Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) Course – Learn to Skydive

Skydiving offers a unique sensation unlike anything else. The freefall feels more like floating in water than the stomach-churning drop of a roller-coaster. It’s an exhilarating and unforgettable experience, far from frightening and filled with pure adrenaline.

Nope! However, your first jump on AFF Level 1 will be solo (with the support of 2 instructors), so be aware of this when you book.

We could not successfully operate our business if we did not adhere to a strict set of safety practices. Skydiving has far less injuries proportionally compared to other adventure sports such as skiing, snowboarding, white water rafting, rock climbing, etc.

To give you an idea of how safe parachuting actually is, here are a few points:

• We are affiliated to the British Skydiving, the most safety-conscious skydiving association in the world.
• Our Chief Instructor (CI) is also an Examiner and helps to develop new standards in safety and the progression of the sport.
• Every person who jumps on one of our skydiving courses is equipped with a main and reserve parachute, helmet, altimeter (all AFF students) and fully automatic opening device should the student not open their parachute.
• Regular checks and maintenance servicing of our parachuting equipment by a qualified British Skydiving rigger.
• 4 Levels of checks before you make each parachute jump – when the parachute is packed, when the student puts it on, a check from the instructor on the ground and another check before they leave the aircraft.

Yes, breathing during freefall is not only possible but also quite natural. Despite the high speeds, the airflow is manageable, and at 15,000ft, oxygen levels are sufficient for comfortable breathing.

This is a very commonly asked question. Answering this is simple, parachutes are designed to open, however if the main parachute does not open fully or correctly, there is a secondary reserve parachute which acts as a backup. On the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) course, you will be taught how to operate these. On the Tandem course, your instructor would carry out these emergency procedures.

The reserve parachute is packed by our rigger who is a specialist and is certified to do so. In addition, there is also an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) which will open your reserve parachute at a lower altitude. AAD’s are there to act as a backup to the Tandem instructor and AFF student.

In our experience, many of our customers have been frightened of heights. This has not stopped them from enjoying our sky diving courses. Target Skysports instructors are trained to make you feel at ease. They will tell you what is expected of you during your jump and help you to enjoy the experience.

Some parachutists have even begun the sport to overcome their fear of heights.

Skydiving is dependent on weather conditions. If unsuitable weather prevents jumping, your skydive can be rescheduled within 12 months at no additional cost.

We provide you with goggles, headgear and a jumpsuit to go over your clothes for your first skydive. It is advisable to wear loose-fitting comfortable clothes, and layers are advisable as you can always add or remove them.

Flat-soled shoes or trainers should be worn.

Slip-on shoes, heels and boots with eyelet hooks are not suitable.

AFF Courses start promptly at 8:15am so please arrive by 7:45am to give yourself time to register and have a coffee before you begin.

Please note that the solo training courses can be mentally and physically tiring and it takes the best part of the day. We advise students with long distances to travel to arrive the night before.

If your asthma is under control you should be able to do a parachute jump, however, we ask that you get a British Skydiving Fitness form signed and stamped by your doctor and bring this along with you on the day.

You can take your normal medication before and after the jump. It is even possible to take your inhaler on to the aircraft within a pocket on your clothing. Please advise us when you book your skydive if you have asthma.

We are committed to making skydiving accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. Our instructors have successfully guided individuals who are blind, deaf, quadriplegic, paraplegic, suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, or have lost a limb.

If you have a disability, please contact the adventuro team via the live chat. You will be put in contact with the Chief Instructor to discuss your needs. Note that individuals with limited mobility may be subject to a lower weight limit of 75kg.

Phil Smart proves that disabled skydiving is not only possible but enjoyable. He has now completed over 20 tandem skydives. Phil Smart started jumping in 1998 and has done 20 tandems to date. He is paraplegic but this has not stopped him getting the bug for jumping. He has learned how to do 360 degree turns and even do some tracking (forward movement) with his instructor:

“I would describe skydiving as a ride of a lifetime, a real rollercoaster ride. I have done 20 jumps now and it is my ambition to build a large formation of people around me on my next jump.”

We aim to accommodate as many participants as possible, but there are some restrictions for the AFF course.

Weight: 

• The maximum acceptable weight for solo skydiving is 15 stone / 95kg fully clothed.
• As well as being under this overall weight limit, all students must be within their recommended Body Mass Index (BMI) (height:weight ratio). A reasonable level of fitness is also required. Exceptions can sometimes be made for those with a good level of fitness with a high BMI due to muscle mass, however, assessments are made on an individual basis at the Chief Instructor's discretion.

Age: 

• Age 16 – 17: The minimum age for solo skydiving is 16 years. A parental/guardian signature of consent is required on three forms (the centre membership form, the BS solo student declaration of fitness form 115C and the BS membership agreement) which will be provided upon booking.
• Age 16 – 54: Will be required to sign a British Skydiving Solo Student Declaration of fitness form 115-C. Those unable to sign the form due to medical conditions or injuries must bring a copy of 115-D signed and stamped by their doctor instead.
• The maximum upper age for solo beginners in the UK as set by British Skydiving is 55 years - training must commence before your 55th birthday.

Height:

• The minimum height we can take customers on the AFF course is 5ft 2″ (158cm).

Medical Conditions:

• Please bear in mind that the full day of ground training does require students to be able to concentrate in a classroom environment for long periods of time, as well as understand and apply basic principles. The written test section of the ground school is designed to highlight any elements that a student may not have fully understood so that the instructor can re-visit those areas. If you suffer from learning disabilities then please contact us in advance.
• We regret that certain medical conditions may prevent you from taking part in a skydive. These include –  epilepsy, some cardiovascular and neurological conditions, some forms of diabetes and recurring injuries such as dislocations. A full list with notes can be found on the back of the medical form. If you have any questions, please contact the adventuro team, who can put you in contact with the Chief Instructor to discuss.
• You can download a copy of the British Skydiving Solo Student Declaration of Fitness form 115-C online. If you need a medical form signing as a result of the conditions mentioned in Form 115-C above, then please fill out the Form 115-D and get your doctor to sign.

Safety: 

• Skydive Hibaldstow is a British Skydiving affiliated dropzone and we demand the highest standards from our instructors and staff. Our primary concern is for your safety and we reserve the right to refuse training to anyone we suspect may be unsuitable.
• All students weights and heights are checked on arrival.
• Please also note that all solo training is assessed and only students who pass both the theory and practical elements of the ground training will be permitted to make a solo skydive.

We offer comfortable rooms and camping options here at our centre for your stay with us. However, if we are full, we are spoiled with an abundance of bed and breakfasts and hotels just minutes away. When you book, please let us know in the comments if you would like us to help.

A few ideas:

• Camping is available to regular sports jumpers and AFF students on the large grass field at Hibaldstow dropzone. We are not able to offer camping for tandem customers.
• We have a 11-room bunkhouse onsite. Each room sleeps four people in two bunkbeds (although some double beds are available) and costs £26 per night. We also offer 8 beds in a Dormitory room at £9 per bed per night. We now have six en suite rooms now available for £38 per night with bedding included (or our larger deluxe en suite rooms for £42). Hot showers and toilets are free to use, but please bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and towel as these are not provided.
• A range of good B&Bs and guest houses are available in the nearby area. If you are looking for something more comfortable the closest hotels are the Red Lion in Redbourne, the George in Kirton Lindsey plus various options in the market town of Brigg.

• We are open most days including Bank Holidays and Sundays.
• Open for jumping Wednesday-Sunday (7 days a week in June/July and August).

The British Skydiving was founded in the early 1960’s as a result of the growth of civilian parachuting from military circles after the World War II. As our national governing body, they strive to reduce injuries & fatalities, progress & promote the sport and set standards for safety at their affiliation centres.

We are an affiliated member of the British Skydiving and works closely with them to ensure our customers enjoy their high standards.

By now, you have completed your basic training and are wondering what to do next. There are many many options open to you.

Firstly, we recommend a little top-up training with one of our B-License Progression Days. Our Chief Centre Instructor runs these courses on a regular basis and the cost is £25 for a full day of training. The content of this course is to help you learn more about controlling you parachute safely and jump master responsibilities.

We are more than just a centre for skydiving. We are a community, where skydivers come to relax and make fun jumps with each other. At a weekend, there is 1 on 1 coaching available alongside larger organised jumps. We have formation skydiving, freefly and wingsuit coaches on hand to help you. In addition, if you want to try something different, we can organise tracking jumps and hybrids.

The dropzone is also recognised nationally as a training centre for teams competing at National and even International level. Many of our regular jumpers are involved in 4-way teams and you can easily find yourself becoming involved in these.

Whatever your skydiving desires, we can help you find something to interest you.

Once you have qualified as a skydiver with us, you will receive your License A. This shows that you have passed all the basic requirements to allow you to do freefall skydiving. Providing you are a current skydiver and can show your documentation, there should be no reason why you cannot skydive in other countries.

If you have qualified at our centre, we will be happy to give references over the telephone to other centres, should you encounter any problems.