What Is “AFP”? Is It For You?

08.02.2025 05:31

How Is AFP Different?

The Advanced Freefall Program (AFP) at Skydive Chicago is one of the many reasons we stand out — and we’re excited to highlight it here! Take a look.

We developed AFP because the available programs just weren’t producing the level of competence and confidence desired in students. The traditional AFF program consists of only 8 levels, then usually an unclear path to achieve all the requirements for the A-license. Recognizing this gap, the team decided to reinvent the system for a more succinct approach. In 1984, we succeeded. The result was the creation of the most progressive and complete solo skydiving certification curriculum in the skydiving world—a system that still holds that distinction today.

AFP doesn’t skimp on the details; instead, it gives additional breathing space to the material (18 levels vs. the standard 8), which greatly increases graduates’ ability to grow strong and excel across skydiving disciplines. A one-to-one instructor ratio puts each student in the care of a highly skilled mentor, and video of each jump is included for each level so the student has a ready reference for every performance tweak.

In the intervening three-decades-plus between then and now, AFP has continued to evolve. The AFP curriculum has inspired the United States Parachute Association’s baseline requirements for self-supervision. And AFP graduates regularly go on to claim National and World Championships.

Is AFP For You?

We’ll be honest: The Advanced Freefall Program (AFP) at Skydive Chicago isn’t for everybody. If your style is to check off the bare-minimum boxes, this full-featured skydiving education is highly unlikely to float your boat. There will be no hiding in the back of the classroom; no evading the subjects where you’re likely to see the most growth. AFP is for champions-in-training who want to maximize their educational experience, and that’s that.

Are There Pre-Requisites?

There sure are.

Due to weight constraints on our equipment (which we strictly follow for student safety and to keep our top-shelf gear in perfect mechanical order), AFP students must weigh less than 240lbs in jumping clothes and shoes
Each student must complete at least two tandem jumps, one of which must be here at Skydive Chicago within six calendar months of AFP class
On the tandem jump with us, each student will complete the objectives of the tandem progression (We’ll be happy to review those with you in preparation.)
Take the online ground school class (7 days to complete)
Then complete in the in-person practical

An Online Ground School?

Yes! Many other industries such as scuba diving and flying airplanes use an online ground training curriculum. Skydive Chicago is one of the first skydiving centers to implement this and have been using it since 2019. If online isn’t your jam, we can happily offer private in person courses. Just make sure to call 72 hours ahead so we can staff an instructor that’s a great fit for you.