Accelerated freefall training is the focus of this installment of our go skydiving guide.
Accelerated freefall – or AFF – training is method of parachute instruction intended to get novices jumping in freefall in the quickest possible time. It costs more than other forms of skydiving training, but for people who aim to become regular skydivers will need undertake an AFF course, although they may choose to do tandem or static line jumping, or both, before starting AFF.
AFF training’s first stage is instruction on the ground. Normally, this takes roughly 6-8 hours. These demonstrations and lectures will cover topics such as exiting the plane, positioning your body, deploying and steering the parachute, and landing.
After the initial theoretical training you’ll then be taken up in a plane with your instructor so you can put into practice what you’ve learnt so far. The instructor will exit the plane with you, as in tandem jumping, but instead of being attached closely together by a harness, they instead just grip you by the hand or wrist.
The instructor guides you so that you’re able and ready to deploy your parachute at the proper time and can land safely on your own. If necessary, in case of any problems arising, the instructor can open your parachute for you.
They communicate with you either with through two-way radios located in both of your helmets or via pre-determined sets of hand signals, so it’s easy enough to let them know if you’re in need of assistance. They’ll also observe you and make mental notes and will then advise you after you land as to how you can improve next time.
After a few more jumps, there might be more on-ground lectures and demonstration, this time covering more advanced skills. After as few as eight assisted jumps and 10 solo skydives, trainees can acquire enough experience, skills and knowledge to earn a skydiving license.