Learn to Skydive FAQs

The AFF training program is a comprehensive seven jump program designed to train an individual with a strong foundation to become a solo, certified skydiver by developing safe freefall and canopy skills. From your first jump, you will be skydiving with individual parachute equipment and will be responsible for its operation.

There are seven levels in the AFF program; each level features targeted learning skills for you to master. The jumps allow you to practice basic freefall awareness.

After deploying your parachute at approximately 4500 feet, you will be assisted with canopy control via ground to air communication.

AFF is the most commonly employed path to becoming a licensed skydiver. What are you waiting for, call to book your first skydive today at Georgia’s finest drop zone!

Some things you should know:

• You should plan to spend a full day at the DZ for your first skydive.
• You should plan to wear comfortable season appropriate clothing and athletic shoes (no open toes).
• You will be asked to wear a jump suit and head gear to protect your clothes from wear and tear.
• There are weight limits of 225 lbs for men and 170 for women.*

*Some exceptions will be made based on an assessment of your fitness. Skydive Monroe also maintains the right to refuse service to anybody deemed unfit or in cases where you and/or the instructors safety would be put in jeopardy.

No, tandem skydiving is not required to begin the AFF program, however it can aid in better awareness during your first skydive. Each level within the AFF program requires an individual to achieve different skill sets while in freefall. If the feeling of freefall has never been experienced, it can be a distraction as your senses process this new feeling. A tandem skydive allows you to experience freefall and will give you a better understanding if solo skydiving is an activity you would enjoy pursuing. It is encouraged, but not a requirement.

The first jump course involves six hours of classroom training followed by a level one jump in the afternoon. The first jump course will identify the parachute gear and how it works, correct freefall body position, identifying and handling emergency procedures, and flying the canopy. The level one jump will include two freefall instructors alongside you while in freefall until the time of deployment. Once under canopy, a member of the ground crew will instruct you on proper flying techniques and landing via wireless radio.

Each level represents a skill set the student is required to learn and demonstrate while in freefall. Advancement to the next level will not occur until each student properly demonstrates that he / she can execute the specific skills introduced for the particular level. Failure to demonstrate this skill set may require the student to repeat the level.

Students are encouraged to stay as current as possible and not allow too much time to elapse between jumps. Ideally, the more jumps one can make in a shorter period of time, the better. This helps improve confidence and allows you to progress more quickly. Students who go beyond 30 days from their last jump will be required to repeat their last, successfully completed level. Students who surpass 90 days since their last completed jump will be required to sit through the first jump course as a refresher on procedures.

Following level seven, the student will be jumping without radio assistance and will begin to develop freefall and canopy skills beyond basic competencies as taught in the AFF program. Emphasis will be placed on meeting all skill sets required on the A license proficiency card. The main goal for a new skydiver is to attain an A-license which permits skydivers to jump with other, non-instructor skydivers. The A license also allows jumpers to jump at other dropzones.

A minimum of 25 jumps is required to attain an A license. If the student has completed a tandem skydive, the tandem is included in this 25 jump requirement. The A-license proficiency checklist (you will receive one at the beginning of your First Jump Course) must be fully completed. Also the ability to pack a parachute correctly is a requirement when earning the A license.

It is recommended that new jumpers purchase used gear before owning brand new gear. As you gain more experience, you’ll learn more about the discipline of skydiving you wish to participate in and eventually you will probably want a smaller canopy. It is always recommended to purchase used gear that has been properly inspected by an FAA certified parachute rigger to determine gear quality and airworthiness.