ACCELERATED TANDEM PROGRESSION PROGRAM (ATP)

No, you do not. However, for most students a tandem skydive or Tandem Progression jump is strongly recommended. Tandem skydives are a great way to get acclimated to the overwhelming thrill of skydiving.  You can schedule your ground school for our AFF or AFP programs and start skydiving solo any time!

There is one big difference between AFF and ATP:

ATP- The first 2 jumps in the ATP program are tandems. The 3rd jump in ATP is a solo jump assisted by an AFF Instructor. 

AFF- The first 3 jumps in the AFF program are solo jumps assisted by 2 AFF Instructors. 

For most students the ATP program is the way to go. Both programs include excellent instruction but the advantages of ATP over AFF are many.

ATP- You progress faster and will likely become licensed faster. All jumps in the ATP program are “Single-Instructor” jumps. This means we can get you manifested and in the air faster, with fewer staff members required for your training jumps.

ATP- You will receive valuable under canopy instruction with your tandem instructor making the canopy flight and landing easier to understand more completely.

ATP- ATP is less expensive than AFF.

AFF- You don’t have to do any tandems. Your 1st jump is technically a solo skydive assisted by 2 AFF Instructors during freefall.

Tandem Progression jumps are different from regular tandem skydives. First, you must attend a full AFF/ATP ground school prior to doing an ATP tandem skydive. You would be thoroughly briefed by your ATP instructor prior to each jump, expected to perform certain tasks in freefall and under canopy as well as be debriefed after the jump.  ATP tandems are more than just a thrill ride, they’re part of your formal skydiving education. That being said, 25 jumps are required to obtain a skydiving license. Up to 2 regular tandems outside of the ATP/AFF program DO count towards your total jump number required for licensing.

The AFF Ground School is much more in depth training than what is received during a tandem training class. Your course instructor will cover equipment, aircraft emergencies, exit, freefall body position, deployment, emergency procedures, canopy flight, landing pattern and more. The class takes approximately 4-8 hours depending on the class size and aptitude of the student. You will be expected to demonstrate understanding of the material taught in order to perform a solo skydive.

Sometimes it is necessary to repeat a skydive. Mastering body position, turns and stability can take time- All students are different and learn at their own pace. Don’t get discouraged, many great skydivers have had to repeat a level of AFF. We want you to be safe and successful and our instructors will do everything they can to help you move forward in the program. The best way to ensure passing all levels in the program on the first try is to consider doing ATP.

Yes, you can! However, it’s important to know that safety and the student’s education takes priority. Your videographer is trained to capture the experience from a vantage point that does not hinder learning and allows the student to complete the tasks assigned for that level/skydive. They will only come in for that close up shot after the goals of that training jump have been met. All footage will be edited to music and delivered via email. Purchase Video & Pictures for an ATP or AFF jump here.