Accelerated Free Fall is the ENAC standard method to become a skydiver. 7 progressive levels, from 2 instructors at your side to solo exit. Here's what happens, how long it takes, and the real cost.
Total jumps
7 + 18
levels + consolidation
Real duration
2–6 months
weekends + weather
Total cost
€2,120–2,780
all included
Minimum age
16 years
with parental consent
Each level has specific objectives. If you don't meet them, you repeat the level (average 20% of students on 1–2 levels). Normal, not a failure.
1
Objective: Exit with 2 instructors, altimeter check, pull at altitude
First freefall jump. Goal: manage stability. You deploy autonomously at 1,500 m.
2
Objective: First controlled 90° turn left + right, altimeter check every 5s
Still 2 instructors. If stable, move to next level.
3
Objective: Instructors release their grip: you're alone in freefall
Psychological milestone. After this you're a skydiver, not an assisted student.
4
Objective: Controlled 360° turns with only one instructor on side
Working on body-control precision.
5
Objective: Horizontal movement in fall (tracking), anti-collision
Critical: create separation from others before deploying.
6
Objective: Exit the plane solo without assistance
Last assisted exit: instructor observes.
7
Objective: Combined maneuvers + no-contact exit
End of AFF course. From here: 18 consolidation jumps toward A-license.
Range depends on: school location (North vs South Italy), seasonality, weekend bundle deals, possible AFF level repeats. Excludes travel/lodging if school out of region.
36 ENAC-certified AFF schools in Italy. Compare by location, cost, weekend course availability.