What is the minimum age to take part in the AFF course?

You must be at least 16 years old, with parental consent for minors. There is no maximum age limit: what matters most is being in good physical condition.

Is a medical certificate required for the AFF course?

Yes, a sports medical examination is required to ensure there are no cardiac, orthopaedic or neurological problems before starting the course.

What happens if the parachute doesn't open?

Each set of equipment is fitted with an emergency parachute and an automatic opening system (AAD) in case of need. Students are trained from the theory stage onwards to handle any malfunction.

How much does the AFF course cost?

The price varies depending on the skydiving school, but generally ranges between €1500 and €2000, including theory, equipment, the seven levels, instructors and jump videos.

Can I wear glasses during the jump?

Yes, protective masks suitable for those who wear glasses or contact lenses are available, so you can jump without any vision problems.

Do I have to buy a parachute after the course?

It is not mandatory. You can rent the equipment until you decide to buy your own. Typically, for sport skydiving, those who jump regularly buy their own parachute.

Do I need to have done a tandem jump before the AFF course?

No, it is not a requirement: the AFF course starts from the theory and you can begin with no experience at all. Many students do a tandem first, though, to get used to the altitude and the sensation of freefall.

How many jumps does the AFF course take?

The course involves seven jumps, one per level, all from 4,200 metres. If you don't pass a level you simply repeat it: that is normal and does not compromise your progression.

Can I pause the course and pick it up later?

Yes: the course has no fixed dates or deadlines, so it fits around your commitments. After a long break your instructor may ask you to refresh the theory or repeat the last level before carrying on.

Is the equipment included in the AFF course?

Yes: during the course the main and reserve parachute, AAD, helmet, altimeter, radio, jumpsuit and goggles are all provided by the school. Buying your own kit is something you consider later, after the licence.

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AFF Course: The Complete 7-Level Path to Becoming a Skydiver

Updated on September 19, 2026 · 8 min read

How the 2026 Skydiving Course (AFF) Works

If you dream of turning your passion for skydiving into a true professional skill, the AFF Course (Accelerated Free Fall) is the ideal path for you. This intensive programme allows you to develop technique, autonomy and safety, acquiring the skills you need to obtain a recognised licence.

Also known as the Accelerated Free Fall Course, the AFF is the most advanced and complete training method, designed to ensure you learn quickly and safely under the guidance of highly qualified professional instructors. Thanks to a mix of theory and practice, you will learn to control every phase of flight, from the first jump up to full autonomy in free fall.

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The Features of the AFF Course: A Unique Experience in the Sky

Instructors Always by Your Side

Maximum support for total safety: in the first levels you will be accompanied by two instructors, while in the subsequent levels you will fly with just one instructor, until you become completely independent.

A Growth Path in 7 Progressive Levels

The practical course is divided into seven levels, each involving a jump from an altitude of 4,200 metres. During the first three levels you'll be assisted by two instructors, while in the subsequent levels by just one, until you reach complete autonomy.

Flexible and Adaptable Course Duration

The course is flexible and adapts to your learning schedule and availability, with no fixed dates or deadlines, ensuring a tailor-made learning experience.

State-of-the-Art Equipment

We use the latest generation parachutes, specifically designed for students, equipped with advanced safety systems such as the Automatic Activation Device (AAD).

Entry Requirements for the AFF Course

To sign up for the AFF course you need to be at least 16 (with parental consent if you are a minor), hold a valid sports medical certificate and be in good physical shape. There is no upper age limit and no experience is required: everyone starts from the theory.

Minimum age 16, with no upper limit
Sports medical certificate ruling out cardiac, orthopaedic or neurological problems
Valid ID and, for minors, a signed parental authorisation
Good physical shape: you don't need to be an athlete, but you do need to handle the landing
No experience required: a tandem jump helps, but it is not compulsory

What to Bring on Course Day

Everything you jump with is provided during the course: what you bring yourself is very little.

Closed trainers, comfortable and without hooks
Sportswear suited to the season
Your ID, your medical certificate and, if you have one, your jump logbook
Water and something to eat: between theory, briefings and weather holds the day is long
Your glasses or lenses if you wear them: suitable goggles exist, details here

The Equipment the School Provides

Throughout the course the equipment is provided by the school: main and reserve parachute, AAD, helmet, altimeter, radio, jumpsuit and goggles. You don't have to buy anything to start, and the new or used parachute decision comes much later.

How Does the AFF Skydiving Course Work?

How to get a skydiving license at the skydiving academy

The Theory: Fundamental to Safety

Before boarding the plane, you will have to complete an intensive theoretical part lasting approximately 6-7 hours and then a practical part. This phase is essential to ensure a complete understanding of flight dynamics and emergency procedures, especially during free fall. Topics covered include:

Aerodynamics of flight and parachute
Emergency procedures and troubleshooting
Body position in free fall and stability
Using the altimeter and opening procedures
Landing circuit and canopy control
Radio communications with instructors

The Practice: The 7 Levels of the AFF Course

The course is divided into 7 levels, each designed to gradually develop your freefall autonomy and parachute control.

This table sums up the goal and the autonomy of each jump, from the first ones with two instructors to the last, which you fly on your own.

Level	Goal of the jump	Level of autonomy
Level 1	Stabilising, altimeter checks and pulling on your own	Two instructors, landing guided by ground radio
Level 2	Stable position and first control manoeuvres	Two instructors
Level 3	Checking your stability without a grip	Two instructors who let you go temporarily
Level 4	Changes of direction and controlled turns	One instructor only
Level 5	Refining control of your body position	One instructor, intervening less
Level 6	Unexpected situations and recovering stability	One instructor, near-complete autonomy
Level 7	Combined advanced manoeuvres: the final check jump	Complete autonomy in freefall

Level 1: The First Jump

First exercises in flight stabilisation
Altimeter monitoring and autonomous parachute opening by the student skydiver
Assisted landing via ground radio

Levels 2 and 3: Greater Control

You continue to be accompanied by two instructors
You learn to maintain a stable position in flight
Start of the first body control manoeuvres
In level 3, the instructors leave you temporarily free to check your autonomy

Levels 4 and 5: Advanced Techniques

Starting at level 4, you will have only one instructor
Learning change of direction and controlled turn techniques
Improved body position control
Progressive reduction of the instructor's intervention

Level 6: Emergency Simulation

Work on the management of unexpected situations
Exercises in recovering stability in case of loss of control
Honing altitude management skills

Level 7: The Final Jump

Last jump of the course, in which you will demonstrate complete autonomy
Sequence of combined advanced manoeuvres
Test of your ability to jump safely on your own

Issuing the Licence

Once you complete all 7 levels, you will obtain the qualification for solo jumping and thus become a skydiver. This will allow you to continue your training and take part in advanced courses and competitions.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the AFF Course?

There is no fixed duration: the course has no start dates and no deadlines. The theory is covered in 6-7 hours, while the seven jumps are spread across the flying days available. Three things decide the timeline:

The weather: strong wind, low cloud or rain stop jumping
Your availability: coming every weekend finishes far sooner than jumping once a month
Your learning pace: a level you don't pass is repeated, and that is normal

Every jump day has the same rhythm: a ground briefing, roughly 25 minutes of climb to 4,200 metres, the jump, then the debrief with your instructor.

What Happens After Level 7

Passing level 7 clears you to jump solo, but the path does not end there: the consolidation phase that leads to the licence itself begins.

Consolidation jumps on your own, to build experience
Specialisation courses: relative work, freefly, canopy piloting
Licence and ratings: the path is explained in how to get your skydiving licence
Your own kit: as jump numbers grow, most people move from rental to buying

The AFF course is not a standalone achievement but the way into sport skydiving: see the details of the AFF course or book and talk to an instructor.

Why Choose the AFF Course?

If you have always dreamed of flying, this is the right time to start! Book your AFF Skydiving Course today and live an unforgettable experience!

After the licence the path can go in many directions: if the competitive side interests you, the article on competitive skydiving covers the disciplines and how they are evolving.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum age to take part in the AFF course?: You must be at least 16 years old, with parental consent for minors. There is no maximum age limit: what matters most is being in good physical condition.
Is a medical certificate required for the AFF course?: Yes, a sports medical examination is required to ensure there are no cardiac, orthopaedic or neurological problems before starting the course.
What happens if the parachute doesn't open?: Each set of equipment is fitted with an emergency parachute and an automatic opening system (AAD) in case of need. Students are trained from the theory stage onwards to handle any malfunction.
How much does the AFF course cost?: The price varies depending on the skydiving school, but generally ranges between €1500 and €2000, including theory, equipment, the seven levels, instructors and jump videos.
Can I wear glasses during the jump?: Yes, protective masks suitable for those who wear glasses or contact lenses are available, so you can jump without any vision problems.
Do I have to buy a parachute after the course?: It is not mandatory. You can rent the equipment until you decide to buy your own. Typically, for sport skydiving, those who jump regularly buy their own parachute.
Do I need to have done a tandem jump before the AFF course?: No, it is not a requirement: the AFF course starts from the theory and you can begin with no experience at all. Many students do a tandem first, though, to get used to the altitude and the sensation of freefall.
How many jumps does the AFF course take?: The course involves seven jumps, one per level, all from 4,200 metres. If you don't pass a level you simply repeat it: that is normal and does not compromise your progression.
Can I pause the course and pick it up later?: Yes: the course has no fixed dates or deadlines, so it fits around your commitments. After a long break your instructor may ask you to refresh the theory or repeat the last level before carrying on.
Is the equipment included in the AFF course?: Yes: during the course the main and reserve parachute, AAD, helmet, altimeter, radio, jumpsuit and goggles are all provided by the school. Buying your own kit is something you consider later, after the licence.

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