What to Expect from Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) Training

Introduction
Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) is the most direct and intensive way to become a solo skydiver in the UK. If you're serious about pursuing skydiving beyond a one-time experience, this course delivers immediate exposure to full-altitude freefall with expert guidance. This article provides a detailed breakdown of what to expect at each stage of the AFF programme, including structure, timeline, progression levels, and safety protocols.

1. What Is AFF Training?

AFF stands for Accelerated Free Fall — a training method that immerses students into solo skydiving through supervised high-altitude jumps from the very beginning. The course is typically delivered across 7–8 levels followed by a consolidation phase. It is designed to fast-track student progression to the British Skydiving A Licence, the first formal skydiving certification.

Each level builds on previous skills, with instructors providing feedback and coaching both during freefall and on the ground.

2. Prerequisites Before You Start

To begin AFF training, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old (with parental consent if under 18)

• Complete the Solo Student Medical Declaration (Form 115C or 115D)

• Be in reasonable physical health and fitness

• Attend and complete the ground school (6+ hours of theory and drills)

It is recommended that students have a good level of comfort with heights and basic coordination, as body position is crucial during early jumps.

3. AFF Course Structure: Levels Explained

Level 1:

• Your first skydive! Jump from 12,000–15,000 feet with two instructors holding onto you during the freefall.

• Learn stable body position, altitude awareness, and canopy deployment.

• Parachute deployed by you at around 5,000 feet.

Levels 2–3:

• Still accompanied by two instructors.

• More emphasis on altitude checks, hand signals, heading control, and basic turns.

Level 4:

• Now with only one instructor.

• You’ll practice maintaining stability and starting controlled turns.

Levels 5–6:

• Introduces more advanced manoeuvres like back loops, tracking, and controlled instability recovery.

Level 7:

• Solo performance test. Demonstrate all core freefall skills including tracking, heading control, recovery, and deployment.

Level 8 (optional/final):

• Night jump or emergency procedures simulation, depending on drop zone policy.

4. The Consolidation Jumps

After passing Level 7, you are required to complete a minimum of 10 consolidation jumps. These are supervised solo jumps that allow you to refine your skills, build confidence, and prepare for your British Skydiving A Licence.

Consolidation jumps typically include:

• Practising turns and tracking

• Stable deployment

• Landing accuracy

5. Equipment and Safety

All equipment is provided by your drop zone, including:

• Ram-air parachute system with Automatic Activation Device (AAD)

• Altimeter, jumpsuit, helmet, radio

British Skydiving affiliated PTOs operate under strict Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations and the British Skydiving Operations Manual. Instructors are certified and trained to manage emergencies both in-air and on the ground.

Each jump is preceded by a pre-jump briefing and followed by a debriefing (with video footage where available).

6. Progression to A Licence

After your 10 consolidation jumps, you may apply for your British Skydiving A Licence, which formally qualifies you to jump solo without instructor supervision at any drop zone.

Additional requirements include:

• Canopy drills and accuracy

• Gear knowledge

• Theory test on safety procedures

• Recommendation from your Chief Instructor

Conclusion

Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) offers the most engaging and empowering route into skydiving. From your first jump, you are immersed in the full experience of solo freefall, supported by instructors every step of the way. If your goal is to become a licensed skydiver, this course delivers both the thrill and the technical training to get you there quickly and safely. Contact your nearest British Skydiving PTO to check availability and book your place.