Certifications11 Feb 2023-7 min read
Learning To Skydive: Your Complete Guide
This is your complete guide to learn to skydive. We break down the steps and to you find your feet
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East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
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Before your first jump, you'll complete a full day of training covering:
After the AFF levels, you’ll complete around 10 solo jumps to build confidence and consistency. You’ll practice:
Once all requirements are met and signed off, you can apply for your British Skydiving A Licence.
Remember, each drop zone may vary slightly in how they structure the course, but all follow the British Skydiving syllabus. You can compare centres and book your AFF course easily with adventuro.
Completing the AFF course qualifies you to perform solo skydives under the British Skydiving A Licence framework. After finishing the 8 AFF levels and a set number of consolidation jumps (usually 10), you'll be eligible to apply for your A Licence. This licence allows you to jump solo at affiliated drop zones in the UK and many other countries.
With your A Licence, you can start to participate in group skydives, canopy progression courses, and develop specific skills like tracking, freeflying or wingsuiting (with further training). It’s your gateway to becoming an independent skydiver and joining a global community of sport skydivers. Note that while the AFF training is intensive, continued learning and regular jumping are essential to maintain skills and progress safely.
The AFF programme typically begins with a full day of ground school, followed by a series of 8 progressive skydives. Weather permitting, the course can be completed in as little as 3–5 days, though many students spread it over several weekends. Some drop zones offer intensive week-long packages.
The Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) programme is a structured and performance-based skydiving course delivered by British Skydiving-affiliated centres. Progress is assessed across eight levels, each building on body position, altitude awareness, stability, and canopy control. From Level 1, where two instructors accompany you in freefall, you'll gradually gain independence as your skills improve. Instructors provide detailed feedback after each jump, and progression to the next level is based on demonstrated competence—not just the number of jumps. While many students complete the course in as few as 8–10 jumps, extra jumps may be needed for some to meet the required standard. Safety is paramount: AFF instructors are highly trained and certified, and parachute systems include automatic activation devices as standard. You can browse and book AFF courses from trusted UK centres on adventuro’s dedicated skydiving pages.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesThe AFF course is British Skydiving’s fast-track route to becoming a solo skydiver. It combines ground training with a series of progressively challenging freefall jumps. You begin with instructors holding you in freefall and gradually take more control until you're safely jumping solo. The course is designed to develop freefall skills, altitude awareness, and safe canopy handling in a structured and supportive way.
It varies by individual and weather conditions, but typically students complete the AFF programme in 8–10 jumps over several days. However, it's not uncommon to need extra jumps to master specific skills. Some centres offer intensive week-long courses, while others allow you to progress at your own pace over weekends. Flexibility is key, as weather delays and personal progress rates can affect timing.
You must be at least 16 years old (with parental consent if under 18) and meet the medical requirements set out by British Skydiving. You’ll need to complete either a self-declaration of fitness or obtain a medical form signed by your doctor, depending on your health history. No prior experience is needed, but good general fitness and a willingness to learn are important.
Yes, AFF is a popular and safe route into the sport when run by British Skydiving-affiliated centres. You’ll be trained by qualified instructors and use modern equipment with safety features like automatic activation devices (AADs) that deploy your reserve parachute if needed. Each jump is thoroughly briefed and debriefed, and you only progress when instructors are confident in your abilities.
After passing all AFF levels (typically 1–8) and demonstrating the required canopy and freefall skills, you’ll be cleared to jump solo. You’ll then continue to work towards your British Skydiving A Licence, which requires a minimum of 18 jumps, completed consolidation exercises, and a written exam. This licence allows you to skydive solo at most dropzones in the UK and abroad.
It’s perfectly normal to repeat a level—many students do. Skydiving is a skill-based activity, and instructors will help you identify what needs improvement. You’ll receive a detailed debrief and repeat the level when you're ready. Safety and learning take priority over speed. Additional jumps are at your own cost, but they’re part of the learning process for many.
No need to buy gear initially. All essential equipment is provided by the training centre, including jumpsuit, helmet, altimeter, goggles, and parachute systems with AADs. Once you’re qualified and jumping regularly, you may consider investing in your own kit, but it’s not expected during AFF training.
Yes, absolutely. Adventuro lets you browse and book AFF courses directly with trusted British Skydiving centres across the UK. Each listing outlines what’s included, typical duration, and any prerequisites. It’s a great way to compare options and find a course that suits your schedule and location.
Skydiving doesn’t require extreme fitness, but you should be in good general health. You’ll need to manage the physical demands of freefall body position, landing under canopy, and carrying your kit. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor and refer to the British Skydiving medical guidelines before booking.
A tandem skydive is a one-off experience where you're attached to an instructor who controls everything. AFF, on the other hand, is a training programme that teaches you to skydive solo. It’s more involved, including ground school, multiple jumps, and skill development, but it’s the route to becoming a licensed skydiver.