Please Note: As of Autumn Quarter 2010, the Introduction to Skydiving class will no longer be offerring Tandem skydiving as a jump option. All students will be fully trained to complete an AFF jump. However, you do not have to jump to pass the class, and your fee will be reduced if you choose not to jump. Students will still have the option of either tandem or AFF during Summer 2010.
What options do I have for my first skydive?
During this class, you will have the opportunity to make either a tandem or Accelerated Freefall (AFF).
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. The maximum weight for which we can allow participation in an AFF jump is 255 lbs. If you are between 235 and 255 you ability to jump safely will depend on your body shape and weight distribution. 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. The maximum weight our Tandem gear can accomodate is 235 lbs with height and weight proportional. Students that weigh more than 235 will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and their ability to jump will be based on body shape and weight distribution; however, an additional gear fee may apply. All students must be 18 years old.
OSU student Grant Osbourne with tandem instructor Clint Cappelle.