AFF vs. Tandem Progression/AFF

[Schwarztod 0]

Just wanted to get some opinions on a strictly AFF course of training versus Tandem Progression followed by AFF levels 4-7. I'm very insecure in my ability to navigate & safely land a canopy, having never done so previously, so I'm leaning towards the Tandem Progression method. Or is AFF training in this particular area adequate for a complete beginner? Any thoughts?

Also, I was wondering what the procedure is if one should bomb an AFF level. I know the student is required to re-do the level, but must they typically pay full price for each re-do as well?

Just trying to get my ducks in a row.

Thanks!

[AggieDave 6]

A training tandem will teach you good things about flying a canopy, IF the instructor is a good instructor.

Also, yes, you typically pay full price for a rejump. Those jump prices include the gear rental, your slot, the instructor's slot, your pack job and the instructor's pay. What would you eliminate to reduce the price for a rejump?

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Schwarztod 0]

Quote

Also, yes, you typically pay full price for a rejump. Those jump prices include the gear rental, your slot, the instructor's slot, your pack job and the instructor's pay. What would you eliminate to reduce the price for a rejump?

Sounds fair enough. I was just curious as to what I should expect. Is it common to have to repeat a level (or several for that matter)? Is there any one level which is more difficult than the others?

[AggieDave 6]

Expect to repeat at least one jump during your student progression. That is very typical. Also, don't look at it as a failure, but as an opportunity to fully learn a critical task or skill!

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Chubba 0]

Chances are you will be on radio for your canopy flight.

You will be given a student canopy, trained on canopy flight, plus you get to witness plenty of jumpers landing throughout the day.

I did traditional AFF my first jump and loved it.

[diablopilot 2]

Sounds like you'd do really well with the Tandem Progression. The Tandem portion can be considered similar to "Dual" instruction, like you'd get when learning to fly an airplane, and I find my Tandem Progression students are much better canopy pilots sooner than their AFF counterparts.

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[popsjumper 2]

Diablopilot raises an excellent point. Learning to fly your canopy and getting comfortable with it comes more quickly through the tandem progression route. Simply because you have an experienced canopy pilot right there with you giving you in-air instruction as you do it. Great confidence-builder.

I might add my opinions:
Tandem progression also goes a long way towards overcoming what I call the "deer in the headlights" sensory overload that often occurs on first-jump AFF levels. By the time you are ready to do AFF jumps, that sensory overload is much more likely to be behind you with the tandem progression.

For freefall instruction, there's nothing like AFF jumps where you also have in-air instruction right there with you where the instructor can easily view, and help you correct, your entire body position. With AFF release jumps you can know that it is YOU doing the flying and not the instructor compensating for you.

The only major downside I see to tandem progression is the landing. Solo landing is quite different than the typical tandem landing and doing tandem progression drills in a landing technique that could hurt you when you do your AFF jumps...slide-in vs PLF for example.

Either way you go, have fun with it! And welcome to the world of skydiving!

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[peregrinerose 0]

I agree with the landing thing. My AFF students that have done multiple tandems all have the same two big issues.... landing on their butts (very dangerous in a student, I've seen backs broken this way) and legs on their butt in freefall. They also have a tendency to hang onto the pilot chute instead of throw it at pull time. Because of these three things, I'm not a huge fan of tandem progression.

On the flip side, students that have done a tandem at some point tend to have less hesitancy at the door, less sensory overload, and better recall.

Do or do not, there is no try -Yoda

[Schwarztod 0]

Thanks for all your advice!

One other thing I was wondering about was, are AFF courses conducted year-round in some areas (particularly the Atlanta, GA area)? Given the time of year, my geographical location and my personal schedule (I can only make it out to the DZ every other weekend or possibly longer) do I have enough time left in the year to complete an AFF course before it gets too cold? Or should I wait until next spring or so..? I noticed in the SIM that no more than 30 days can pass between AFF jumps, so I'd hate to start something I couldn't possibly complete in time.

Thanks again.