USPA
AFF: Instructor-Assisted Freefall (Categories A–E)
Solo-deployment jumps with one or two instructors flying beside you.
- Free reference
- No signup
- Find an operator to get there
Accelerated Freefall (AFF) is the heart of student training. You exit the aircraft and fall while one or two instructors hold on, coaching your stability, altitude checks, and practice deployments. You pull your own parachute and fly your own canopy to a landing. Across USPA Categories A through E you progressively earn release, with instructors letting go as you demonstrate control, and add turns, forward movement, and stable solo freefall.
This is the most instruction-dense part of the ladder. Expect a debrief and video review after every jump. Most students complete these categories in roughly 7–10 jumps, though it is normal to repeat a level until the skills are solid.
What you'll learn
- Stable freefall and reliable altitude awareness
- Controlled turns, forward movement, and recovery from instability
- Solo deployment and independent canopy flight
Find an operator who teaches AFF: Instructor-Assisted Freefall (Categories A–E)
Browse drop zones and connect with the people who can get you to this level.
Common questions
- What happens if I do not pass a level?
- You simply repeat it. Progression is skill-based, not jump-count-based. Instructors sign you off only when each objective is met.
- Do I jump alone during AFF?
- You deploy and fly your own parachute, but instructors are physically with you in freefall through the early categories and release you as you demonstrate stability.
