LEARN TO SKYDIVE
The Advanced Freefall Program (AFP) at Skydive Chicago™ is an exclusive instructional program originally developed in 1984 by Skydive Chicago. The AFP Program has evolved over the years and has been considered one of the most progressive curriculums used in the skydiving world today.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The AFP program includes in depth training on:
- Equipment and Gear Checks
- Aircraft Procedures
- Different Types of Exits
- Basic to Intermediate Freefall Skills
- Canopy Flight Knowledge & Objectives
- Basic Knowledge of weather conditions, jumprun, spotting, and more!
- Parachute Packing
- Emergency Procedures
The AFP Program also videos each student’s jumps, utilizes digital altimeters, and online, web based logbooks, and uses the highly sought after helmet brand, Cookie helmets for students.
Skydive Chicago is proud that many students who’ve graduated our program have come to become National and World Champions, instructors, coaches, and have held other leadership roles in the sport.
Individualized attention with one on one instruction starts with an in-depth online ground school class.
Skydive Chicago is one of the first skydiving schools to utilize the ground school training in an online format.
ONLINE GROUND SCHOOL
Benefits of an online FJC:
- Students can review material repeatedly to understand concepts more proficiently
- Students can take the course at their own schedule, any location, from any device
- Saves time having the option of taking the training at home
Once the course is purchased, you’ll have 7 days to complete. It covers:
- Equipment
- Aircraft Procedures
- How to Exit the Plane
- The Basic Freefall Position
- Emergency Procedures
- Canopy Flight and Landing
There are PDF handouts available as there is a comprehensive test at the end of the course. Once completed, you’ll schedule your in-person practical (1-2 hour review).
Note: we do require 2 tandem jumps prior to entering the AFP program. However, you may take the course prior to the tandem jumps being made.
Licensing is designed by the national organization called the United States Parachute Association [USPA]. There are several basic freefall, canopy and ground training requirements to earn the first basic license called the A-License. Skydive Chicago’s AFP Program, seamlessly goes above and beyond these requirements.
HOW TO EARN YOUR LICENSE
The Prerequisites to enter the AFP Program are:
- Must weigh less than 230 pounds
- Complete at least 2 tandem jumps
- Complete the objectives of the tandem progression
- At least 1 tandem jump made at Skydive Chicago within 6 months of the AFP Ground School
If you meet the prerequisites, this is the basic outline to earn an A-License:
- Sign Up for the Online Ground School
- Complete the Ground School within 7 days
- Schedule Your 1-2 Hour, In-Person Practical
- Complete the AFP 18-Level Curriculum
- Complete the USPA Basic A-License Proficiency Card
ADVANCED FREEFALL PROGRAM PRICING
AFP Level 1
For those who’ve completed 2 tandems and are ready to take the online ground school.
$245
For Level 1 Only
- Pay as you go, jump by jump (this is the most expensive method)
- Only Level 1 Included
- Does not include USPA Membership, A-Prep Course, Packing or final jumps to complete the program
REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 18 years of age (No exceptions)
REQUIREMENTS: Must weigh less than 230 pounds
REQUIREMENTS: Must have completed 2 tandems, 1 being at Skydive Chicago prior to taking the course
Whole Program
For those who are ready to take the online ground school and complete the entire program.
$3525
A-License Package Pricing
- Our most popular option – pay for the entire program up front
- Most cost effective package
- Complete program on your schedule
- Includes AFP Jumps 1-18 + 5 solo jumps
- No hidden fees
REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 18 years of age (No exceptions)
REQUIREMENTS: Must weigh less than 230 pounds
REQUIREMENTS: Must have completed 2 tandems, 1 being at Skydive Chicago prior to taking the course
3 Jump Package
For those who’ve completed 2 tandems and are ready to take the online ground school.
$600
For Levels 1 – 3
- Includes 3 AFP Jumps
- Pay as you go
- Does not include USPA Membership, A-Prep Course, Packing or final jumps to complete the program
REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 18 years of age (No exceptions)
REQUIREMENTS: Must weigh less than 230 pounds
REQUIREMENTS: Must have completed 2 tandems, 1 being at Skydive Chicago prior to taking the course
Private Lessons
A-LICENSE IN A WEEK
Earn your USPA A-License in one week! This program is the most comprehensive and intensive training method. A License in a Week is exclusive to Skydive Chicago. It includes:
- 23 jumps (18 in which are with an instructor. Package also includes 5 repeat levels if needed.)
- Individual instruction. You will be assigned an instructor during the course and will be given priority jumping
- Most students do 3-5 jumps per day depending on weather and student progress. Some students have been able to complete up to 8 levels / day
- All jumps are video recorded and given to the student
- Includes gear rental, jumpsuit, helmet, and altimeter (excludes goggles)
- Package also includes: First Jump Course, Packing class, A-license Prep Course and USPA membership and License Fee.
Note: Skydiving is weather dependent and we cannot guarantee training to complete in one week. Training can continue at the student’s schedule. Going past currency requirements will require additional training.
Learning to Skydive Journey
By Jon Mortison
FAQS
Skydive Chicago utilizes a progressive program created by our founder and requires objectives to be completed on the tandem jumps prior to jumping solo. This exposure prior to jumping solo helps build awareness, exposes protocols and expectations that help lessen the overwhelm of the first solo jump.
AFP is a tandem progression program. It is required to do 2 tandems, one having to be with Skydive Chicago as it is a training tandem to help with your first solo jump.
Please give us a call or email with all the information regarding your jumps. In some cases we may waive the need for a tandem jump.