So, You Wanna Skydive? Let’s Talk AFF.
FactsSo, You Wanna Skydive? Let’s Talk AFF.
Thinking about jumping out of a perfectly good airplane? Awesome! If you’re serious about learning to skydive solo, you’re gonna hear the letters “AFF” thrown around a lot. But what is AFF, really? Well, put simply, it’s your express ticket to becoming a skydiver.
AFF, which stands for Accelerated Freefall, is hands-down the most popular way to learn the ropes—or should I say, the risers? It’s designed to get you skydiving solo, safely and quickly. The “accelerated” part? That means you’re getting a real taste of freefall from a high altitude right from jump number one. Forget those old-school static line jumps where your parachute pops open practically as soon as you leave the plane. With AFF, you’re in the air, feeling it.
Why is AFF the Way to Go?
Honestly, there are a bunch of reasons why AFF is the top choice for aspiring skydivers.
- Fast Track to Fun: You’ll pick up the necessary skills and knowledge quicker than you thought possible.
- Freefall, Baby!: From the get-go, you’re experiencing the thrill of freefall. That’s what it’s all about, right?
- Expert Eyes on You: You’re not alone up there! Certified instructors are with you every step (or jump) of the way, providing guidance and making sure you’re safe.
- The Whole Package: AFF doesn’t just teach you how to fall; it covers everything from checking your gear to landing safely and knowing what to do if things go sideways.
What to Expect: The AFF Course Breakdown
Okay, so what does an AFF course actually look like? While every dropzone might have its own spin on things, most follow a pretty standard structure laid out by the United States Parachute Association (USPA). Here’s the gist:
Ground School: Knowledge is Power. Before you even think about jumping, you’ll spend a good chunk of time—usually 4 to 8 hours—in the classroom. We’re talking equipment, body position, knowing how high you are, pulling your parachute, landing like a pro, and what to do in an emergency. Some schools even use wind tunnels to give you a feel for freefall before you jump. Think of it as skydiving boot camp.
The Jumps: From Hand-Holding to Solo Flight. The AFF program is usually around 7 or 8 jumps, each building on the last.
- Levels 1-3: Buddy System. You’ll have two instructors holding onto you, basically acting as your skydiving training wheels. They’re there to keep you stable, help you with your body position, and make sure you deploy your parachute if you need a little nudge.
- Levels 4-7: Spreading Your Wings. Now you’re down to one instructor. This is where you start to get more independent, practicing turns, moving across the sky (tracking), and even trying a front flip if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Level 8: Hop ‘n’ Pop. This is a low-altitude jump designed to fine-tune your parachute skills. It’s all about landing smoothly and safely.
Coach Jumps: Leveling Up. Once you’ve nailed the initial AFF jumps, you’ll team up with a coach to refine your skills. Think of it as advanced skydiving training. You’ll be working on things like carving through the air, moving forward and backward, and making your parachute dance.
Solo Jumps: The Real Deal. This is it! You’re on your own, putting everything you’ve learned into practice. It’s exhilarating and a little nerve-wracking, but trust me, you’ll love it.
A License: Your Ticket to Ride. After logging at least 25 jumps and meeting all the USPA’s requirements, you can apply for your A license. This is your golden ticket, proving you’re a competent skydiver and allowing you to jump without supervision.
Are You AFF Material?
So, what does it take to sign up for an AFF course? Here’s the checklist:
- Age: Gotta be 18 or older. No exceptions.
- Weight: Most dropzones have a weight limit, usually around 225-235 pounds.
- Health: You need to be in reasonably good shape. Skydiving is a physical activity!
- Tandem Jump (Maybe): Some places want you to do a tandem jump first, just to get a taste of what you’re getting into. It’s not always required, but it’s a good idea.
Beyond the A License: The Sky’s the Limit!
Getting your A license is just the beginning. The USPA has a whole ladder of licenses you can climb, each one opening up new possibilities.
- A License: You’re a certified skydiver! You can jump solo, pack your own parachute, join group jumps, and even jump near water (with some restrictions, of course).
- B License: 50 jumps under your belt and you’re ready for more advanced stuff.
- C License: 200 jumps? Now you’re getting serious! This license lets you dive into more challenging skydiving disciplines.
- D License: The holy grail! 500 jumps and you’re basically a skydiving ninja.
Is AFF Right for You?
If you’re serious about learning to skydive and want to get there as quickly and safely as possible, AFF is definitely the way to go. It’s an investment of time and money, but the rewards are incredible. Just imagine: you, soaring through the sky, completely in control. Pretty awesome, right?
Other Ways to Fly
AFF isn’t the only way to experience skydiving, though.
- Tandem Skydiving: The easiest way to get a taste of skydiving. You’re strapped to an experienced instructor who does all the work.
- Static Line Training: An older method where your parachute opens automatically. Not much freefall involved.
- Instructor-Assisted Deployment (IAD): Similar to static line, but the instructor pulls the cord.
The Bottom Line
AFF is the gold standard for skydiving training, plain and simple. If you’re ready to take the plunge and learn to skydive solo, it’s the fastest, safest, and most rewarding path. So, do your research, find a reputable dropzone, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Trust me, you won’t regret it.