How Do I Learn to Skydive?
Step 1: The first step to getting your solo-skydiving license is to complete a Tandem Skydive with one of our highly experienced instructors. At Airborne Petawawa we require our Accelerated Freefall (AFF) students to complete a Tandem Skydive prior to committing to the course. As we utilize a small aircraft, this practice reduces the chances of a jump refusal during the AFF jump and in turn ensures we are not wasting anyone's time or money.
Step 2: Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Program; During the first day you will complete the First Jump Course (FJC) and your first jump. Our program consists of 7-9 jumps that must be completed to satisfaction.
Theses jumps will have you progress through a significant amount of skill building tasks under the supervision of an Instructor, allowing you to safely skydive on your own in the end.
| AFF Levels 1 & 2 – Double Instructor Jumps
Levels 1 and 2 are completed with two instructors, often called double-instructor jumps. At this stage, the student is never released, even if you’re flying like an absolute rockstar.
These jumps focus on stability, awareness, and safety, giving you a strong foundation while instructors are physically present to guide and correct you in real time.
| AFF Levels 3 and Up – Single Instructor Jumps
From Level 3 onward, you’ll jump with one instructor. As you become more comfortable in freefall and start meeting your tasks and objectives, we gradually increase your independence.
Each jump builds on the last until you complete the final AFF jump and graduate from the AFF program, ready to skydive on your own.
I passed AFF! Now what?
Step 3: Once the AFF program is complete, you are now certified as a "Solo Jumper". As a Solo Jumper you will still have skills to learn and tasks to complete while you work your way towards a total of 25 jumps. But now you can jump without a chaperone!
While working on these skills you may do so on your own, with the help of a United States Parachute Association (USPA) Coach or with the help of a USPA Instructor. As a Solo Certified Jumper, you may jump at other USPA Drop zones as well.
Once you have 25 jumps and all required skill/tasks have been completed, you will be required to pass the A Licence check out dive and the A Licence Exam. A proficiency card will help you track all skills and tasks.
You are now a licensed skydiver.