AFF Accelerated Freefall | Skydive Lessons

AFF (accelerated freefall) is one of two methods used to train new skydivers and the only method which allows you to experience freefall from your very first jump.

AFF Facts

The AFF course is made up of 8 training jumps followed by 10 consolidation jumps
Each level introduces you to new and essential skydiving skills
Once you've completed the course, you can jump by yourself, anywhere in the world!

It is Air Supply policy that each student is assigned their own personal instructor who will stay with them for the duration of their course. This we believe is very important because it prevents large groups of students and ensures 'one-on-one' tuition. It also provides better instruction as your instructor can tailor the tuition to suit your strengths and weaknesses as the course progresses.

AFF Ground School

Ground school takes place... you've guessed it... on the ground! Before you take to the air, you'll receive (and must complete) a full day of ground school with your instructor.

Ground school covers all aspects of the course that cannot be taught in the air. You will be introduced to your skydive equipment and taught how to inspect it and put it on correctly. You will be taught how to fly your parachute safely to the ground and make comfortable 'stand-up' landings. Also included in the syllabus are emergency procedures and survival skills, aircraft exit drills, and how to communicate in freefall with your instructor.

AFF Level 1

AFF Level 1 is your first real skydive.

You will jump with two instructors holding onto you and keeping you in control. They will assess your body position as you fall and give the appropriate hand signals required to make sure your position is correct.

You will practice pulling your ripcord, maintaining stability and altitude awareness. You will deploy your own modern 'square' parachute at 5500 feet after approximately 45 seconds in free fall, flying it safely to the ground with the support of your instructor who talks to you over the radio.

AFF Level 2

This is very similar to level one in most respects.

If your instructors are happy with your progress, one instructor will release and fly in front of you. You will also practice turning and more altitude awareness. You will again deploy your parachute at 5500 feet and fly it down to the ground.

AFF Level 3

On this level you will again be jumping with two instructors. However, once they are happy with your skills they will both release their grip on you and fly close at hand.

You will then be free falling under your own control for the first time!

You will practice 'hovering' on the spot, maintain a heading and altitude awareness. Deployment of your parachute will again be at 5500 feet.

Accelerated Freefall Level 3

An AFF Student on level 3 - both instructors let go.
Photo taken by Gary 'Swoop' Wainwright

AFF Level 4

From now on, you'll jump with only one instructor flying with you.

You will practice 90 degree turns on your own, altitude awareness, and maintain your new found stability as you fall at around 120mph with your instructor right next to you!

You will deploy your parachute at 5500 feet.

AFF Level 5

On this level you will perform alternate 360 degree turns in both directions, and practice forward movement across the sky.

Deployment is at 4500 feet.

AFF Level 6

By now, you'll be feeling like a proper skydiver!

You'll perform a solo 'dive exit', leaving the plane head first and diving out of the door toward the rear of the aircraft.

Then you'll be required to perform a 'back loop' - this is the skydiving version of a back somersault. The aim of the back loop is to throw you unstable and show your instructor that you can regain stability at freefall speeds.

Next, you will practice 'tracking', this is fast horizontal movement across the sky - an essential skill in skydiving.

Deployment of your parachute is at 4500 feet.

Landing a parachute on AFF level 6
Photo taken by Gary 'Swoop' Wainwright

AFF Level 7

This is where you bring together all of your new found skills in preparation for jumping alone.

After a solo exit your instructor will accompany you as you perform a back loop, alternate turns, and tracking with a turn included. You must maintain good stability throughout and deploy your parachute at 4500 feet.

AFF Level 8

This is the final jump you will make with your instructor accompanying you. Excited yet?

You must exit the aircraft solo at 6000ft, get stable in the air and deploy your parachute within 5 seconds.

After this, you've finished your training and move on to your ten consolidation jumps.

AFF Consolidation Jumps

Once you've completed your 8 training jumps, you'll make 10 skydives on your own. Your instructors will be there to supervise you.

The consolidation jumps are designed to build confidence and allow you to practice your new skills.

What next?

That's it!

After successfully completing all eight levels of AFF and ten consolidation jumps you will apply for your first international skydiver's license.

This allows you to jump at any drop zone in any country with the minimum of fuss.

You can also begin learning new techniques, such as Formation Skydiving (FS), free flying (the funky upside-down and standing up stuff), or maybe even canopy piloting!

Who knows? - maybe one day you could become a champion skydiver or an instructor yourself and teach other people this sport that we all love so much!

Read what previous AFF students have to say about their experiences

Book an AFF Course

If you're ready to book your AFF course, or simply want to find out more, get in touch today or call Phil directly on 07787 555 496.

AFF (Accelerated Freefall)