An Accelerated Free Fall Instructor is the most advanced skydiving instructor rating.
Students are dependent on their AFF instructor while gaining control and altitude awareness while in freefall. AFF Instructors must assist students as they learn new maneuvers, (i.e. pull sequence, stable freefall, turns, forward motion, track, instability drills, etc.). Candidates interested in obtaining this rating should have a solid control of their own freefall skills and awareness and will be tested on both flying skills and teaching abilities during the course. In addition to freefall skills, AFF Instructors must teach tasks regarding canopy flight, gear & equipment, spotting & aircraft, in-depth emergency procedures and the rules & regulations from the SIM.
Featured Article:
I want to become an AFF Instructor, Now What?? Published in Parachutist Magazine by Bram Clement
Candidate Requirements:
- 1
Must be over 18
- 2
Must be a USPA member
- 3
Hold a USPA Coach or Instructor rating from another discipline (IAD, SL, Tandem)
- 4
Have a USPA C-license. We can help with USPA License application if candidate has foreign license.
- 5
A total of 6 hours of freefall time. Logged.
- 6
Hold a USPA Coach Rating for a year OR have more than 500 jumps
Course Fees
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Course Fees are per person and include a 5-7 day, 10 jump program. There is a $350 non-refundable deposit required to reserve a slot in the course. The deposit goes towards your Course Fee and can be paid via PayPal.
- 3+ candidates $750 per person
- 2 candidates $850 per person
- Private course, 1 on 1, $1,100 and is based on availability
- Evaluator fees for training jump is an additional $400
- 10 jumps (approximately 19 jump tickets). Price varies per dropzone.
- Total costs are approximately $1,800
The USPA rating fee is $50 and is payable upon successful completion of the course.
Candidates are responsible for all jump slots, pack jobs, and any video expenses (if video is desired) during their evaluation process.
This course moves along at a fast pace, you must have a foundation of belly skills which allows for strong stable exits and the ability to stay within arms reach of a moving base. During the course we will teach you how to fly and AFF exit, slot fly, read the students body, present hand signals, smooth re-dock & re-release, perform spin stops & roll over maneuvers and deploy for the student. Plan ahead and Dress for Success, you will need to have maximum range.
The tunnel is a great tool and is recommended as part of your program to practice the free fall objectives you will be evaluated on. *Tunnel costs are not included in the costs mentioned above.
You will need the Skydiver’s Information Manual (SIM) dated within two years and the instructional Rating Manual (IRM). These can be downloaded or purchased from your local gear store or from the USPA online store.
They can also be downloaded by clicking on the links below:
Print the AFF Proficiency Card and complete Section 1 requirements prior to the course and complete the AFF Instructor Exam, found in the IRM.
Accelerated Free Fall Instructor Proficiency Card
Print and complete the attached Harness Room Exam
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What Is Required To Pass This Course:
The average AFFI course takes 5-7 days to complete depending on the size of the group and weather conditions. You will need to complete the following successfully:
- 1
Assist in 2 AFF first jump courses
- 2
Assist in 2 Cat C & 2 Cat D AFF ground preps
- 3
Observe ground preps in Cat A-E
- 4
Prepare an effective canopy flight plan
- 5
Provide ground-to-air instructions
- 6
Participating in spotting aircraft lessons
- 7
Have made 10 jumps to teach/observe basic group freefall skills (to be verified in logbook)
- 8
Cat C Main & Reserve side evaluation jumps (2 jumps)
- 9
Cat D evaluation jump
- 10
Cat C & D ground preps
- 11
Score 80% or higher on the writtin/open book exam
Course Schedule
Courses will start at 8:30AM and generally run through 5:30PM everyday.
Bring your USPA membership card, log book, payment, proficiency card with PRIOR TO COURSE section completed
