What is AFF? Accelerated Freefall Skydiving Explained

Ever wondered what it feels like to be a sky ninja? If you’re ready to take control of your own airborne destiny, say hello to Accelerated Freefall Skydiving – a.k.a. the “I’m actually doing this myself” skydiving experience. 

At Skydive Monroe, we turn curious earthbound creatures into confident sky warriors with expert instruction, safety-first training, and just the right amount of high-flying fun. Here’s how we do it!

What is AFF?

Let’s start at the top: What does AFF mean for skydiving? It stands for Awesome, Fearless, and Free – okay, technically it’s Accelerated FreeFall, but we stand by our version too because that’s exactly how you’ll feel after jump number one! 

The AFF skydive course is the most popular training method because it’s designed to take eager, tandem jumpers (like you!) and prepares them to take on the skies with their very own parachute system, giving them a greater sense of independence.

What is the Difference between AFF and Tandem Skydiving?

Tandem and AFF skydiving are the two main ways to experience skydiving for the first time, and the best choice all depends on your goals.

Tandem skydiving is the perfect introduction. We pair you with a highly trained instructor who handles all of the technical aspects – you can fully enjoy the experience without having to worry about operating equipment or remembering life-saving procedures. It’s kind of like calling an Uber! It is a low-pressure way to feel the rush without needing prior experience, and it is ideal for first-timers, one-time bucket list jumpers, or someone who’d rather trust the pros than do it themselves.

If you’re ready to take things further, an AFF skydiving course is your next step. The AFF program teaches you how to skydive, step-by-step, at your own pace. Some people complete the program in a matter of weeks, others take a few months. Unlike tandem skydiving, where you rely on a trained professional to execute every aspect of the jump, you learn how to execute everything for yourself responsibly. 

Keep in mind that some dropzones do require a tandem skydive before attending an AFF course. And while it’s not necessary to begin the AFF skydive course at Skydive Monroe, we do recommend doing one beforehand. Think of it like a test drive before you buy the whole car. It helps your brain and body get a feel for the ride before you’re expected to remember all of the buttons, switches, and oh-yeah-I-have-to-pull-that-handle-now moments.

What is the Difference between AFF and A License?

The AFF skydive course features a prescribed, scaffolded curriculum that teaches you the fundamentals of skydiving. By the end of the program, you will have the knowledge, tools, and skills to be a responsible, competent skydiver. To graduate from fledgling student to legit skydiver status, you have to prove your chops … which means earning your United States Parachute Association (USPA) A License.

To achieve your A License, you must:

• Complete 25 total jumps
• Master the items listed on the USPA A License Progression Card
• Pass the written, oral, and practical A License exam conducted by a current USPA Instructor, S&TA (safety and training advisor), Examiner, Judge, or board member.

Once you’ve completed all of these requirements, you will have your USPA A License, the first of four license levels: A, B, C and D. With the A License, you can jump without supervision, pack your own parachute, engage in formation skydives, perform water jumps, and jump at any USPA member dropzone in the country and the world!

What is the AFF Course for Skydiving at Skydive Monroe?

Glad you asked! The AFF course you attend depends on the dropzone you choose to learn to skydive at. At Skydive Monroe, we offer one of the most comprehensive training programs on this side of the Mississippi! We have designed our program to help you learn to skydive with a safety-first mindset, confidence, and support.

Learning to skydive all starts with attending a First Jump Course (FJC), also called Ground School. This is usually a six-hour classroom training program that teaches you everything you need to know about the parachute gear and how it works, proper freefall body position, flying the canopy, and emergency procedures. Once you have the theory down, you take to the sky to put it into practice. Oftentimes, AFF students complete Ground School and make their first jump on the same day!

During your initial AFF jumps, you’re not entirely alone – two USPA-rated instructors will jump with you, maintaining physical contact in freefall and guiding you through each phase of the skydive. Once you deploy your parachute at around 4,500 feet, you’ll receive radio assistance during your canopy flight to help you navigate and land properly. 

As you move through the program, you’ll learn different skills and slowly build your confidence, requiring less instruction with each jump. After completing the curriculum through Category E-1, you’ll move on to coach jumps, self-supervised/solo jumps until you reach 25 jumps total and are ready to test for your A License!

Accelerated Freefall Skydiving Course Requirements

Before signing up for an AFF course, make sure you’re prepared to stick to the expectations and rules and meet the requirements for enrollment:

• Dress Smart: Wear comfortable clothing that’s season-appropriate clothing and close-toed, athletic shoes.
• Eat Well & Stay Hydrated: Eat nourishing foods and drink plenty of water during training. Alcohol is strictly prohibited (and illegal) before skydiving.
• Gear Up: Wear a provided jumpsuit, complete with grips on your arms and legs, as well as protective headgear.
• Meet the Weight Limit: Weight restrictions are 225 lbs for men and 170 lbs for women. Exceptions may be made based on physical fitness and instructor approval.
• Prioritize Safety: Skydive Monroe maintains the right to refuse service to anybody deemed unfit for skydiving. Safety is our top priority, period.

Time to Fly Solo (Like, For Real)

Whether you’re chasing a skydiving license, a lifelong dream, or just want to tell people you jumped out of a plane by yourself, AFF at Skydive Monroe is your gateway to the skies.

We’ll be with you every step of the way – cheering you on and guiding your journey – even if it’s from the ground while you do it all on your own! It’s the most exciting commitment you’ll ever make – start your AFF journey with Skydive Monroe today! Blue skies.