Learn to Skydive
learn to skydive
If you’ve done a Tandem in the past Year, Skydive Raleigh, offers an Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) first jump course every Saturday.
What is Accelerated Freefall?
Commonly abbreviated “AFF.”
This training discipline is where certified instructors accompany the student in freefall holding onto the student’s harness at first while the student demonstrates certain skills. It can be compared to learning to ride a bike with training wheels.
Training
Since the student is wearing their own parachute, they must be trained to handle emergency procedures as well as landing procedures. At Skydive Raleigh, AFF training consists of a several hour First Jump Course (FJC), and the first jump. Both can often be accomplished the same day.
How Does It Work?
Student exit the aircraft with two USPA AFF Instructors and freefall together for 30 to 50 seconds, depending on jump altitude, typically 10,000 to 13,000 feet. Instructors maintain grip on the student’s harness to provide in-air instruction and assist with stability if necessary.
The student opens their own parachute by 4,000 feet and pilots it to the landing area.
what you need to know
It’s important to be in good physical shape beforehand. Skydiving requires a certain level of physical fitness, so it is best to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Students should be prepared to commit to the time and effort needed to complete the course. It is required that you jump once every 30 days minimum and its preferred to jump more frequently to keep sharp.
Thirteen thousand feet above the ground is no joke, so be ready for this adventure. It doesnt feel like a roller-coaster or standing on a tall building though. Thanks to “relative wind” there is no feeling of weightlessness. Everything is so far away, it is completely surreal.
While we typically are not open during unjumpable weather conditions, it is always best to be prepared for a range of elements, as skydiving is an outdoor activity.