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Learn to Skydive
Interested in learning how to solo skydive? You're in the right spot! On this page, we'll walk you through our program and give you a glimpse of what to expect during your training jumps. While some aspects might appear confusing initially, we'll provide thorough explanations to clarify the process. Much of it will become clearer as you begin the program.
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At Des Moines Skydivers, we utilize the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) training program. With this method, certified instructors accompany you in freefall, initially holding onto your harness while you demonstrate specific skills. Think of it as comparable to learning to ride a bike with training wheels. This approach is not only the quickest but also the most effective and widely used training method among USPA dropzones in the US. Our AFF program consists of eight steps; First Jump Course (FJC) with seven AFF jumps.
​In a nutshell, you start off with the first jump course, then move on to your AFF jumps, followed by coach jumps, and finally, you earn your license. We'll break it down further in the next section. Each step is crucial and has to be done in order to finish the program. While the tandem jump (Step Two: Category A) isn't mandatory, we highly recommend it, especially if you're new to skydiving.
What does the AFF program entail, you ask?
STEP TWO
AFF Cat A – Tandem Jump (Optional)
This isn't your typical tandem jump. In this jump, you'll wear your own altimeter, and it's your responsibility to maintain stability, heading, altitude awareness, and the ability to locate and deploy the parachute at the correct altitude. While this jump isn't mandatory, we highly recommend it to acquaint yourself with canopy flight and landing procedures before starting the AFF program.
$290
AFF Cat A – Two-Instructor
During your Cat A jump, the focus is on maintaining stability, heading, altitude awareness, and the ability to locate your deployment handle while ensuring stability throughout. This will be your first jump wearing your own parachute.
$230
AFF Cat B – Two-Instructor
During your Cat B jump, the emphasis is on stability, heading, altitude awareness, maintaining stability during practice touches, forward movement, and turns.
$230
AFF Cat C1 – Two-Instructor
During your Cat C1 jump, the focus is on stability, heading, altitude awareness, and maintaining stability while executing practice touches. Instructors will release grips for solo control.
$230
AFF Cat D1 – One-Instructor
During your Cat D1 jump, the focus remains on stability, heading, altitude awareness, and maintaining stability during practice touches. Instructors release grips once the student achieves stability for solo hover control and solo 90° turns.
$180
AFF Cat D2 – One-Instructor
During your Cat D2 jump, the emphasis is on stability, heading, altitude awareness, and maintaining stability during deployment. Instructors release grips once the student achieves stability for solo hover control, executes solo 180° & 360° turns.
$180
AFF Cat E1 – One-Instructor
During your Cat E1 jump, the emphasis is on stability, heading, altitude awareness, and maintaining stability during deployment. Students execute a solo exit without instructor grips and perform barrel rolls.
$180
AFF Cat E2 – One-Instructor
During your Cat E2 jump, the emphasis remains on stability, heading, altitude awareness, and maintaining stability during deployment. Students execute a solo exit without instructor grips and perform front loops and back loops.
$180
After successfully completing your AFF (Accelerated Freefall) program and transitioning into "self-supervised" status, you've taken a significant step towards becoming a licensed skydiver. This means you're authorized to jump solo or with a coach/instructor, although jumping with other licensed skydivers isn't permitted until you obtain your own license.
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​Now, it's time to continue honing your skills and progressing towards earning your skydiving license.This involves fulfilling the requirements outlined in your A-license progression card, which includes completing specific skills both in freefall and under canopy. Once complete—achievable in as few as 25 total jumps—you'll officially become a licensed skydiver.
Remember, the journey doesn't end with completing AFF—it's just the beginning of an exciting adventure in the world of skydiving. So, keep jumping, keep learning, and enjoy the blue skies!
You've completed AFF—what's next?
