What Are the Levels of Sky Diving?

A quick and accessible way to learn how to skydive is by undertaking an accelerated free fall training course (AFF). With the AFF a complete beginner can become a fully qualified skydiver, capable of solo free fall within a short amount of time. In AFF you are held on to by one or two instructors until you release the parachute. The AFF is comprised of seven levels. Each level includes training on the ground followed by a jump where certain maneuvers must be performed. The student must complete a given level before they can move on to the next.

  1. Level 1

    • Level 1 usually involves a day or so of training on the ground, including an introduction to the basics of skydiving, safety procedures, basic body position for stable free fall and canopy deployment and control. Good body position and awareness of altitude is required throughout the jump.

    Level 2

    • Level 2 is similar to Level 1, but the instructor will release the student briefly to experience true free fall.

    Level 3

    • In level 3, the instructors will release the student for a longer period. The student will demonstrate control, awareness and maneuvers such as toe taps and basic turns.

    Level 4

    • In level 4, the student is introduced to moving forward and doing 90-degree turns in both directions.

    Level 5

    • In Level 5, students begin practicing forward motion and 360-degree turns in both directions.

    Level 6

    • Level 6 introduces the solo exit from the aircraft. The student will demonstrate rapid forward motion and maneuvers such as front and back loops.

    Level 7

    • Level 7 is the final dive and demonstrates skills from previous levels. Solo exit, altitude awareness, turns in both directions, loops, forward motions and release of the canopy before 4,000 feet.