Accelerated Freefall (AFF): the fast track to flying solo
AFF is British Skydiving's intensive route into the sport: your first jump is real freefall from up to 15,000 feet, with two instructors beside you.
- What it is: An 8-level course where your very first jump is a full freefall with two instructors holding on.
- What you need first: You must be at least 16 (under-18s need written permission from a parent or guardian) and start before your 55th birthday. Centres set their own weight limits.
- What you'll learn: Stable freefall, opening your own parachute and flying it to a safe landing.
- How long it takes: British Skydiving describes it as a week's course of 8 levels, then at least 10 consolidation jumps. Weather decides the real pace.
- Cost: £1,400 to £1,900 for AFF plus the A licence.
- What's next: Consolidation and your A licence
Forget the slow build. On AFF your first jump goes from around 10,000 to 15,000 feet with two highly trained instructors flying beside you. You get 40 to 45 seconds of freefall, then you open your own parachute at around 5,000 feet. As British Skydiving puts it: this is the real sport.
How it works
In freefall your instructors guide you with hand signals. Under canopy, a radio talks you down. Each level adds a skill, and you only move on when you've shown you're ready.
Our advice is simple: if you already know you want to skydive, AFF is the quickest and most motivating way in. It costs more up front than the Category System, but you're in freefall from jump one.
Source: Accelerated Free Fall and My First Jump, British Skydiving, checked October 2026.
Governing body: British Skydiving. It sets the UK safety standards and training awards for skydiving, so it's the official place to find out more.
Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.
The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.
