Accelerated Free Fall FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning to skydive is one of the most exciting and rewarding adventures you can pursue – and the AFF program at Piedmont Skydiving will guide you, step by step, from total novice to licensed skydiver. These are the questions we get the most. Have more? Reach out!

We’re located at 500 Airport Road, Salisbury, NC, right off I-85.

Driving distances:

Concord, NC – about 25 minutes
Charlotte, NC – about 45 minutes
High Point, NC – about 55 minutes
Greensboro, NC – about 1 hour
Winston-Salem, NC – about 1 hour

We offer Accelerated Freefall skydiving courses between February and mid-December, weather permitting.

Training tandems and ground school can be booked online, and AFF jumps can be scheduled at the DZ or by phone.

Costs depend on your progression through the program (i.e. if repeat jumps are necessary) and how quickly you complete your jumps (i.e. if you stay current). See our Rates page for current pricing, including tandem prerequisites, ground school and AFF jumps, as well as the solo jumps that factor into your skydiving license cost.

Note that the pre-paid option includes one of each jump; repeats are made at an additional cost.

The USPA (United States Parachute Association) requires students to complete the A License Proficiency Card in order to earn their license, including:

Jump Requirements: A minimum of 25 jumps, including both instructor-assisted and solo skydives.

Freefall Skills: Stable body position, controlled turns, forward movement, docking with another jumper, and performing a backloop or barrel roll.

Canopy Skills: Accurate landings, controlled approaches, and the ability to navigate a landing pattern.

Emergency Procedures: Demonstrating knowledge of and proficiency in handling malfunctions and unusual situations.

Packing Class: Learning to properly inspect and carefully pack your own parachute.

Knowledge Checks: Passing written and oral exams covering USPA rules, equipment, aircraft procedures, and general safety.

Once all requirements on the card are signed off by an instructor, students can apply for their USPA A License and jump without direct supervision.

Most students earn their USPA A License in 25 jumps; others need to repeat jumps to demonstrate mastery of skills. Depending on your schedule, weather, and progression, it could take as little as a few weeks or as long as several months to get your license.

Absolutely. Many students train on weekends or whenever their schedule allows. Consistency is key for competency and currency, but you can progress at your own pace.

Not necessarily. You may train with multiple USPA-rated AFF instructors during your course, but all follow the same standardized curriculum and work together to track your progress.

We attempt to video every jump, but this is an additional, complimentary service. There’s no change in price in case of a camera failure/omission.

You must be at least 18 years old to skydive at any USPA (United States Parachute Association) Member Dropzone; no exceptions. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID on every training day.

Yes. The maximum exit weight for students is 240 lbs, including clothing and shoes. This limit is enforced for both safety and equipment performance.

AFF is more physically demanding than tandem skydiving. You’ll need to carry your own gear, control your body in freefall, deploy and steer your canopy, and navigate the landing solo.

Certain conditions – including pregnancy, serious heart problems, uncontrolled epilepsy, or recent surgeries – may prevent you from jumping. If you’re unsure, consult your doctor first. We may require a doctor’s note before training. Call us to discuss specifics.

Make sure your instructor knows about any conditions that may affect your training.

Possibly. Some accommodations are easy to make, others may not be feasible. Contact us to discuss your needs before enrolling in the program. Safety first, always.

Before starting AFF, we want you to feel comfortable in the skydiving environment, familiar with freefall sensations, and confident in your choice to pursue your certification for skydiving.

The first training tandem focuses on getting a stable body position in freefall, while your instructor handles the rest. On the second training tandem, you’ll take on more responsibility – practicing controlled turns, making your own parachute pull, and learning basic canopy control.

By the time you start AFF 1, you’ll already have the feel of freefall, trust in the gear, and a solid foundation for learning to skydive solo.

Ground school is your first step toward skydiving solo. Over the course of 6 to 8 hours, you’ll learn the knowledge and skills you need for your first AFF jump, including:

Equipment basics – how your parachute system works and how to wear it properly
Aircraft & exit procedures – boarding, positioning, and stable exits
Freefall body position – staying stable and in control in the air
Altitude awareness – reading your altimeter and knowing when to deploy
Parachute deployment – how and when to open your main canopy
Canopy flight & control – steering, patterns, and approaches
Landing techniques – how to land safely and consistently
Emergency procedures – what to do if something goes wrong

By the end of ground school, you should be ready for AFF 1. Note, that participation in ground school does not guarantee your ability to make a first jump. Based on your performance in the class, we may decide that you need an additional instructor or additional training prior to your first solo jump.

Most AFF jumps at Piedmont Skydiving are from full altitude – about 12,500 feet above ground level (AGL). This gives you roughly 40 seconds of freefall before deploying your parachute.

A “hop and pop” is a low-altitude skydive where you exit and deploy your parachute almost immediately. These jumps, typically from 3,500 to 5,500 feet, are used to practice parachute deployment, canopy control, and landing patterns without the distraction of a long freefall. They’re an important step in preparing for your A License check dive.

No – AFF training jumps are done from standard skydiving altitudes. High-altitude skydives (above 15,000 feet and requiring supplemental oxygen) are considered an advanced jump type and are not part of the AFF curriculum. Once you’re licensed, though, you can join us for high-altitude jumps!

In AFF, currency matters. The USPA recommends student skydivers jump at least every 30 days to maintain skills and safety.

If more than 30 days pass, you’ll need to complete refresher training before your next jump. This may be a classroom review, a practice in the training harness, or additional in-air coaching, depending on how long you’ve been away.

After 60 days, refresher requirements increase and may include repeating the most recent jump level.

If it’s been 90 days or more, USPA guidelines may require you to restart the AFF program from the beginning for safety reasons. Training is a perishable skill; the longer the gap, the more review you’ll need to regain proficiency.

Student skydivers have stricter weather limits than experienced jumpers, especially regarding wind. We closely monitor conditions and will only train if it’s safe for student jumps. Weather delays are normal and are always made in the interest of your safety.

Skydiving is classified as an extreme sport for good reason – there is serious risk involved in jumping out of an airplane in operation. Skydiving is not “safe” and you should be wary of those who suggest it’s safe.

That said, skydiving is a heavily-regulated industry that’s overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the United States Parachute Association (USPA). Please see the USPA’s annual report – How safe is skydiving? – for safety statistics, including information about skydiving injuries and fatalities.

Whereas tandem skydivers are accompanied by a professional instructor, AFF students are physically accompanied only in freefall and must navigate parachute flight and landing with radio assistance only. The onus is on the student to respond quickly, follow instructions accurately, and make sound decisions in the air.

For this reason, AFF training is conducted in a structured, progressive manner to build the skills and confidence needed to manage the jump safely from exit to landing.

Yes, Piedmont Skydiving is a proud USPA Member Dropzone. This distinction recognizes our commitment to skydiving safety, including engaging only USPA rated AFF instructors and utilizing and maintaining top-tier skydiving equipment.

You’ll wear a student parachute system that includes:

Main Parachute – deployed during your jump
Reserve Parachute – packed by an FAA-certified rigger and inspected every 180 days
Altimeter – helps you monitor altitude during freefall
Automatic Activation Device (AAD)– designed to automatically deploy the reserve if you’re unable to do so by a preset altitude

On your first few levels, you’ll have two instructors in freefall – one on either side of you – to coach, stabilize, and give in-air signals. As you progress, you’ll move to one instructor until you’re cleared for solo jumps.

All equipment is inspected regularly to ensure proper function. Main parachutes are packed by trained professional packers or students under supervision (i.e. you, once you’re cleared to do so). Reserve parachutes are packed and sealed by FAA-certified riggers.

Piedmont Skydiving’s AFF instructors are USPA-rated and have completed extensive training. To earn an AFF Instructor rating, a skydiver must:

Hold a USPA Coach or Instructor rating
Log at least 200 skydives (most have 500+)
Successfully complete an intensive AFF Instructor Course
Demonstrate exceptional freefall skills and parachute control
Show the ability to teach effectively and respond under pressure

All of this ensures you’re learning from highly skilled instructors who are committed to your safety and progress.

There’s nothing on this planet more exhilarating than skydiving. Experience the freedom of human flight!

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Accelerated Free Fall FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

AFF Skydiving Requirements

AFF Training Questions

AFF Safety Questions

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