Accelerated Freefall

Accelerated Freefall (AFF) is the most advanced method of skydiving training available today. Serious skydiving students thrive in the atmosphere of a challenging eight level training curriculum designed to transform you into a confident, knowledgeable, and safe skydiver.

Although you will be assisted every step of the way by highly-experienced professional USPA-rated Instructors, you will be responsible for the primary operation of your parachute system. Because of this, your pre-jump training must be detailed and thorough.

Training begins with practical and classroom instruction, where we will explain to you basic fundamentals of skydiving safety, teach you all about the gear and how to operate it, and discuss aircraft, freefall, and parachute control procedures. Once you have demonstrated a working knowledge of the course material, it's time to skydive!

Your first few skydives will take place under the direct supervision of two certified AFF Instructors. They will exit the aircraft with you and remain at your side for the entire freefall. Once you have deployed your parachute, an instructor on the ground will provide support via radio as you pilot your parachute back to the landing area. During these skydives you will be asked to demonstrate:

  • Altitude awareness and the ability to pull at a predetermined altitude.
  • Ability to maintain a stable freefall position and respond to hand signals from your instructors.
  • Proficiency in directional control and controlled movement during freefall.
  • Understanding of parachute control, how to fly an appropriate approach pattern, and land with assistance.
  • When you have successfully completed these requirements, your subsequent skydives will be supervised by a single instructor. On these remaining levels, you will be required to:
  • Perform controlled alternating 90-degree,180-degree, and 360-degree turns.
  • Initiate barrel roll (or other disorienting maneuver) and recover to stable freefall position.
  • Perform front flips and back flips, returning to a stable freefall position after each maneuver.
  • "Spot," or demonstrate ability to determine when it is safe and appropriate to exit the aircraft.
  • Successfully pilot your parachute in different flight configurations, fly an appropriate pattern, and land within a target area without radio assistance.

Although graduates of the AFF program are cleared to skydive solo and self-supervise, it is recommended that you continue your education with an appropriatly-rated USPA Coach until qualifying for your A-license (20 freefalls).

Check out our AFF Rates and Specials »