gear store also offers excellent options tailored to your goals. Have questions? Email the gear store team!

Yes! A light meal (sandwich, salad, etc) is recommended. An empty stomach can cause more trouble than a full one. Bring snacks! We are conveniently located minutes off the highway with lots of nearby market and restaurant options.

Hydration is important – water and non-alcoholic beverages are encouraged. Please make a final restroom stop before gearing up.

Alcohol is strictly prohibited for at least eight hours before your skydive. Being under the influence is unsafe, illegal, and will result in the cancellation of your training.

You must present a valid, government-issued, photo ID – such as a driver’s license or passport – at check in. No ID, no jump.

You’re welcome to bring a cooler with snacks and water or soft drinks – no alcohol. There are plenty of markets and convenience stores nearby! You can also bring things to keep you occupied while you wait to jump, like books, frisbee, hacky sack, or other outdoor games.

Avoid skydiving if you’re sick or congested – the pressure changes can cause inner-ear pain. If you’re not feeling your best, please reschedule your training.

Yes! Wear your glasses or contacts to skydive. Wear contacts if you have them. If you must wear glasses to see, wear an old pair if possible. Either way, we’ll provide you with goggles to protect your eyes. Bring back ups of contacts or glasses just in case you lose them in freefall!

Wear weather-appropriate athletic clothing that enables full range of motion and lace up gym shoes. We’ll provide you with a jumpsuit, helmet and goggles.