The thrill of freefall and the awe-inspiring beauty of a bird’s-eye view of the world make skydiving a thrilling activity. AFF is a popular and effective training program for those who want to master the art of freefall and skydiving independently.
The benefits, training process, and what to expect are detailed in this guide.
What’s Accelerated Free Fall Skydiving?
AFF, an advanced skydiving training program, teaches students how to skydive solo in the shortest time possible. AFF allows you to experience freefall and parachute deployment with a high degree of independence, unlike the traditional Tandem Jump.
The Evolution of AFF
Before the advent of AFF, skydiving training was primarily conducted through static line jumps or tandem jumps. The static line method involves a line attached to the aircraft that automatically deploys the parachute, while tandem jumping involves being harnessed to an experienced instructor.
The AFF program emerged in the 1980s, providing a more direct and immersive way to learn freefall skills by allowing students to deploy their own parachutes and perform maneuvers under the guidance of instructors.
The AFF Training Program
Here is all you need to know about accelerated free fall:
Pre-Jump Ground School
You’ll get a good grounding before you jump. This phase is crucial because it covers all the theoretical knowledge needed for safe and effective skydiving. You will learn about the following.
Getting to know your skydiving gear, like the parachute, altimeter, and automatic activation device. Safety procedures include protocols for dealing with malfunctions, emergency exits, and the importance of communication with your instructors.
AFF Level 1
Your first AFF jump will be a tandem experience where you will be accompanied by two instructors who will provide hands-on guidance. You can get used to the sensation of freefall and parachute deployment with this jump. There are key aspects to this jump.
Exit from the Aircraft: Learning the proper exit techniques and body positions.
Freefall Stability: Practicing body alignment to maintain stability and control during freefall.
Parachute Deployment: Timing and executing the deployment of the parachute, followed by a controlled descent.
Progression Through AFF Levels
Each level of the AFF program focuses on different aspects of skydiving. Jumps with fewer instructors and more independence will be performed as you progress. Common levels include:
Instructors monitor from a distance, with an emphasis on stability and freefall maneuvers.
The level 3 introduction to turns and forward movement includes practicing controlled movements in freefall.
Advanced maneuvers, including flips and spins, and practicing regaining control from unstable positions.
Levels 5-7: Learning complex maneuvers, refining skills, and preparing for solo jumps.
Final Test
Upon successful completion of all AFF levels, you will undertake a solo jump where you demonstrate your proficiency in freefall and parachute deployment without direct instructor assistance. This final test confirms your readiness to skydive independently.
Conclusion
Skydiving with accelerated free fall speeds up the process of learning to fly on your own. The well-organized training program can help you acquire the abilities necessary to relish the exhilaration of freefall with greater autonomy and self-assurance.
The AFF program provides a solid foundation for a safe and exhilarating experience in the sky, whether you’re aiming to make skydiving a hobby or considering it as a step towards professional skydiving.
