AFF PROGRAM
LEARN TO JUMP SOLO
The Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) program (Categories A-E) is a program that achieves “solo” and Licensed skydivers. If your desire is to make skydiving your sport this is the ideal start point for you. The program is a series of guided free fall jumps to achieve your first goal, to be able to jump on your own, unassisted.
The program consists of a ground school, three two on one (2:1) jumps, and four one on one (1:1) jumps. These jumps train you in the basic “survival” skills to become a skydiver.
The program begins with ground training, or First Jump Course. The First Jump Course will cover skydiving equipment, exits out of the plane, basic free fall body positions and altitude awareness, how to pull your main handle to activate the parachute opening sequence, how to control your canopy, and unusual situations that may occur. You are then ready to make your first skydive!
On your first skydive you will exit from 13,500 feet giving you 50 seconds of freefall time with two instructors (2:1). Emphasis will be placed on your exit, a stable free fall body position, altitude awareness, pulling the main handle and controlling your parachute. Another two 2:1 jumps will be done focusing on achieving overall awareness and relaxation to begin solo stability exercises as well as strengthening canopy flying skills.
The program will now continue with the four 1:1 jumps which will teach you to gain freefall control on all 3 axis; turns, barrel roll and back and front loops. Canopy training and equipment skills will be included on every jump in this training phase.
Your 8th jump is from 13,500 and is your first high solo dive. It is at this point that you are now considered a “solo” skydiver allowing you to jump unassisted.
THE STANDARD FOR STRUCTURED PROGRESSION
Skydive University is one of the first organizations to run a complete “integrated” program for the “A” license. SDU provides a structured progression of the basic skill areas, exit, freefall, and canopy flight skills as well as thorough and repetitive review and practice of safety procedures. Our AFF program blends seamlessly into our Basic Body Flight training for group or formation skydiving. Formation skydiving skills are to be refined and improved through all license levels A through D.
Skydive University was the first organization to focus and increase canopy control training and education. Please find enclosed a copy of our AFF syllabus that illustrates the canopy control content to compare with other training formats.
All of the Skydive University Team have been trained by USPA as well as had further extensive coach training through Skydive University. Our coach training focuses on the positive, providing constructive feedback in a highly receptive communication style.
We also offer long term leadership/ instructor/ coach training. Skydive University’s coach course has been used as the template for the USPA coach course as well as other national Association coach courses.
ACCELERATED FREEFALL (AFF) MATRIX
Category | In-Flight | Freefall | Canopy Control | Flight Plan | Equipment | Theory & Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
E
Level 8 | Exit: free choice solo Freefall drift | Solo high freefall | Rear riser turns
Rear Riser turns
90-180-360
Flare & Stalls | Adjust Pattern | Pack | Group separation
Canopy drift
Weather
|
E
Level 7 | Exit: dive exit | Front loop
Delta | Rear riser turns
Rear Riser Flares & Stalls | Adjust Pattern
(Transfer, S, cut corner) | Inspection:
Wear points
Pack | Aircraft emergencies
Rectangular Vrs Square |
E
Level 6 | Exit: solo: rear float Safety check | Barrel roll
Back loop | Stall and recovery
Flat turns
Adjust set up point | Wind assessment
Pattern options | Safety check
Pack demo | Spotting theory
Forward throw
Freefall drift |
D
Level 5 | Exit: 1-1: FF solo | 360° turns | Stalls
1/2 braked flight
Wind assessment
Select a patter; A-B-C | Custom Pattern
(900-600-300) | Main:
Canopy
ownner's manual | Exit theory
Canopy theory |
C
Level 3 | Exit: 2-1 poised Boarding 3 check | Release | Canopy traffic
360° turns; Yellow
Pattern assessment | Downwind landings
Pattern refinement | Preflight gear | Equipment
Turbulence
Currency |
D
Level 4 | Exit: 1-1: front float FF | 90° turns | 360° turns; Red | Custom Pattern
(900-600-300) | Set AAD
RSL use
Safety check (3's) | Wing loading
Spotting theory
Cloud clearance
Calculating freefall time |
B Level 2 | Exit: 2-1 poised | Relaxation
Awareness | 5 second Green zone turn | Crosswind landings
Pattern refinement
(Down-base-final) | Set altimeter | Aircraft pattern - traffic
Student skydivers
Good neighbor policy |
A Level 1 | Exit: 2-1 poised | Arch
Altimeter use
Activation
Signals | Flare practice
Pattern
Landing/line control | Flight planner use
Fly pattern points
Parachute landing fall | Fit gear | First Jump Course
Seat belts
Flight planner use |