Skydive School
Learn to Skydive at the most scenic dropzone!
If you wish to learn how to skydive and experience the world’s best views, you have come to the right place. At Skydive Switzerland, we offer the AFF (Accelerated Free Fall) course which is an internationally recognised system of skydiving training that offers the fastest way to experience solo freefall.
The course takes approximately one week (weather permitting) and you will be required to complete 8 progressive levels. Upon completion, you can jump independently, but still under student status as AFF is just the first step towards your license.
Many students continue their training at Skydive Switzerland to become licensed skydivers. At our dropzone, we have highly experienced instructors who are qualified to supervise the acquisition of both the USPA (United States Parachute Association) license and the Swiss Skydive license (Schweizer Fallschirmspringer Lizenz).
The AFF Course
The AFF training is divided into 8 levels with intensive training in both theory and practice to prepare you for all possible situations a skydiver could face.
During ground school, we will cover the required emergency procedures and the fundamentals of piloting your canopy for a safe and accurate landing at the dropzone. You will also learn about the skydiving equipment and how to use it, including your main and reserve canopies, altimeter etc.
You’ll be taught the usual ways to exit an aircraft and proper body positioning to maintain stability during freefall. The goal of the training is to prepare you to fly your body with confidence and in a controlled manner.
The AFF course at Skydive Switzerland includes 8 levels with one jump per level:
Level 1
Basic theoretical introduction to the aerodynamics of freefall, the opening process of the main parachute, canopy piloting techniques, landing approach, and landing techniques. To complete this level, you will do one tandem jump. This introduces you to freefall, landing pattern and how to control your body.
Level 2 - 4
You will complete three jumps accompanied by two instructors on each. The aim of these jumps is to teach you the correct exit, freefall position, basic manoeuvres of flight and altitude awareness. You will be able to open the main canopy and then steer it to land by yourself under the radio instructions from the ground instructor.
Level 5 - 8
During the next four jumps, accompanied by one instructor, you will perform a series of controlled movements (like front and back loops, turns, and rolls) to learn how to maintain a stable body position and how to recover from an unstable one. You will also learn tracking to gain horizontal separation from other skydivers before canopy deployment.
During each level jump, specific learning goals must be met. If your instructor isn’t fully satisfied with your execution of the jump, you may be required to repeat that specific level (at an additional cost).
Once your instructor is confident with your abilities and you feel ready, you will make your AFF course graduation skydive – your first solo jump.
Course Restrictions
PLEASE NOTE: Giving false personal information when applying for the AFF course may result in you forfeiting the costs of the course.
See below the requirements you need to meet to be eligible for an AFF course at Skydive Switzerland. If you have any questions regarding these or your previous injuries, don’t hesitate to contact us before making a booking.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries, please consult us before applying for the course. Previous shoulder injuries/dislocations are of particular importance and must be declared and discussed with your instructors. This is essential for your safety!
under the age of 18)
AFF Course Costs
FAQ's
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How long does it take to complete the AFF course?
Depending on the weather conditions and your progression, the course normally takes one week to finish. We usually start the training on Sunday and you should be finished by the following Friday. If you need to do repeat jumps for any of the levels, it may take longer.
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What are the advantages of completing the AFF course at Skydive Switzerland?
We encourage the students to complete their AFF course at a skydiving school near to where they live or where they will be jumping the most. Before you get your license, you will need to jump at least once every 30 days to maintain currency. Therefore it is best if you can continue with your skydive training and progression to your license at the same place where you have done your AFF course.
If Skydive Switzerland dropzone is the most convenient place for you to do regular jumps, we would recommend you to do the AFF course with us. Plus, we have highly experienced and qualified instructors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and support.
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What are the requirements for an AFF course?
We have a few basic requirements that all students need to adhere to. It is very important you provide accurate information when applying.
The minimum age for the AFF training course is 16, but written parental consent is required for everyone aged under 18.
You have to be in good health and physically fit. For everyone over 40 years of age, we require a medical certificate of fitness provided by your family doctor.
The maximum weight limit is 85 kg / 187 lbs.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries, please consult us before applying for the course. Previous shoulder injuries/dislocations are of particular importance and must be declared and discussed with your instructors. This is essential for your safety!
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Is insurance included in the course costs?
When you do the AFF course with us, we provide you with all of the necessary equipment and third-party liability insurance. However, accident and medical insurance are not included in the course and should be taken out by the participating students themselves in advance.
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What are repeat jumps?
During each AFF course level jump, specific learning goals must be met. If your instructor is not fully satisfied with your execution of the jump, you may be required to repeat that specific level.
Each repeat jump is at extra cost which is not included in the full course fee (please see the prices above).
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Are there any additional costs?
During the training, we provide the equipment and it is covered by the course costs.
Each repeat jump is at extra cost which is not included in the full course fee (please see the prices above).
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I have already done a few AFF jumps, can I continue the training with you?
Yes, you will be able to continue your AFF training with us, however, you will need to repeat at least one AFF level and the theory. If you have not jumped in more than 30 days, you will most likely need to repeat multiple levels and ground school.
Please get in contact with us so that we can give you a tailor-made plan.
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Will I become a licensed skydiver after completing the AFF course?
No, the AFF course is only the first step towards your license. Upon completion, you acquire student status which allows you to jump solo.
After the AFF course, you can continue your training with us to progress towards a license. Depending on which license you would like to get (USPA or Swiss Skydive license), you will need to complete a minimum amount of jumps and pass theoretical and practical exams.
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What is the cancellation policy for the AFF course?
- The following fees will be charged if the participant cancels their AFF course:– Up to 60 days before the start of the course: no cancellation fees.– From 60 to 30 days before the start of the course: 10% of the course costs.– From 30 to 15 days before the start of the course: 30% of the course fees.– From 15 to 3 days before the start of the course: 50% of the course fees.– From 2 days before course start: full course fee.
Life after AFF
Once you have successfully completed your AFF training, you can work towards becoming a licensed skydiver. At Skydive Switzerland, we offer training for both the USPA (United States Parachute Association) license and the Swiss Skydive license (Schweizer Fallschirmspringer Lizenz).
Both licenses are internationally recognized and will allow you to jump worldwide, but there are differences in acquiring them. If needed, we can consult you on deciding which one to go for. We have experienced instructors who will accompany you on this journey, coach you and prepare you for the chosen license.
Jump Tickets
A License
USPA issues four skydiving licenses – levels A through D – with each progressing in the required levels of skill, experience and accomplishment. Each level will also give you more privileges as a skydiver.
Your first step after the AFF course will be the USPA A license. Students must demonstrate certain skills in freefall and under the canopy to obtain this license. The minimum number of jumps to obtain the A license is 25 (including the jumps you’ve done during the AFF course).
Click here if you want to find out more about each level and the requirements/privileges.
Swiss Skydive license
After the basic training (AFF course), you will need to successfully complete and pass four practical tests (security test, tracking test, controlled movement test and packing and material knowledge test) before you can register for the final skills exam.
The exam consists of a theoretical test and test jumps where you will have to demonstrate everything you have learned. After passing this exam, you can apply for your skydiving license from Swiss Skydive. The minimum amount of jumps for the Swiss Skydive license is 50.
For more information, please click here (info in German).
Skydiving Costs
Once you pass your AFF course, you can now jump solo and start working towards your license. This is just a rough guide to give you an idea of the costs involved:
Skydive Switzerland Certificates
