Accelerated Freefall (AFF)
USPA's Accelerated Freefall method of training prepares a student to become a licensed skydiver. This has become the most popular choice of Ohio State students, as many wan to experience a solo freefall on heir first jump. An AFF first-jump course includes practical instruction on climb-out and exit of the aircraft, freefall, canopy flight, landing and emergency procedures. The student is accompanied by two AFF instructors during freefall. The trio exits the aircraft between 10,000 and 13,000 ft with and freefalls together about one minute. The instructors maintain a grip on the student's harness to provide in-air instruction as well as assisting with stability if necessary. The student then opens the parachute by 4,000 feet and pilots it to the landing area. All students are equipped with a radio for the instructors to communicate during canopy descent. Each jump includes an extensive debrief with your instructors to prepare you for the next jump in the AFF training progression. Digital video and still pictures are available for an additional cost. Maximum weight is 240 lbs with height and weight proportional. All students must be 18 years old.
OSU student Tom Vetter with AFF instructors Brad Winchell (left) and Ken Haken (right).
Tandem
A tandem jump is an option for those looking to experience the thrill of freefall without the additional responsibilities of an AFF student. During a tandem jump, both the student and the instructor are attached to the same parachute system. They will exit the aircraft between 10,000 and 13,000 feet and freefall together for about one minutes. The student and instructor descend together under a single large parachute with dual controls. In the OSU class, all tandem students will still receive the same instruction as the AFF students, providing them with a more intense experience than most tandm skydivers. Digital video and still pictures are available for an additional cost. Maximum weight is 225 lbs with height and weight proportional. All students must be 18 years old.
OSU student Grant Osbourne with tandem instructor Clint Cappelle.