What Is AFF Skydiving And Is It For You?

TL;DR

AFF, or Accelerated Freefall, is a course designed to teach students solo skydiving until they earn their USPA A-License. AFF is the right choice for those who want to take more responsibility for their skydives, embrace the physical and emotional benefits of skydiving, face their fears and overcome challenges, or find a hobby that has endless learning possibilities. Start with ground school at Skydive Orange, where the most popular AFF program was created!

For most skydivers, learning how to independently get from point A (the air) to point B (the ground) as quickly and as safely as possible requires taking an AFF course. 

What does AFF mean in skydiving? AFF is the acronym for Accelerated Freefall, which is considered the quickest, most efficient method of solo skydiving training.

If you’re not sure you’re ready to go it alone, know that you won’t be as alone as “solo” may imply. You’ll at first have two certified AFF instructors to guide and assist you, then one, and – when you’ve shown you’re ready – then you’ll go solo. And, unlike on the tandem skydive where your instructor has the parachute, on all AFF skydives you’ll have your own parachute and be in charge of yourself.

Do we have your interest!? Let’s go!

What’s The First Step to AFF Skydiving?

The first step of the United States Parachute Association (USPA) AFF certification process is a 6 to 8-hour classroom-style skydiving course – also known as ground school.

During ground school, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully complete your first solo skydive. Throughout your initial ground training, you will be walked through each step of the process by a qualified USPA-rated AFF instructor. 

You will learn how to position your body in freefall, how to deploy the parachute, how to steer the parachute safely to the ground, and how to land the parachute. While in ground school, you’ll become familiar with the equipment you will use and will drill emergency procedures until you’ve got them down pat. 

So, can you jump solo after an AFF course? After your ground school, weather permitting, it’s time to transition from the classroom to the sky.

What Happens On The First AFF Jump?

For your first skydive, you will be paired with two hands-on AFF instructors. To continue your progression, you will need to demonstrate a reasonably stable body position, reasonable altitude awareness, and initiate your deployment procedures at the appropriate altitude. 

As you progress through the course, you will learn additional skills and then demonstrate them in the subsequent AFF skydives.

What’s Next? The Path to Skydiving Certification

AFF consists of ground school training and 8 category jumps (A-H) that must be completed. Each jump you complete in the AFF framework is designed to instill skills you need to be a competent, responsible skydiver. In order to advance from one level to the next, you must demonstrate mastery of the skills associated with each jump. 

At some point during the course, you’ll also take a parachute packing class. All of these skills are listed on an A-License Proficiency Card that your instructor will sign off on as you progress. When you’ve logged 25 jumps and this card is complete, you’ll earn your skydiving certification!

Is AFF Right For You?

Do you want more “responsibility” on a skydive? Are you interested in becoming a skydiver? Have you already made a tandem skydive and want to see what more is out there? Did you answer yes to any of the above?

If you meet the minimum requirements, then AFF may be the right choice for you. It is important to note that there is a 30-day currency requirement for skydiving students, which means that to maintain your progress, you need to jump at least once every 30 days. Plan to start AFF during a period that you know you’ll have ample time to devote to it – including flexibility for the weather.

Is the AFF course difficult? That depends on a number of factors, such as your personal learning style, physical abilities, and available time to put into training. What we can tell you is that people of all different backgrounds, ages, and body types have been able to successfully complete AFF right here at Skydive Orange.

Five Reasons to Choose AFF

Accelerated Freefall isn’t the only skydiving course, but it is the most popular way to learn how to jump by yourself – here are just five reasons why to get started:

• Fastest Path to Certification: Most jumpers get licensed within a month of starting AFF, as long as they dedicate their free time to being at the dropzone!
  

• Endless Learning Journey: Once you get your A-License, the learning doesn’t stop there. There are so many different types of skydiving to master. You can move forward to wingsuiting, advanced canopy piloting, competitions, canopy relative work (CRW), and BASE jumping.
  

• Sense of Accomplishment: There are emotional and psychological benefits that come with skydiving, including building confidence and overcoming challenges. Many people use their AFF journey to help them through personal struggles and gain mental strength.
  

• Escape the Mundane: Skydiving has positive effects on the body! Plus, many skydivers report a perspective shift that comes with the stress relief benefits.
• Join an Incredible Community: Community is the heart of skydiving. If you want to skydive, everyone is welcome with open arms into our “sky family.” The social bonds that form in the sport often become lifelong friendships.

Why Choose Skydive Orange?

Skydive Orange is where the most popular AFF skydiving program in the US was created: the USPA’s ISP (Integrated Student Program) was developed right here! Rest assured you’re choosing the best!

We are proud of our deep knowledge, best-in-class skills, and reputation for putting our students’ safety first. Through the years, we’ve instructed thousands of students to learn how to skydive – people just like you! And many have gone on to become skilled skydivers – some have even become instructors themselves!

Check out our AFF Skydiving Program page for all the details on how to skydive solo and earn your license.

*Minimum Requirements For AFF

Students interested in AFF at Skydive Orange must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Weigh no more than 225 lbs
• Be in reasonable physical condition
• Be able to pull with at least 22 lbs of downward force (overhead to arms down)

Are You Ready to Skydive?

We can’t wait to teach you how to skydive – book your AFF or tandem jump at Skydive Orange today! Have questions, reach out! We’re here to support your skydiving journey.