Are you thinking about learning to skydive solo, but don’t know where to begin? The answer is easy: AFF. What does AFF mean in skydiving? It stands for Accelerated FreeFall, a program designed for those ready to learn how to jump out of a plane and fly solo. Sounds enticing, right? It’s lifechanging!!
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how the AFF program works, what it takes to earn your skydiving license, how long the process takes, and what to expect along the way.
What Is AFF?
AFF, or Accelerated Freefall, is an Integrated Student Program that’s endorsed by the United States Parachute Association (USPA). The USPA sets standards for student training and safety in the United States and is respected worldwide.
AFF introduces new skydivers to solo jumping through a progressive series of levels – Categories A through H – designed to fast-track (i.e. accelerate) your freefall and canopy flight skills, while prioritizing safety and maximizing support.
Encompassing a minimum of 25 jumps and ground training, AFF begins with direct supervision from two instructors who accompany you during freefall, providing live, in-air guidance and hands-on support during your skydive. As you master each skill and level, your instructors gradually reduce their involvement until you’re ready to fly solo – completely independently and confidently in the sky!
How Does AFF Skydiving Work? The first step to earning your skydiving license is enrolling in an AFF course. The program will guide you through everything you need to know and achieve in order to achieve your USPA skydiving ‘A’ License. The A License is the first of four USPA license levels: A, B, C and D.
While the overarching framework of every AFF program is the same, how it’s executed differs slightly from one dropzone to another. At all DZs, you can only graduate to the next phase of the curriculum once you’ve mastered the prescribed skills of each level. Skydives may need to be repeated if learning objectives are not met, or if a student goes past the 30 day USPA currency requirement.
The AFF program at Skydive Danielson includes:
Tandem Training Progression
At Skydive Danielson, we require that you complete two training tandems that offer one-on-one parachute training from a certified tandem instructor. If you’ve done a tandem just for fun, know that this is a different experience that will serve as an excellent foundation for the remainder of the course. These jumps fulfill AFF Categories A and B and count toward your 25 jump minimum required by the USPA.
First Jump Course (FJC)
Also called Ground School, this four to six hour course will prepare you to jump solo. Components include:
• Solo equipment orientation
• Airplane safety
• Freefall body position
• Malfunctions
• Emergency procedures
• How to land your parachute
AFF Jumps
Next up: solo jumps! You’re accompanied by two AFF instructors who hold onto your harness during your first jump. For the next four jumps, you jump with one instructor. These jumps encompass AFF Categories C through E.
• Maintain stable body position
• Altitude awareness
• Land a parachute (for real)
• Video debrief of each jump
Coach Jumps
Once you’ve demonstrated mastery of foundational skills, it’s onto coach jumps! This curricular block covers Categories F through H.
• Group free fall skills
Solo Jumps
Complete your training by making a series of solo jumps. The finish line to your USPA A License is in sight!
Parachute Packing Class
You don’t have to pack your parachute every time you jump forever – there are willing packers who will take care of it for you – but you do need to know how to do it yourself. As part of your AFF training, you’ll attend a half-day packing class that demystifies your rig, teaches you how to pack it and then, once you understand and execute the method, you’ll jump your own pack job!
Check Dive
Once you’ve completed all of the prerequisites as shown on the A License Proficiency Card, all that’s left to do is prove you’re ready to competently, competently, and responsibly fly solo. This requires passing oral, written and practical exams. The practical, also known as the Check Dive, is performed with a USPA instructor.
Optional: Wind Tunnel Training
Wind tunnel training is optional, but highly recommended. A 15 minute indoor skydiving course is the equivalent of 15 skydives worth of freefall training. An excellent investment in your progression.
How Much Does AFF Skydiving Cost?
AFF rates differ from dropzone to dropzone, but be prepared to pay around $4,000 for a Learn to Skydive program. Keep in mind that these costs are based on if you pass all of your jumps (which we believe you will, because you’re awesome!). If you do not pass a jump, you will need to pay for a re-jump.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Skydiving License?
The timeline to getting your skydiving license varies based on your availability, weather, and jump frequency. Most students are able to complete the AFF course and earn their license in a month’s time, while others take a bit longer. Getting a skydiving license is a huge commitment, which is why personal schedules, finances, and physicality can all impact progression. Understanding these factors can help aspiring skydivers – like you! – plan effectively for their certification journey.
Can You Jump Alone After AFF?
Yes! Once you’ve passed all of your AFF category jumps, you’ll be cleared for self-supervision jumps. After you’ve completed 25 jumps total and achieved all requirements necessary, you’ll officially become an A licensed skydiver! This is where the real fun begins. From there, you’ll be able to jump with whoever you want and wherever you want! You’ll get exclusive access to skydiver-only events, called “boogies,” and the best part is … *drumroll* … you’ll become part of an incredible community that spans the globe!
AFF Skydiving Requirements
Joining our AFF training program is easy. Here’s the rundown:
• You must be at least 18 years old
• You cannot weigh more than 225 lbs
• Book a Tandem Skydive
• At check-in, let our staff know you wish to join our next AFF class
Do I Need a License to Skydive?
Nope! Thanks to tandem skydiving, you can experience skydiving for the first time without the responsibility of operating a parachute. During a tandem skydive, you’ll be harnessed to an experienced tandem instructor the whole time. However, if you’re interested in skydiving solo, you will need to go through the AFF program.
Whether you’re ready to get your license, or not, a tandem skydive is the perfect way to begin your skydiving journey. Book a jump with Skydive Danielson, the #1 choice for skydiving in Connecticut. Blue skies!