Price is the worst way to choose an AFF school. Wrong choice = timeline and cost blow up. 9 objective criteria to compare — the framework anyone who's already done AFF would use.
01
Verify on ENAC registry the school is authorized for AFF. Unregistered operators = illegal + insurance void.
How to check: Public ENAC registry + ask for school certificate number.
CRITICAL
02
Schools with 2+ planes = more jumps/day, less waiting. 1-plane schools = if it breaks, weekend is lost.
How to check: Ask how many planes + capacity (Cessna 182 = 4 pax, Porter PC-6 = 10).
HIGH
03
Standard: 1 instructor per 2–3 concurrent students in levels 1–3. Overcrowded schools = long waits + instructor fatigue.
How to check: Ask how many active AFF students in a typical weekend.
HIGH
04
Southern Italy (Sicily, Puglia, Sardinia) = 40–60 more operational days/year than North. Huge timeline/budget impact.
How to check: Ask operational days/year (%). Serious schools know or can calculate.
HIGH
05
Each school handles differently: refund, voucher, flexible rescheduling. Ask upfront.
How to check: Read T&C + ask what happens if they cancel 3 weekends in a row.
MEDIUM
06
Schools with qualified in-house rigger = controlled maintenance. Outsourcing can delay reserve cycles.
How to check: Ask if rigger is employee or external + how many reserve cycles/year.
HIGH
07
Do they rent or sell gear? Both ok, but sellers have incentive to push early purchase before you know what you need.
How to check: Ask for "course-only" package without gear purchase.
MEDIUM
08
Check Google reviews + ask in Italian forums (ParacadutismoItalia FB, Reddit r/skydiving). 50+ positive reviews = track record.
How to check: Google reviews + r/skydiving (search school name).
MEDIUM
09
Some schools give fixed AFF bundle price. Others bill per-jump. Both valid, but bundle = fewer surprises.
How to check: Ask for written quote with all line items (course, repeats, materials, exam).
LOW
If you find 2 or more in the same school, move on. None is worth the risk.
These questions asked in a 10-minute call save you €1,000 and 3 months. If the school gets annoyed = you already have your answer.
1. Do you offer full AFF course? All-in price to A-license?
2. Average April weekend — how many jumps can I do as an AFF student?
3. How many operating planes? How many seats each?
4. How many certified AFF instructors? How many parallel students?
5. What happens if you cancel a weekend for weather? Refund, voucher, reschedule?
6. Is your reserve rigger in-house or external? How often maintenance?
7. What's your operational-days percentage over the year?
8. Can I see the ENAC registry and certification number?
36 ENAC schools in Italy. Browse the public profiles, then apply the framework.
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