6.01 INTRODUCTION
Each lesson or phase of instruction includes five basic skill areas. In this section, information pertaining to the student’s action in performing each skill is identified along with the theoretical knowledge which should be learned as these skills are being developed. The model for each phase lists the learning objectives and performance or knowledge requirements each student should meet. Each phase expands and builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired during the previous phase, so correct performance is required for advancement.
6.02 SCOPE
This training program features lessons in the following:
Level I
•Basic orientation
• Aircraft procedures
• Exit
• Body position
• Canopy controllability check
• Canopy control
• Landing
Practice ripcord pulls
Coordinated movement
Altimeter use
Time awareness
Level II
Awareness
Stability
Coordinated movement
Level III
Heading maintenance
Solo pull
Spotting introduction
Level IV
Controlled 90-degree turns
Turns and redocks
Equipment checks
Level V
Forward movement
• Controlled 360-degree turns
Wave-off
Level VI
Solo poised exit
Backloops
Delta position
Level VII
Diving exit
Front loops
Sequence of maneuvers
6.03 BACKGROUND
The Accelerated Freefall method of instruction is a modernized approach to basic skydiving instruction which was developed by Kenneth F. Coleman, Jr. This method is targeted to the serious skydiving student but is also a good opportunity for the one-time student to experience skydiving.
6.04 CONCEPT
The AFF method is based on three concepts:
A. Direct assistance provided by the jumpmaster during the pre-jump training and utilization of the harness-hold technique during freefall.
B. The presentation of information and development of skills in a logical progression system.
C. The use of modern equipment and skills for maximum benefit.
6.05 DIRECT ASSISTANCE-HARNESS HOLD
The student receives a private lesson for each jump. One or two AFF-rated Jumpmasters accompany the student on each jump to provide dual instruction in freefall and assist the student as much as possible.
6.06 PROGRESSION SYSTEM
This method teaches the fundamental skydiving skills in a logical order beginning with basic survival skills and progressing through basic maneuvering skills. The program has been divided into seven steps or levels. Each level is a convenient grouping of lessons and targeted learning objectives (TLOs), although a lesson can be tailored to fit a specific student or circumstances.
6.07 EQUIPMENT
The AFF method stresses the use of modern equipment for the student’s best advantage. The BSRs require that each student be equipped with a piggyback harness and container system which has a spring-loaded pilot chute activated by a ripcord, an AAD, a ram-air main, a steerable reserve, and his or her own visually accessible altimeter. The main should have docile handling characteristics and be appropriate for his or her weight. The reserve is to be steerable and equipped with a RSL.
6.08 APPLICATION
A. AFF is primarily a training method for first-time students or for students who have already had an introduction to skydiving through other methods and want to learn skydiving in an efficient program.
B. AFF training techniques can also be effectively used as isolated lessons for students being trained by the static-line method; or this technique can be used in hybrid training methods which combine tandem, static-line, and AFF training methods.
C. Regardless of the training method, all harness-hold jumps made with students are to be performed only with Accelerated Freefall rating holders. All other student jumps (except tandem jumps) are to be solo, no-contact exits.
6.09 SUPERVISION REQUIREMENT
Student participation in this program requires instruction from a USPA AFF Instructor rating holder. Each jump requires the direct supervision of a USPA AFF Jumpmaster rating holder until the student has passed all of the learning objectives of the AFF program.
6.10 SKILL MODEL DEFINITION
Each segment of the skill model illustrates the actions required of the student.
A. Equipment Preparation:
This area defines the learning objectives related to operating, donning, inspecting and packing the parachute system and accessory equipment. It includes the knowledge and skills which each student should acquire before being cleared from the AFF program.
B. Performance Preparation:
This area defines techniques for each student to physically and mentally prepare for each jump in order to enhance performance and enjoyment and maintain safety.
C. In Flight:
This area defines procedures to be employed during the aircraft ride, to include boarding, the climb to altitude and the exit. These procedures should be used by all skydivers.
D. Freefall:
This area defines the maneuvers and actions which occur after exit and until opening the parachute. Since each phase builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous phase, correct performance is required for advancement.
E. Canopy Control and Landing:
This area defines the techniques to guide the parachute to a safe landing in the designated area. Each step is designed to improve the student’s skill and proficiency. The student’s performance is the criterion for advancement.
6.11 TRAINING—GENERAL
A. Specific training programs may have minor variations from one drop zone to another, but the information presented here serves as an indication of how the AFF program is structured. Emphasis is on the knowledge and skills which must be acquired by the skydiving student to progress to the recreational level. No specific number of hours of instruction is required; each student learns at his or her own rate. Since each lesson builds upon and advances from the previous lesson, a satisfactory performance is necessary for advancement.
B. Ground School: Each AFF student should satisfactorily complete a first jump course, as outlined in Section 4, before jumping. The following information describes a course of instruction which includes the first jump and continues through a progression system which will qualify the student for the Basic Skydiver, A License upon satisfactory completion.
C. Exit Procedures: Exit procedures will vary according to the type of aircraft being used but will generally include the following:
1. Basic Commands:
a. Preparatory (from Jumpmaster): This command tells the student to stand by or be ready to move into the exit position. For example: "Put your feet out!"or "Move to the door!"
b. Move to the exit position (from Jumpmaster): This command directs the student into the position from which they will launch from the aircraft. For example: "Climb out!" or "Stand in the door!"
c. Exit (from student): This is the command to jump. For example: "Up, down, ARCH!"
2. Proper body position is important for a good exit.
a. The specific launch or exit position will vary according to the aircraft type.
b. The exit will usually be designed so the student will launch into a position facing into the relative wind with the arms and legs spread, the head back, and the back fully arched. By maintaining a good arch, the jumper will initially be facing forward in the direction of flight and gradually settle into a face-to-earth position.
6.12 LEVEL 1—FREEARM
A. Equipment preparation:
1. Explain main parachute deployment.
2. Explain how to distinguish between a properly opened canopy and a partial or total malfunction.
3. Explain and demonstrate reserve deployment procedures.
4. Explain and demonstrate the use of flotation equipment (when used).
5. Perform an actual ripcord pull before the jump.
B. Performance preparation:
1. Demonstrate the proper technique for moving from the climb-to-altitude position in the aircraft to the ready-to-jump position.
2. Demonstrate the proper sequence and body position to perform a stable, controlled exit, to include a verbal count and canopy check.
3. Physically rehearse all routine phases of the planned jump.
4. Practice sequence of actions for practice ripcord pulls (PRCPs) in the same manner that will be used for the actual pull:
a. LOOK—while maintaining arch, establish visual contact with the ripcord handle.
b. REACH—maintain arch and view of the handle while reaching for it with the right hand; simultaneously move the left hand to a position over the head with the palm open and parallel to the ground.
c. PULL—Grasp the handle and pull it, returning to the spread position while keeping the eyes on the handle.
d. CHECK—Look over the right shoulder at the pilot chute.
5. Physically rehearse responses to emergencies that could occur during the flight or jump.
6. Identify the wind direction relative to recognizable landmarks and explain the pre-planned canopy flight pattern.
7. Demonstrate the proper body position and technique for landing.
C. In flight:
1. Perform correct procedures for entry and seating in the aircraft.
2. verbally review the key points of the jump with the Jumpmaster.
3. Visually locate the DZ, target and windsock from 2,000 feet or higher.
4. Perform a controlled exit.
D. Freefall:
1. Exposure to continuous freefall.
2. Heading awareness.
3. Focused awareness and attention.
4. Three coordinated practice pulls.
5. Altitude awareness.
6. Actual ripcord pull by 4,000 feet.
E. Canopy control and landing:
1. Release the main canopy deployment brakes and establish steering control.
2. Perform in accordance with the predetermined flight plan and in response to any directions received during the descent.
3. Make all major turns above 500 feet AGL.
4. Land in a clear area; minor turns below 500 feet are acceptable to avoid obstacles or stay facing into the wind.
5. Land with feet and knees together and be prepared to perform a PLF.
6. Immediately after landing, pull one toggle in and run to the down-wind side of the canopy to avoid the chance of being dragged.
6.13 LEVEL 2—BODY AWARENESS
A. Equipment preparation:
1. Explain and demonstrate knowledge and skills acquired in previous lesson.
2. Increase involvement with inspection and donning of equipment.
B. Performance preparation:
1. Explain and demonstrate knowledge and skills acquired in the previous lesson.
2. Practice body position for stability in a horizontal trainer.
3. Practice sequence of actions for a practice ripcord pull (PRCP) in the same manner that will be used during the actual pull:
a. LOOKwhile maintaining arch, establish visual contact with the ripcord handle.
b. REACHmaintain arch and view of the handle while reaching for it with the right hand; at the same time move the left hand to a position over the head with the palm open and parallel to the ground.
c. PULLgrasp the handle and pull it, returning to the spread position while keeping the eyes on the handle.
4. Physically rehearse all planned freefall actions as in previous lesson.
5. Identify DZ and pre-planned flight path as in previous lesson.
6. Utilize positive mental imagery to practice all actions planned for the jump.
C. In flight:
1. Repeat all in flight procedures of previous lesson.
2. Use controlled breathing to relax (inhale slowly and deeply, hold it for a few seconds and relax while exhaling).
3. Call out altitudes and landmarks to jumpmaster.
D. Freefall:
1. Maximum free-arm time.
2. Three PRCPs.
3. Heading awareness during freefall.
4. Trim control or body awareness exercises.
5. Relaxed, arched body position.
6. Pull by 3,500 feet.
7. Observe pilot chute deployment.
E. Canopy control and landing:
1. Perform all objectives of previous lesson.
Note: Landings may include stand-ups.
6.14 LEVEL 3—RELEASE DIVE
A. Equipment preparation: Explain and demonstrate knowledge and skills acquired in previous lessons.
B. Performance preparation:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to use an altimeter.
2. Demonstrate technique required to maintain heading during freefall.
3. Concentrate on relaxing physically and mentally in freefall by using a properly trimmed, neutral, relaxed arch position.
4. Physically rehearse entire jump.
C. In flight:
1. Repeat all procedures of previous lessons.
2. Concentrate on positive mental imagery and controlled breathing.
D. Freefall:
1. Leg awareness and control modes (practice pull optional)
2. Heading maintenance—principles of turning
3. Hover control—release by 6,000 feet.
4. Unassisted solo pull by 3,000 feet (start by 3,500 feet).
E. Canopy control and landing: Perform all objectives of previous lesson with more precision.
6.15 LEVEL 4—TURNS TO REDOCK
A. Equipment preparation: Demonstrate ability to inspect, don, and adjust equipment with assistance.
B. Performance preparation:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to use an altimeter.
2. Demonstrate technique required to maintain heading during freefall.
3. Concentrate on relaxing physically and mentally in freefall by using the proper neutral body (box) position.
4. Explain formation skydiving safety procedures, including maintaining altitude awareness during the freefall and waving off before pulling.
5. Physically rehearse the entire jump.
C. In flight:
1. Repeat all in flight procedures of previous lessons.
2. Demonstrate understanding of the basics of spotting and observe the spotting process.
D. Freefall:
1. Controlled turns—Stop and start 90-degree alternating turns.
2. Forward movement to redock—introduction
3. Wave off, then pull at or above 3,000 feet.
E. Canopy control and landing:
1. Perform all objectives of previous lessons.
2. Land within 50 meters of center of landing area with minimal ground-to-air instruction.
6.16 LEVEL 5—TURNS TO REDOCK
A. Equipment preparation: Demonstrate ability to inspect, don, and adjust equipment without assistance.
B. Performance preparation: Same as Level 4 but with greater precision.
C. In flight:
1. Apply knowledge of spotting principles and winds aloft.
2. Perform spotting with direct supervision, calling out corrections to the jumpmaster.
3. Self-check equipment prior to exit.
D. Freefall:
1. 360-degree turns, one before each dock.
2. Forward movement and docking without assistance.
3. Control of all three axes—pitch, yaw, and roll.
4. Wave off before pull.
E. Canopy control and landing:
1. Land within 50 meters of center of landing area without ground-to-air supervision.
2. Demonstrate proper approach and landing
techniques.
6.17 LEVEL 6—SOLO EXIT
A. Equipment preparation:
1. Repeat all procedures of previous lesson.
Note: Packing instructions should have begun by the time this level is reached.
B. Performance preparation:
1. Practice body position and techniques for alternating 360-degree turns.
2. Practice backloops and recovery.
3. Practice delta position.
C. In flight:
1. Brief pilot with assistance.
2. Repeat all procedures of previous lessons.
3. Perform a stable, poised exit without assistance.
4. Spotting (direct to pilot).
D. Freefall:
1. Solo no-contact exit.
2. Subterminal heading control.
3. Two backloops.
4. Tracking to (introduction) demonstrate ability to gain horizontal separation.
5. Wave off before pull.
E. Canopy control and landing:
1. Land within 25 meters of center of the landing area.
2. Demonstrate proper approach and landing techniques.
6.18 LEVEL 7—CLEARANCE DIVE
A. Equipment preparation:
1. Demonstrate ability to inspect, don, and adjust equipment properly.
2. Demonstrate ability to inspect and pack main canopy.
B. Performance preparation:
1. Practice body position and technique for a controlled diving exit.
2. Practice techniques for front loops.
3. Practice tracking for horizontal separation.
4. Explain and demonstrate knowledge of formation skydiving safety procedures (both in freefall and under canopy), including wave-off before pulling.
5. Rehearse entire jump sequence.
C. In flight:
1. Brief pilot without assistance.
2. Spot properly without assistance.
3. Self-check equipment.
D. Freefall:
1. Diving exit with no contact—maintain or recover control.
2. Intentional front loop.
3. Chain of controlled maneuvers—right turn, left turn, backloop (1/2 series); a barrel roll may also be used.
4. Tracking as altitude permits; wave off prior to pull.
E. Canopy control and landing:
1. Land within 25 meters of center of the landing area.
2. Demonstrate safe canopy control procedures.
6.19 LEVEL 8—CONTINUING EDUCATION
A. The novice skydiver’s immediate goal should be to obtain the USPA A license which is the classification of Basic Skydiver.
B. Progress should continue as supervision and coaching, although supervision by a USPA rated Jumpmaster is no longer required, at least until the skydiver obtains an A License.
C. Level 8 is a training outline designed to serve as a guideline in developing the skills and experience required to progress to the A License level and beyond. Level 8 is outlined in Section 8.