Accelerated freefall (AFF) is a training system which takes you from your first jump to being a qualified skydiver. You need no previous experience to undergo this type of training. During a minimum of six hours ground training you will be taught to exit the aircraft, adopt the freefall position, read your altimeter, open your parachute, steer your parachute and land safely. Your physical skills will be assessed throughout the day, which ends with a written test.
You will make your first jump from 12,000 feet with two instructors holding you during the freefall phase, which lasts 30-40 seconds. During subsequent jumps, and as your skills develop, this will reduce to one instructor. After a minimum of eight jumps you will be skydiving by yourself. A minimum of eighteen jumps is required to gain your ‘A’ licence (see progression information below for further details).
When using our online bookings facility you will be asked to specify a date for your initial training. This date is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email. We will try and accommodate your preferred date but if it is not available we will email alternatives and wait for a reply before confirming. If you prefer to book and pay over the phone, please call the office.
We require a £100 non-refundable booking fee to confirm a training date. The remaining balance for training and flight ticket is payable on the morning of the training day during registration.
We accept the following types of payment:
Debit Cards
Credit Cards Visa or Mastercard only
Cash
The mandatory BS membership includes third party insurance. Personal accident insurance is available from www.sky-cover.co.uk
Training is on some weekdays and occasional weekend days throughout the summer. Please check the top of the AFF page for availability. You will be asked to arrive at 8.30 am on the training day and it will last a minimum of 6 hours and finish no later than 5pm. Please note that your first jump will be, at the earliest, the day following your training.
Jump Times
Once trained you will need to book in for your jump. Please check the Solo jumpers page for up to date information. Prior to jumping you will complete a period of revision training where we will recap everything you learnt during your training day. We expect you to remember all the important drills and if you do not you will not be allowed to jump until you have completed further training.
Jumping goes on all day until dusk, weather and people permitting. It is possible to complete more than one jump in a day. Additional training for subsequent levels takes place prior to each jump.
Please arrive for jumping at the following times:-
Weekend and bank holidays 8.00 am
Wednesday-Friday 9.00 am (less days during the winter check the Solo jumpers page)
Tuesday 12.00 pm. (During British Summer Time only in line with the clock change)
For safety reasons our general weight limit fully clothed is 86kg (13½ stone). However, this limit is proportional to height.
A lower weight limit of 80kg (12st 9lbs) applies to someone who is 1.57m (5’ 2”) or shorter.
However, if you are 1.72m (5' 7") or taller our absolute limit is 92kg (14½ stone).
You may be weighed during registration. We reserve the right to refuse your jump if you exceed these limits.
Please refer to the table below for suggested maximum height to weight ratios. If you exceed these limits but are under the limits published above we will still accept you, but you are accepting a greater risk of injury. BPA form 115C refers.
Height Feet Height Metres Weight Stones Weight Kg
4’ 10” 1.47 9 .5 60.32
4’ 11” 1.49 9.9 62.86
5’ 0” 1.52 10 63.50
5’ 1” 1.55 10.5 66.67
5’ 2” 1.57 10.10 68.03
5’ 3” 1.60 11.1 70.30
5’ 4” 1.62 11.6 72.57
5’ 5” 1.65 11.11 74.84
5’ 6” 1.67 12.2 77.11
5’ 7” 1.70 12.7 79.37
5’ 8” 1.72 12.12 81.64
5’ 9” 1.75 13.3 83.91
5’ 10” 1.77 13.9 86.63
5’ 11” 1.80 14.1 88.90
6’ 0” + 1.83 + 14.7 92.07
We have weight limits for safety and for several reasons.
Firstly, we have an all up weight for the parachutes we use which includes the weight of you and all the parachute equipment.
Secondly, we cannot exceed a wing loading of 0.8lbs per square foot of canopy for novices. To calculate this, we have to divide your weight and all the weight of the equipment into the size of the parachute. Exceeding this limit means that the parachute has more performance and therefore becomes unsuitable for a beginner.
Thirdly, we must consider weight and centre of gravity issues in the aircraft. We work on an average exit weight (that is you, your clothes and the weight of the equipment) and large variations from this can unbalance the aircraft.
Lastly, statistics show that someone who exceeds the weight limit for their height is at a much greater risk of injury. We will assess your risk during your training day and if we feel it is too great, we will refuse you the jump.
Everyone must sign BS form 115C Solo Student Parachutist Self-Declaration of Fitness to Parachute If you are unable to sign this you may still be able to make a Skydive by seeking qualified medical advice and certification using BS form 115D.
You must be at least 16 years of age. Under 18s require Parental/Guardian Consent.
The upper age limit for training is 54.
For an additional fee of only £150 you can have video footage and digital photos of your first Skydive captured on USB. by one of our professional skydiving photographers. You will be asked if you require this service on the day of your training.
Weather does not affect the training day. Ideally we would expect you to return within 1 month to make your first jump. However after 3 months you will need to attend another days training at additional cost and after 6 months your jump will be forfeited.
Please note we can only jump in the following suitable weather conditions:
Please wear something comfortable and appropriate for the time of year. Training shoes are the best footwear. All specialist equipment will be provided.
The airfield is open to the public and there is a full-time canteen on site serving hot & cold snacks & drinks. Spectators are not allowed in any of the parachute areas. The parachute landing area is approximately a quarter of a mile away and is off limits to members of the public. We cannot give you permission to bring your dog.
The consumption of alcohol is prohibited prior to jumping and alcohol may not be consumed on the airfield until parachuting has finished for the day. Anyone suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be refused their jump and will forfeit any monies paid.
The sport is governed by very strict rules and regulations laid down by the British Parachute Association (BPA). We reserve the right to refuse a solo jump to anyone who has not reached the required standard by the end of the training day. In these circumstances, the training element of the fee will be forfeited.
Having completed an AFF training course and first jump (Level 1), it is possible to continue jumping to gain a licence after a minimum of 18 jumps. Progression jumps are as follows:
For details of costs of flight tickets please refer to our flight ticket only price list. These are purchased separately from the operators of the aircraft Headcorn Parachute Club.
Total Cost Of Qualifying For a British Skydiving ‘A’ Licence
Assuming you qualify in the minimum number of jumps, the total cost including flight tickets will be approximately £2075. The actual cost of training will depend on your ability. The progression system detailed above is the minimum. We cannot move you from one stage to the next until you have demonstrated the required skills. The average person qualifies in 21 jumps.
Training & First Jump
Total cost £395
Training - £260 buy on this page
or pay booking fee of £100 and pay £160 on the training day
Flight Ticket - £135 buy from this link
Available ground training days
26th March 2021 16th April 2021
7th May 2021 11th June 2021
Dedicated AFF weeks.
Total cost £1525 Basic £1975 Advanced
Training £715 basic and advanced
Flight tickets £810 basic £1260 advanced
(Please see information pack above right for details)
Available dates
19th-23rd April 2021 12th-16th July 2021
17th-21st May 2021 9th-13th August 2021
14th-18th June 2021 6th-19th September 2021
Training is provided by Skydive (Headcorn) Ltd and your £135 flight ticket must be purchased separately from the operators of the aircraft, Headcorn Parachute Club Ltd. Your flight ticket can be bought on the day of your training or in advance by calling 01622 890862 or Click here after the purchase of your Training.
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