The course is a series of 10 instructor assisted freefall skydives designed to help you qualify for the APF Parachutist's 'A' Certificate (also known as your 'A' Licence).  The 'A' certificate is your first basic skydiving qualification which allows you to jump solo without direct supervision and is recognised world wide.

Basic Ground Training 
The course commences with a full day of ground training.  This is usually done the day before the jump, but can be undertaken over 2 to 3 evenings during the week (refresher training is always completed the morning before the jump in either case). 

You will learn about the equipment, it's safe use and safety checking procedures.   The course also covers the theory and practice of flight using the modern ram-air parachute, steering, landing techniques and emergency procedures. You will also be briefed on aircraft procedures, the freefall sequence of your skydive and the correct body positions for freefall.

The course has a strong practical emphasis and students must demonstrate all important procedures at a satisfactory standard before they are allowed to jump.

The Skydives
Each jump is preceded by a briefing which includes all safety aspects, freefall techniques and parachute handling.  Debriefing, log book entries and packing instruction are given after the jump.  Jumps can be made during a week long course or over several weekends.

Stage 1 to 3
The first 3 jumps in the program are freefall skydives with 2 instructors.  Each freefall is approximately 45 seconds duration with a 5 minute parachute ride.
Stage 4 to 8
These next 5 jumps are freefall skydives with 1 instructor.  Each freefall is approximately 50 seconds duration with a 4 minute parachute ride.
Stage 9 and 10
The final 2 jumps in the program are short 5 second freefalls from 4,000' without assistance.

The AFF Stages in detail
Stage #1.  Orientation
Your first jump is an orientation to freefall.  You don't really know what this new environment is like and therefore we don't demand too much of you - just the basics.  With the security of 2 instructors - one holding on to each side of you throughout the freefall, you'll perform the correct exit procedure and the smooth transition into the stable hard arch freefall body position.   You'll learn to read your altimeter and demonstrate awareness by checking with instructors at several predetermined altitudes. 
During the first part of the freefall you'll also practice the correct technique of pulling the main ripcord under your instructor's watchful eyes, and finally do the real thing at 4,500'.

Stage #2.  Forward Movement
The exit, arch and altimeter checks are similar to the previous jump.  You'll then respond to in-air signals from instructors to demonstrate the 'Delta' position (forward movement) and basic turn orientation.  Ripcord pull is 500' lower than the first jump at 4,000'.

Stage #3.  Hover and Heading Control
Probably the most important jump on the course - the plan is to let you fly solo for the last 5-10 seconds of the freefall.  One instructor will release you and fly to your front whilst they other stays holding you at your side. You must then show good ability to hold a stable position and fixed heading in the sky in relation to your instructor at the front, and also demonstrate good altitude awareness.  Total release followed by a solo pull is planned for 5,000', but always at the instructor's discretion.

Stage #4. Consolidation of Hover Skills
Further practice and consolidation of the freefall skills learned in the previous stage, but more solo time (from about 8,000' down).  This jump is made with only one instructor.

Stage #5.  360º Turns, Forward Movement, Docking
Your first solo exit is planned for this jump.  Then it's advanced body flight incorporating on-the-spot turns and linking up with your instructor in freefall.

Stage #6.  Consolidation of Turns and Docking.
All solo exits from now on, with further practice of the skills learned in stage #5, but over greater horizontal distances.

Stage #7. Dive Exit, Backward Somersaults and Horizontal High Speed Tracking
Solo dive exit, gymnastic 'free-style' manoeuvres and fast horizontal movement - you're really starting to skydive now!

Stage #8.  Fast and Slow Fall Variation, High Speed Tracking Turns
This is your freefall graduation jump where you get to put all your skills together - and add in a few new ones!  You will demonstrate a left and right turn, backward somersault and then vary your fall rate from very fast to very slow.  For the last third of the freefall you'll track away from your instructor describing an 'S' path in the air.

Stage #9 & #10.  Orientation to low altitude jumps
On these two jumps you'll demonstrate a stable exit and freefall for only 5 seconds before deploying your parachute.  Both jumps are made from 4,000'.

The APF 'A' Certificate
Your International Skydiving Licence
To be awarded the 'A' certificate when training in Australia, you must fulfil the following conditions:

1. Complete the 10 stage AFF Program.
2. Land within 25 metres of the target without ground assistance at least 10 times.   (Each of these jumps must be a freefall of greater than 10 seconds).
3. Be able to competently pack a main parachute for your own use.
4. Pass a written examination to test your knowledge of parachuting and the regulations.
5. Complete the parachute flight and handling phase of your AFF course.

Your instructors will assist you through every aspect of your training right up to your 'A' Certificate and beyond.

Booking your AFF Course
For more information about the AFF Course and clubs that provide training, contact the Australian Parachute Federation:
Phone  02 6281 830