AFF FAQs

Yes, you must be at least 18 to enroll in the AFF program. There isn’t a maximum age for learning how to skydive, though. If you are able to complete the program curriculum, there’s no stopping you!

Yes, for safety reasons the maximum weight restriction for learning how to skydive at SNE is 225 lbs. Everything you need to complete the AFF training program is accounted for in your tuition, including the gear you’ll jump with – for which you need to be a maximum of 225 lbs.

At Skydive New England, we require that you make at least one tandem skydive within the last two years before enrolling in AFF training.

We’re all about setting you up for success, and making a tandem first will significantly aid in your progression. You’ll have a better idea of what to expect and will be able to focus on the task at hand instead of processing every aspect of a new experience.

The ground school curriculum takes between six and eight hours to complete.

Definitely possible, but not guaranteed. If you have grasped the material covered during ground school and weather conditions are favorable, our intention is to have you make your first jump following class.

We have the right to keep you grounded until we feel you have retained the information covered and understand the procedures clearly. Sometimes we’ll have you do a training tandem as your first AFF jump to demonstrate comprehension of the skills taught in class.

Yes, and we get that this can be frustrating for AFF students. It’s possible that you may be grounded while other skydivers continue to jump. This is usually due to wind conditions and is directly related to risk factors associated with parachute size and experience level. Please remember to be patient; your safety is our priority.

Yes. Everything you’ll need is provided as you progress and is included in the price of your AFF jumps. Once you graduate from the program, you can rent or purchase gear from the SNE Gear Store.

Yes – and we have a ton of gear to choose from! You can rent gear, buy rental gear off the rack, or buy a new kit. Don’t worry about knowing what to get: our Senior Rigger will provide you with guidance on the appropriate gear for your progression and goals.

It’s up to you! It comes down to three variables: your schedule, your budget, and the weather. If all three are in your favor, you can complete AFF in a month. Those who need to take it slower will sometimes stretch their training across the skydiving season.

It’s important to note that the USPA requires that you complete at least 1 training jump every 30 days to stay current. Failure to jump at least once every 30 days will cause you to become ‘uncurrent’ and you will have to undergo recurrency training, i.e. repeat ground school and your last successfully completed AFF category.

If you do not pass a particular AFF course category, you will have to repeat that level and demonstrate competency before advancing to the next.

Don’t stress. Some people take to the sky seamlessly, and others need a little more time to gain mastery of the foundational skills. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and lots of people have to repeat jumps. Repeat jumps are not included in the price of AFF.

There will be two AFF instructors jumping with you for Categories A, B and C. At the completion of Category C, you will continue jumping with one AFF instructor.

At Skydive New England, we require that you’ve logged at least one tandem jump within the previous two years in order to enroll in AFF – so, you’ll have some idea of how the landing goes.

We will go into great detail about the mechanics of landing during ground school, and you will be equipped with a wireless radio when you jump. Following parachute deployment, a member of our ground crew will talk you down, teaching you flight patterns and correct landing techniques.

Once you successfully complete the AFF curriculum, you can continue toward your A License. You’ll need to log a total of 25 jumps, perform five group jumps, complete all the requirements listed on the A License Proficiency Card, apply for USPA membership, and ace written and oral exams. Once you have your A License, you are cleared to fly!

There are four USPA levels of licensure: A, B, C, and D. Each license grants you additional privileges in the sky.

With a USPA A License, you can jump with your pals, pack your own parachute, and participate in basic group jumps.

With a USPA B License, you can perform night jumps, helicopter jumps, and hot air balloon jumps. After logging 100 jumps, you can go for your Coach rating and also make HALO jumps.

With a USPA C License, you can jump with a camera (yesss!), try wingsuiting, work toward your Instructor rating, and perform small demonstration jumps.

With a USPA D License, you can pursue your Pro and Tandem ratings, participate in large demo and exhibition jumps, and fly with objects and pyrotechnics.

Absolutely – once you’re part of the Sky Fam, you’re always part of the Sky Fam! We welcome all disciplines to the dropzone, and frequently offer courses and camps. Check out our Events page to see what training opportunities are around the corner.