Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Program: Your Path to Solo Skydiving
The Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program at SkyDive USA is the fastest and most comprehensive method to become a certified solo skydiver. Designed for individuals who are serious about mastering the art of freefall and canopy control, AFF provides intensive, one-on-one instruction from highly experienced USPA-rated coaches. Unlike tandem dives, AFF immerses you directly into the role of a student skydiver from your very first jump, with two instructors by your side, guiding you every step of the way.
Our program is structured into a series of levels, each building upon the skills learned in the previous one. You'll progress from basic body position and stability in freefall to advanced maneuvers, deployment procedures, and precise canopy piloting. Safety is paramount, and our rigorous training ensures you gain the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience needed to safely and independently enjoy the thrill of solo skydiving.
Embark on an extraordinary journey and discover the freedom of the skies. The AFF program isn't just about learning to skydive; it's about personal growth, overcoming challenges, and joining an exclusive community of passionate aviators.
Comprehensive Training Levels of the AFF Program
Level 1: Introduction to Freefall
Your first AFF jump introduces you to the exhilarating world of freefall. Accompanied by two instructors holding onto your harness, you'll practice stable body position, altitude awareness, and simulated ripcord pulls. The ground school prior to this jump covers equipment, aircraft procedures, freefall techniques, and emergency protocols in detail.
- Stable body position in freefall
- Altitude awareness and monitoring
- Practice ripcord pulls
- Basic canopy deployment procedures
Level 2: Advanced Stability & Turns
Building on Level 1, you'll refine your stable freefall and begin to execute basic turns. Instructors will continue to provide direct assistance, but you'll have more autonomy in performing the required maneuvers. This level focuses on developing control and responsiveness in freefall.
- Exiting the aircraft with stability
- 90-degree and 180-degree turns
- Forward movement practice
- Improved altitude awareness
Level 3: Instructor Release
This is a pivotal jump where instructors release you in freefall, allowing you to experience true solo freefall for the first time. You'll perform a series of stable freefall maneuvers, including turns and forward movement, demonstrating your ability to maintain control without direct assistance.
- Demonstrate solo stable freefall
- Execute unassisted turns and forward movement
- Accurate altitude tracking
- Confident canopy deployment
Level 4: Advanced Maneuvers & Dives
With one instructor, you'll learn more complex maneuvers such as barrel rolls, front loops, and tracking. These skills enhance your freefall control and prepare you for group skydiving. You'll also focus on improving your exit technique.
- Advanced freefall maneuvers (rolls, loops)
- Tracking practice for horizontal movement
- Refined exit techniques
- Enhanced communication with instructor
Level 5: Supervised Solo & Relative Work Prep
This level focuses on further refining your freefall skills and introducing you to the basics of relative work (RW). You'll perform more intricate maneuvers and begin to practice approaching and flying near your instructor in freefall.
- Targeted freefall approaches
- Relative work basics
- Advanced stability and control
- Precise altitude management
Level 6: Solo Exit & Canopy Control
You'll perform your first solo exit from the aircraft, followed by a freefall sequence and canopy flight. This jump emphasizes independent decision-making and advanced canopy piloting skills, including accuracy landings.
- Independent aircraft exit
- Solo freefall sequence
- Advanced canopy piloting techniques
- Targeted landings (spot landings)
Level 7: Final Skills & Graduation
The final AFF level involves demonstrating all learned skills independently. You'll perform a stable solo exit, a freefall sequence including turns, forward movement, and tracking, followed by a precise canopy flight and landing. Upon successful completion, you'll be cleared for supervised solo skydives, moving towards your A-license.
- Demonstration of all learned skills
- Independent decision-making
- Refined canopy accuracy
- Preparation for A-license progression
Requirements & Certification for AFF Students
Prerequisites for Enrollment
To ensure the safety and success of all participants, SkyDive USA has established specific prerequisites for entry into our Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program. These requirements are in line with industry standards and are designed to prepare you for the physical and mental demands of solo skydiving.
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old. Valid government-issued photo ID required.
- Weight: Maximum weight limit of 220 lbs (100 kg) for men and 200 lbs (90 kg) for women, fully clothed. This is for equipment safety and proper fit.
- Physical Health: Must be in good physical condition. No history of heart conditions, epilepsy, severe back problems, or other medical issues that could be exacerbated by skydiving. A medical questionnaire must be completed, and a doctor's note may be required for certain conditions.
- Mental Preparedness: Must be able to follow instructions, maintain composure under pressure, and demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning.
- Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in English to understand all safety briefings and instructions.
- No Alcohol/Drugs: Must not consume alcohol or recreational drugs within 8 hours prior to your jump.
Certification Process and A-License
Upon successful completion of all seven AFF levels, you'll be cleared for supervised solo skydives. This is the next step towards achieving your United States Parachute Association (USPA) A-License, which is the first level of skydiving certification and allows you to jump with other licensed skydivers.
- AFF Graduation: Successfully complete all 7 AFF levels, demonstrating proficiency in all required maneuvers and safety procedures.
- Coached Jumps: Complete additional coached jumps focusing on specific skills like advanced canopy control, packing, and dive flow.
- Solo Jumps: Accumulate a minimum of 25 skydives in total.
- Packing Class: Attend and pass a parachute packing class.
- Written & Oral Exam: Pass a comprehensive written and oral examination administered by a USPA Instructor.
- USPA Membership: Maintain current USPA membership.
Our instructors will guide you through every step of this journey, providing the mentorship and support you need to earn your A-License and become a confident, safe, and skilled solo skydiver.
Pricing & Schedule for the AFF Program
We offer flexible scheduling options and transparent pricing for our Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program. Our goal is to make your journey to solo skydiving as accessible and convenient as possible. Below you will find details on our course fees and typical scheduling.
| Program Component | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| AFF Ground School | Mandatory comprehensive classroom training covering theory, safety, and procedures. | $150 |
| AFF Level 1 Jump | First jump with two instructors, including gear rental and video debrief. | $350 |
| AFF Levels 2-3 Jumps | Each jump with two instructors, focusing on stability and basic maneuvers. Includes gear and debrief. | $325 per jump |
| AFF Levels 4-7 Jumps | Each jump with one instructor, focusing on advanced maneuvers and solo skills. Includes gear and debrief. | $250 per jump |
| AFF Package (Levels 1-7) | Includes Ground School and all 7 AFF jumps. Best value for aspiring solo skydivers. | $2000 (Save $100) |
| Retake Jump (if needed) | Cost for repeating any AFF level jump if the objectives are not met. | Standard jump fee |
| Gear Rental (post-AFF) | Per-jump rental of complete skydiving rig for supervised solo jumps. | $50 per jump |
Scheduling Options
We typically offer AFF Ground School every weekend. Jumps are scheduled based on weather conditions, instructor availability, and student progression. We recommend booking your Ground School slot in advance.
- Ground School: Held on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please check our booking page for specific dates.
- Jump Scheduling: Jumps can be scheduled any day of the week, weather permitting, after successful completion of Ground School. We encourage students to jump as frequently as possible to maintain skill retention.
- Booking: All bookings can be made through our online booking system or by calling us directly.