AFF Course: The Complete Guide to Getting Your Skydiving License in Italy

Are you wondering whether the AFF course is really the right path to becoming a skydiver — how much it costs, how long it takes, and what to expect level by level?

You're in the right place. This article covers everything you need to know before setting foot in a skydiving school: the structure of the course, the legal requirements, the medical exam, indicative costs, and the questions almost nobody asks — but that make all the difference. I've trained dozens of students over my career as an AFF instructor, and I know exactly where doubts pile up and where avoidable mistakes get made.

One important caveat: skydiving is an activity with real risk, managed through training, certified equipment, and rigorous procedures. It isn't "completely safe" — it's safe when done properly. This guide helps you understand how to do it properly from day one.

What Is the AFF Course (and Why Is It Called That)?

AFF stands for Accelerated Freefall. The name reflects the teaching philosophy: rather than spending weeks making low-altitude jumps with automatic deployment, the student enters freefall from the very first level, physically accompanied by one or two instructors.

The traditional alternative is the Static Line (SL) course: the first jumps are made at lower altitude with the parachute connected to the aircraft by a static line that opens it automatically. Some schools still offer this, but AFF is now the standard method at the vast majority of ENAC-certified skydiving schools in Italy.

The practical difference? With AFF, you learn to manage freefall from the very beginning, under the direct supervision of instructors. Progression is faster and, according to the sector's educational literature, the rate at which freefall skills are acquired is higher than with traditional static line training.

Who Regulates the AFF Course in Italy: ENAC and AeCI

Before discussing levels and costs, it's essential to understand the regulatory framework — because there's a lot of confusion about this in Italy.

ENAC (Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile) is the authority that:

certifies skydiving schools (you must attend an ENAC-certified school, not just any school)

issues the skydiving license (a single license, not divided into A/B/C/D levels)

issues instructor ratings (Instructor, IPS — Senior Instructor, Examiner, Tandem Master)

defines the technical and operational requirements of the course

requires a Class 2 medical certificate for anyone seeking a license

AeCI (Aero Club d'Italia) is the aeronautical federation recognized by CONI and affiliated with the international FAI. It handles the sporting side: membership, competitions, and records. To compete, you'll join an AeCI-affiliated aero club.

A note on the language used by schools: you'll often hear talk of "A license," "B license," "C license," "D license." These are not levels defined by ENAC regulations. They are a convention derived from the international FAI/USPA standard (the American body), used by schools to describe experience levels. The official document you receive from ENAC will say "skydiving license," not "A license." Keep that in mind to avoid confusion.

Prerequisites: Who Can Take the AFF Course

Age

Generally, the minimum age to begin an AFF course is 16 with written parental consent, while at 18 you can proceed independently — but these thresholds are set by ENAC regulations and may vary. Always confirm with the school and check the current ENAC regulations, which are subject to updates.

The Medical Exam: ENAC Class 2 Certificate

This is one of the most commonly misunderstood points. To enroll in an AFF course and obtain the ENAC license, a standard sports medical certificate is not sufficient, nor is a note from your family doctor.

You need an ENAC Class 2 medical certificate, issued by an authorized ENAC medical examiner (internationally referred to as an AME, Aeromedical Examiner, though the formal Italian term is medico certificatore ENAC). Your school can point you to the nearest authorized centers.

The Class 2 exam evaluates:

cardiovascular system

respiratory system

nervous system

vision and hearing

overall physical and mental health

If you have a history of medical conditions (cardiac issues, epilepsy, insulin-dependent diabetes, significant psychiatric disorders), the medical examiner will assess your case individually. Don't assume either fitness or unfitness: speak with an ENAC medical examiner first.

Important: for a tandem jump (a one-off experience, not license-qualifying), the Class 2 certificate is not required — a self-declaration of good health signed on the day of the jump is sufficient. But if you want a license, the Class 2 is mandatory.

Weight, Height, and Physical Condition

ENAC regulations and individual schools apply weight limits based on available equipment and operational safety. There is typically a maximum weight limit, which varies from school to school depending on the equipment available: contact the school directly with your actual weight. There are no codified height limits, but body size affects harness selection.

A concrete example: Mario is 32, weighs 95 kg, and has no cardiac or neurological conditions — he will almost certainly be able to join the course, but he'll need to confirm with the school that their equipment is suitable for his weight. Sara is 22, weighs 58 kg, but had an epileptic episode five years ago: she must go through an ENAC medical examiner's assessment before anything else — it's not a closed door, but it is a serious medical evaluation.

There's no requirement to be an athlete: you don't need to be in peak physical shape. You need to be in good general health and capable of following instructions under stress.

The AFF Course Structure: Every Level Explained

The AFF course typically consists of 7–9 progressive levels, each with specific learning objectives. Before each level there is a ground briefing session — both theoretical and practical, often using a dedicated training mat. After each jump there is a debriefing with the instructor, usually supported by video footage taken during the jump.

Levels 1–3: Two Instructors in Freefall

In the first levels — those with the highest instructional risk — the student is accompanied by two AFF instructors who physically hold them during freefall. The main objectives are:

Correct exit from the aircraft

Stable body position in freefall (the classic "box man" position: arched body, arms and legs symmetrical)

Altimeter awareness and adherence to deployment altitude

Independent deployment procedure (throwing your own pilot chute)

Basic canopy control through to landing

The pilot chute is the small auxiliary parachute that the student throws into the airstream to trigger deployment of the main canopy. Learning to locate it and pull it decisively and correctly is one of the first fundamental skills.

Levels 4–5: One Instructor, More Independence

From the intermediate levels onward, you typically progress to a single instructor in freefall. The objectives expand:

Controlled turns on the vertical axis (360° left and right)

Horizontal movement in freefall

Stability in a horizontal position without instructor assistance (hover)

Managing instability (recovery from inverted or side-spinning positions)

At this stage many students encounter their first real difficulties: body position breaks down, stability is lost, coordinating arms and legs becomes a struggle. This is normal. Video debriefing is essential for understanding what's going wrong.

Levels 6–9: Toward Full Independence

The final levels aim for complete independence in both freefall and under canopy. The instructor is present but takes on an increasingly observational role:

Backloop (backward somersault)

Tracking (horizontal flight to separate from the group)

Jump with a single instructor observing from a distance

First solo jump (no instructor in freefall)

Advanced canopy piloting: landing pattern, flare (the final control input to slow the canopy before touchdown), accuracy landing

The flare is the maneuver in which the student pulls both canopy toggles (the control handles) down to reduce descent and forward speed in the final meter before the ground. Executing it at exactly the right moment is one of the most important skills for landing on your feet without injury.

Consolidation Jumps and Course Completion

After the AFF levels, ENAC regulations and the schools require a minimum number of consolidation jumps — additional jumps to reach the competencies required for the final exam. The exact number depends on the current regulations and the individual student's progression: it is not the same for everyone.

The final exam includes a theoretical assessment (regulations, meteorology, emergencies, equipment) and a practical in-air evaluation with an ENAC examiner. Passing leads to the issuance of the ENAC skydiving license.

How Long Does the AFF Course Take: Realistic Timelines

The most frequently asked question. The honest answer: it depends.

The factors that matter most:

Weather: skydiving is an outdoor activity at altitude. Strong winds, low cloud, and thunderstorms all shut down operations. In Italy, spring and autumn are the best seasons, but summer and winter (on favorable days) are also possible.

How many weekends you can dedicate: students who can come every weekend progress far faster than those who show up once a month.

Individual learning pace: some students pass every level on the first attempt; others repeat one or two. This is not a reflection on the person — it's the normal variability of motor learning in a new and complex environment.

School size: larger schools with more aircraft and more instructors offer more available slots.

Realistic scenario for committed students: completing the AFF course in 2–4 months of regular weekend activity is an achievable goal for many. Those with more time available (e.g., during an intensive summer camp) can complete the levels in just a few weeks.

Slower scenario: someone who comes once a month, repeats some levels, and loses weekends to bad weather may take 8–12 months. That's not a failure — it's the reality of an outdoor activity.

AFF Course Costs in Italy: What to Expect

Prices vary from school to school and change over time, so I won't quote specific figures to avoid giving you outdated information. Instead, here's how the cost is structured and what to factor into your budget.

Main cost components:

Course enrollment fee: usually covers theoretical training, course materials, and sometimes the first level.

Cost per level/jump: each AFF level has a fee that includes equipment rental, aircraft fuel, and the instructor's fee. Levels with two instructors typically cost more than those with one.

Consolidation jumps: often at a reduced rate compared to AFF levels, but they need to be budgeted for.

ENAC Class 2 medical certificate: paid separately to the medical examiner.

AeCI aero club membership: required for sporting activity.

ENAC license fee: the license issuance process carries an administrative cost.

Optional jump video: many schools offer a video service (useful for debriefing) at an additional charge.

Not included in the course (but coming later): purchasing your own equipment. A complete used rig in good condition can cost several thousand euros. While you're learning, you rent the school's equipment — that's normal and expected.

Practical advice: ask the school for a detailed written quote covering all items, including the cost of repeating levels. Some schools offer fixed-price "complete course" packages; others charge per jump. Both models have their pros and cons.

How to Choose the Right School

Not all schools are equal, even though every legitimate one must be ENAC-certified. That certification is the minimum requirement: never attend a school that cannot show you its ENAC certification. Full stop.

Beyond the formal requirement, here's what to evaluate:

Checklist for Evaluating a Skydiving School

[ ] ENAC certification visible and current

[ ] Instructors with ENAC ratings (ask to see their qualifications)

[ ] Modern, maintained equipment (current AAD, reserves with up-to-date repack)

[ ] Suitable aircraft (not improvised)

[ ] Video debriefing available (essential for learning)

[ ] Transparent pricing (written quote, no surprises)

[ ] Pre-course communication (do they answer your questions? Are they responsive?)

[ ] Reviews from former students (not just those on the official website)

[ ] Distance from home (a nearby school you can attend regularly is worth more than a prestigious one far away that you can only reach once every two months)

The AAD (Automatic Activation Device) deserves a special mention: it's the device that automatically deploys the reserve parachute below a certain altitude and airspeed if the skydiver has not opened on their own. Common brands include Cypres, Vigil, M2, and MARS. At serious schools, it's fitted to all student equipment. Ask about it explicitly.

What Happens on Your First Day of the Course

Many prospective students show up on day one without knowing what to expect. Here's the typical progression:

Welcome and paperwork: signing forms, document verification (ID, Class 2 medical certificate, membership), payment of the enrollment fee.

Theory lesson: basic ENAC regulations, elementary meteorology, equipment anatomy. This isn't an exam — it's a first introduction.

Ground training: exit position, stable freefall position (box man), deployment procedure. A suspended harness or dedicated training rig is often used to simulate body position.

Level 1 briefing: the instructor explains exactly what will happen in the air, what signals they'll use, what you need to do, and what you must NOT do.

Gearing up and gear check: you're fitted with your equipment and the instructor performs the checks. You'll soon learn to do your own pre-jump checks.

Boarding and the jump: typical exit altitude is around 4,000 meters — which is where the name of our portal comes from.

Video debriefing: after landing, you watch the jump footage together and analyze every phase.

Expect a full day — often longer. Bring water, food, layers of clothing (it's cold at altitude even in summer), and plenty of patience for the waiting around — weather and load management run on their own schedule.

Emergencies: What You Learn in the AFF Course

This is the section where I allow no ambiguity.

The AFF course dedicates a significant portion of training to emergency procedures. Not because malfunctions are common — modern equipment is extremely reliable — but because if they do occur, you need to be able to act automatically, without thinking.

The main procedures you learn:

Malfunction recognition: distinguishing between a normal opening, a partial malfunction, a total malfunction, line twists, and a slider hang-up.

Cutaway and reserve procedure: in the event of a serious malfunction, you release the main canopy (cutaway) and deploy the reserve. The sequence is precise, must be executed above a safe altitude, and is not simply "pull a handle" — it's a specific-order procedure that must be drilled to the point of automaticity through repeated ground practice.

RSL (Reserve Static Line): a system that assists reserve deployment in the event of a cutaway. Present on almost all student equipment.

Emergency landing procedures: landing out (outside the drop zone), landing on obstacles, water landing.

The key point: emergency training doesn't end with the AFF course. Every skydiver, at any level, must keep these procedures current. Serious schools regularly organize refresher sessions.

After the AFF Course: The ENAC License and Next Steps

The ENAC Skydiving License

Once you pass the final exam, you receive the ENAC skydiving license — a single document, not divided into levels. To keep it "current," ENAC regulations require:

At least 15 jumps in the last 12 months, including at least 1 in the last 3 months

At least 10 minutes of freefall every 12 months

A valid ENAC Class 2 medical certificate

If you fail to meet these currency requirements, your license lapses to "out of currency" status. Getting back current requires check jumps with an instructor following the school's procedures, plus a medical update. It's not a disaster, but it is a mandatory step — and a good reason not to stop jumping.

Disciplines You Can Explore

With your license in hand, skydiving opens up in many directions:

FS (Formation Skydiving): building formations in freefall with other skydivers. The "classic" discipline, excellent for developing spatial awareness and teamwork.

Freefly: flying in vertical orientations (head-down, sit-fly). Much higher speeds — on the order of 280–320 km/h under typical conditions — and a completely different technical universe.

Wingsuit: the wing suit that turns the body into a wing. Requires an ENAC Special Technique Certification (CS) with specific recent-jump requirements and a first-flight course with a rated wingsuit instructor.

Canopy Piloting: advanced canopy flight, including swooping (high-speed landing approaches). A discipline with specific risks: dedicated training is required.

CRW (Canopy Relative Work): formations with open canopies. Highly technical, highly rewarding.

For advanced disciplines (wingsuit, advanced freefly, CRW), ENAC regulations require Special Technique Certifications (CS) with specific prerequisites. They are not automatic: they require a minimum number of jumps, a dedicated course, and evaluation by a rated instructor.

Real Cases: Three Student Profiles and How It Went

Case 1 — Giulia, 27, 62 kg, office worker. No extreme sports background; she did a tandem jump a year earlier and decided to enroll in the course. She completed all 7 AFF levels over 3 months of weekends, with one repeat on Level 4 due to freefall instability. No medical issues. She passed the ENAC exam on her first attempt. She now jumps regularly in FS.

Case 2 — Marco, 41, 88 kg, self-employed. Good physical condition, but limited availability. He took 8 months to complete the course, with long gaps due to work commitments and two weekends lost to bad weather. He repeated Level 6 twice. He got his license — a few months later than average. He now jumps about 20 times a year — less than many, but with great satisfaction.

Case 3 — Luca, 19, 102 kg. He had to check with the school whether his weight was compatible with the available equipment. The school had a suitable rig. The Class 2 medical exam flagged slightly elevated blood pressure: the ENAC medical examiner requested a cardiology follow-up, which came back clear. Course completed without issues in 4 months. The lesson: don't assume anything, but don't be discouraged before you've done the right checks.

Common Mistakes Made by AFF Students

After years of working with students, these are the mistakes I see most often — and that you can avoid:

Showing up without the Class 2 medical certificate: it sounds obvious, but it happens. The visit to the ENAC medical examiner needs to happen before you enroll, not on the morning of your first jump. Plan ahead.

Stopping jumping for months after the first few levels: freefall motor skills degrade quickly without practice. Every long break requires a refresher with an instructor. Try to maintain a minimum frequency.

Comparing yourself to other students: "he passed Level 5 on his first try, I had to repeat it twice" is a pointless thought. Everyone has their own pace. What matters is that you genuinely learn — not that you learn quickly.

Underestimating the theory: some students think skydiving is just about "doing things" in the air. The theoretical component — regulations, meteorology, emergency procedures — is fundamental. A student who doesn't understand why they're doing what they're doing is a less safe student.

Choosing a school based on the lowest price: cost is a factor, but it can't be the only one. A cheaper course at a school with outdated equipment or less available instructors can end up costing you more in the long run — in terms of repeated levels, quality of learning, and above all, safety.

Not asking questions: if you have a doubt, ask. Serious instructors want you to understand, not just execute blindly. There's no such thing as a "stupid question" when it comes to safety.

Official Resources and Regulatory References

For any regulatory information, always refer to up-to-date primary sources. Regulations are revised periodically: don't rely on something you read on a forum three years ago.

ENAC — Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile: enac.gov.it — here you'll find the "Skydiving Licenses" Regulation (Ed. 3) and the regulation governing jump operations. Always check the version currently in force.

AeCI — Aero Club d'Italia: aeci.it — for sports membership, competitions, and FAI licenses.

Your ENAC-certified school: your primary operational source. Instructors know the current regulations and how they apply in practice at your drop zone.

Do not cite bodies such as USPA (American) or FIVL (which governs paragliding and hang gliding, not skydiving) as Italian regulatory authorities.

Operational Summary: Your Concrete Next Steps

If you've made it this far, you already have the essential information. Here's the recommended action sequence:

Identify ENAC-certified skydiving schools in your area. The ENAC website has the official list.

Contact 2–3 schools and request a detailed written quote: estimated total cost, level structure, cost for repeating levels, available equipment, rated instructors.

Book your ENAC Class 2 medical exam with an authorized medical examiner. Do this before enrolling in the course, not after.

Join an AeCI-affiliated aero club (the school will guide you through this).

Enroll in the course and show up on day one with your documents, medical certificate, and a strong desire to learn.

Maintain frequency: the more you jump, the faster and more solidly you'll learn.

Ask questions: always, about everything, without embarrassment.

Skydiving is one of the most technically demanding and formative sports there is. The AFF course isn't just about "learning to jump" — it's about learning to make decisions under pressure, manage equipment, and operate safely in an environment that has no tolerance for carelessness. Doing it well takes commitment. It's worth it.