What are the choices when it comes to learn to skydive ? What system and where is better ? There are a number of variables to be considered and whats best for you depends on both your financial resources and time constraints.


Learning to Skydive – AFF or Static Line?

Once you have decided you are going to learn to skydive the next choice is which system you are going to learn by. Both AFF and Static Line ( RAPS ) are well established systems and are used throughout the world. Each system also has its pluses and minuses. The Static line system is the more traditional way of learning to skydive, it is not uncommon for students to take 30-50 jumps to complete the static line system. Jumping solo from the beginning, most static line students spread their learning over a longer period of time due to the number of jumps required. This also spreads the cost aswell. AFF (accelerated freefall) is a more intensive training system, with a minimum of 8 jumps required to graduate followed by 10 solo skydives, where you can practice the skills you learnt on your AFF course. AFF training can be completed in as little as 2 days. This does mean that there is a larger initial financial outlay in the beginning though, which can be off putting to some who would rather spread the cost over time.

 

Advantage

Disadvantage

AFF

Learn in Days

Costs more upfront

Static Line

Learn in months

Cost is Spread

One on one attention ?

Static Line - Larger Groups.

With the Static line system students can be taught in larger groups of up to 12, which makes this an ideal system for groups of friends, or university students. Once the initial ground training and first jump has been completed, it is easy and quick to receive the brief for the next jump and work through the category system. This does mean though, that you will probably share all your training with the rest of the group, jump briefs and debriefs (if videoed) will have less time dedicated to your personal improvement.

AFF - One on one.

Due to the shorter time period an AFF student experiences, the system is best suited to one on one instructor/student. On the first 3 levels, you get two instructors for your training. This ensures that the student is given the maximum attention from the instructor, and can work specifically on any problem areas the student may have. Skydive briefs and debriefs are detailed, and the video we make for you is used for debriefing purposes. This means you will actually get to see yourself in freefall, realise what you are doing right and what needs improvement. Some people come on an AFF course as they have been unable to solve a problem such as turning in freefall and not wanting to whilst on the static line system, a one on one environment avoids this lack of ´insight´.

On your own or does your coach jump with you ?

Due to the nature of the static line system, the initial jumps are made from a lower altitude with automatic deployment of the canopy. This means the instruction that you receive is all about the exit you have made and your canopy control. When you progress to the later levels, and start having a freefall delay, you will be jumping out of the aircraft alone. Of course all students are fully briefed and drilled in their emergency procedures, but if something does go wrong whilst you are in freefall, you are on your own. With the AFF system, you are normally an arms reach away from your instructor. Should anything go wrong whilst you are in freefall, the instructor will endeavour to assist you. The AFF student is given corrective body signals whilst in freefall so they actually learn whilst in the air. This is one of the benefits of the system and makes the AFF system so accelerated because of the in air tuition you receive. Under supervision in freefall you are given more freedom as your coach is ´flying ´with you.

Why go abroad for training?

It is common for AFF students to go abroad to do their course to ensure good weather and maximise their jumping time as the course is best suited to be completed in a short period of time. This reduces the risk of repeat levels. However, one of the bonuses of the Static line system, especially if jumping in the UK, is the lower altitude for the first few jumps (the first 5 jumps are from 3,500ft). AFF students need a minimum of 9000ft, so the cloud base must be above this altitude. The Static line students can jump as long as the cloud is not below their exit altitude.