Life after AFF
When you have graduated from student status and learned the basics of skydiving, it is like passing your driving test, it is time to really begin learning how to become a safe, competent skydiver that other people will want to jump with.
It is difficult to progress on your own, like all things involving a physical skill, you need the expert input, interaction and advice, don't worry it does not always mean expensive jumps and paying for instructors and cameramen etc.
So what does happen after AFF? Well once you have graduated from the programme and attained your ‘A' licence, it is time to make your choice as to which discipline you wish to pursue. The normal choice is between ‘flat flying' and ‘head down'. Both fairly self explanatory, the good thing is that no matter what you do, the skills required are very similar, particularly at ‘pull time' when everyone becomes a flat-flyer…!!!
There is once again a set programme for you to follow in order for you to attain the next qualification which could be:
IC1 - Individual Canopy handling level 1
FF1 - Freefly level 1 (head down flying)
FS1 - Formation Skydiving level 1
Each of these certificates allows you to jump with other people in bigger and bigger groups, it also tells everyone else that you have the necessary skills to be safe in freefall. For example FS1 involves doing a four-person skydive and completing four or more formations. Known as a ‘4 point 4-way'.
If you wish to progress to the next level, and you are fed up lurking about UK Dropzones waiting for decent weather, then you are more than welcome to come with us on our next trip abroad, not as a student this time but as an Intermediate Skydiver. Once again we will look after you, arranging accommodation, transport etc, don't forget you will be part of the family by now…!!!
Your next step, inevitably, is wanting to buy your own equipment, jumpers (unless they are disgustingly wealthy) start off with the ancillaries like a jumpsuit, helmet, altimeter etc, but at some stage you will want to buy your own parachute. Most jumpers start off with a set of second-hand kit, and this is the point where, if you are not careful, you can buy something which is totally unsuitable. Don't worry we will still be happy to help and will give you lots of advice and help arrange for the gear to be checked out by a rigger etc.
Whilst all this sounds too good to be true, remember, that is what skydiving is all about, we are a small, unique, close-knit group. The general public regard us as risk-takers, barn-stormers and barking mad psychos with a death wish. By then, however, you will know just how safe the sport is and how seriously we take our commitment to our own home-grown students.