Learn to skydive
From Skysurfer
There are three methods used for Skydiver training in Australia.
Contents |
Tandem
Tandem Skydiving is the simplest way to try Skydiving.
- An Instructor with a minimum of 500 jumps provides training as laid down by the APF's Training Operations Manual
- Your harness is attached directly to the Instructor's harness at four points
- The Parachute system is designed for two people
- The Parachute system is fitted with an Automatic Activation Device (AAD)
Things to consider:
Exit Height
Varies, up to 14,000 feet, the maximum legal height in Australia. The exit height dictates the amount of time spent in freefall.
- From 14000, freefall is usually about 60 seconds
- From 12000, 50 seconds
- 10000 40
- 8000 30
- 6000 20
The parachute must be open by 4000' for safety (by way of comparison, sports parachutists must be open by 1800')
Basic Training methods
Accelerated Freefall (AFF)
Accelerated Freefall (AFF) is the "modern" method. It is labelled "Accelerated" because it has you performing freefall manoeuvers at an earlier point in your training. It does this by exiting at greater heights that Static Line does initially.
The AFF course is classed as "Basic Training", and counts towards the requirements for Certificate A.
Static Line
Static Line is so named because you leave the plane with the parachute attached to the plane - with a "Static Line". This extracts the parachute from the container.
The Static Line is relatively short, so the sensation of falling is brief.
However, it means you almost certainly get a Main parachute without the need to pull a ripcord.
This leads to a focus on the correct body position for exit, and canopy control skills.
The Static Line course is classed as "Basic Training", and counts towards the requirements for Certificate A.
Gaining Certificate "A"
(often erroneously called the "A License")
To complete your Certificate "A", you need to complete the following (correct at 3 Mar 2010):
From the APF Operational Regulations:
3.2.1. Certificate "A" Conditions: Applicants must:
(a) Have made at least 10 stable free falls
(b) Have made at least 10 descents landing within 25 metres of the target centre, these landings being made unassisted by a Target Assistant;
(c) Have completed the Student Training Descent Table required by 6.3 of these regulations to the satisfaction of a Chief Instructor;
(d) Have the approval of a Chief Instructor to pack a main parachute for the use of him/herself or a licensed parachutist;
(e) Pass a written examination<ref>All the answers can be found here. </ref> set and conducted under the supervision of a Chief Instructor which tests his or her knowledge of parachuting regulations and theory of parachuting;
(f) Have completed the Canopy Handling Training Descent Table shown in Appendix 5A of these regulations to the satisfaction of a Chief Instructor.
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Do your research
Find a dropzone near you
The APF have a list here.
One of our members has mapped these for you. It'll be out of date, so check with the APF list once you've found a likely prospect.
Information provided by volunteers and may not be accurate. Check before making any decisions.
