The Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Programme and A-license

The next step to becoming your own master of freefall! As one of New Zealand’s leading Skydive Training Centres, Skydive Abel Tasman offers you the opportunity to join the 9-stage Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Training Programme. After your qualifying AFF jump, you can work towards gaining the internationally recognised New Zealand Parachute Industry Association (NZPIA) A-license, which will allow you to skydive solo most places in the world. Your safety and satisfaction is our commitment. We employ NZPIA approved expert skydivers using the world’s most advanced equipment and training systems. You should allow 7 to 10 days for competion of the Nine level AFF Programme then a further 5 to 10 days to reach A-License level. Because of variables such as weather & personal ability these times are best estimates.

The AFF Programme

The 9-stage AFF Training programme consists of an initial six hours ground training, after which we will get you ready for your first solo jump from 12000ft. During stages 1-4 you will have one instructor on either side of you teaching you stability, altitude awareness, parachute activation, turns and landing techniques. Stages 5-8 will develop skills such as unlinked exit and freefall, forward movement, backloops and tracking and stage 9, your qualifying skydive, will give you the experience of a low altitude exit. The costs of the programme are as follows:

TOTAL COST 9-STAGE AFF PROGRAMME:

NZ$ 2135

            

Includes tuition, gear hire, eight skydives from at least 12000ft and one low altitude skydive.

Excludes repeat jumps and consolidation jumps.

Breakdown:

STAGE	DETAILS	COST
1	6 hrs ground training and skydive assisted by two jumpmasters	NZ$ 395
2-4	skydive assisted by two jumpmasters -       Price per jump	NZ$ 295
5-8	skydive assisted by one jumpmaster -         Price per jump	NZ$ 195
9	unassisted low altitude skydive	NZ$ 75
Solo / consolidation	including gear hire	NZ$ 75
Solo / consolidation	excluding gear hire	NZ$ 40

Prices for freefall photography and coaching jumps are available on request.

All prices quoted are in New Zealand Dollars and inclusive of Goods and Service Tax.

Gift Vouchers available also.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the programme?
Everyone! As long as you are reasonably fit and healthy and your weight doesn’t exceed 95 kg, depending on your body shape.

Do I need to do a tandem jump first?
No. However, most people prefer to know what the freefall sensation feels like.

How much time should I allow to do my 9 AFF stages?
Skydiving is obviously weather dependent.  The unique weather pattern in the Nelson / Abel Tasman region offers the most sunshine hours in New Zealand. Depending on the individual wanting to take it slow or fast, the 9-stages could be achieved in 7 to 10 days. The additional 16 jumps for the A-license would require a further 5 to 10 days

What are the A-license requirements?
A total of 25 jumps (this includes the 9 jumps during the course). Other requirements are:             two formation jumps with a coach, target landing skills and parachute packing clearance. Your instructors will make sure you will achieve all this.

Is the New Zealand A-license recognised overseas?
YES. You will have no trouble jumping solo most places in the world, just make sure you always carry your logbook with you!

Am I insured?
Whilst in New Zealand you are covered by ACC (Accident Compensation) for hospitalisation, etc. This does not cover you for long-term care or transport home however.

Skydive Abel Tasman's liability insurance covers you for any damage caused by you to third parties, whilst participating in the sport of skydiving at our dropzone.

Is it safe?
Our instructors are amongst the most experienced in the country, certified by the New Zealand Parachute Industry Association (NZPIA). Unlike a lot of dropzones in the world, you are trained on equipment with emergency systems set up for students, but similar to the systems used by experienced jumpers. This means that there will be no need for re-training once they upgrade to more advanced equipment. All reserve parachutes are also fitted with a ‘cypres’ automatic activation device for maximum safety.

What do I wear?
We provide all skydiving equipment including jumpsuit, helmet, goggles. Depending on the time of the year, you may jump in whatever you are comfortable in. It is essential that you wear good running shoes with laces or velcro. Never wear footwear with open hooks.

I wear prescription glasses / contact lenses!
No problem. We have goggles that fit over glasses and if you wear contact lenses, make sure you advise your instructor.

How about accommodation in Motueka?
There are plenty of backpackers and a couple of camping grounds in Motueka. Most are within a short distance from our Airport.