Following your first tandem skydive: Your choices
Congratulations on completing your first tandem skydive! Now, the choice is yours! Would you like to keep jumping tandem with one of our skilled instructors attached every time or do you want to progress to jumping your own parachute totally solo as a licensed skydiver?
If you loved your tandem skydiving experience, please come back to see us as many times as you’d like! You can continue to repeat this same jump over and over again as many times as you’d like! There is even a discount for a same day purchase of a second jump after you land!
If you want to skydive solo, we have outlined the entire process for you below!
Your Journey from Tandem Student to Licensed Skydiver at WNYSkydiving
If you’ve loved your first tandem skydive so much that you just have to do it again – congratulations! You have officially started down the path to learn to skydive that will take you from tandem student to “A” licensed skydiver.
You’re also in luck: WNY Skydiving is the premier skydiving training center of Western New York and we provide a comprehensive, reasonably-priced program to get you flying solo.
Here is the training progression at our dropzone:
- Tandem Skydive – Level 1
- First Jump Course
- Parachute Orientation Jump (1 Jump)
- Accelerated Free Fall Program (7 Jumps) *
- Parachute Packing Class
- Skydiving Coach Program & A License Check Dive (Jumps 10 – 25)
1. FIRST JUMP COURSE
8 HOUR GROUND SCHOOL
Following the successful completion of your First Tandem Skydive, you have the option to move on to your First Jump Course! This is an 8-hour training, consisting of self-study, classroom, and physical demonstration / hands-on learning sections. This is the first step, following your first tandem skydive, towards obtaining your skydiving licensed. If you do NOT want to get licensed and would simply like to make another tandem skydive, please call WNYSkydiving at 716-597-7393.
2. PARACHUTE ORIENTAION JUMP
IAD CATEGORY A
As you hop out of the plane, your instructor activates your parachute. Once under canopy, you will practice the skills you rehearsed on the ground so you can feel what each input does to the canopy!
3. ACCELERATED FREE FALL
(AFF) PROGRAM
Now you are ready to make your first solo freefall jump with your own parachute! Through our comprehensive Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) Program, you will learn the fundamental life-saving skills every skydiver needs as well as a variety of in-air maneuvers and ultimately achieve solo flight.
4. PARACHUTE PACKING CLASS
BASIC GEAR ORIENTATION
You need to complete a Parachute Packing Class if you are going to obtain your skydiving license. It is critical that you get familiar with how your gear works. The packing class helps to increase your familiarity with the skydiving gear and prepares you to pack your own parachute.
5. SKYDIVING COACH PROGRAM
Graduating To "A" License
The final portion of your skydiving training leading to your “A” license – after the Tandem Skydive Level 2, First Jump Course and AFF Program – is the skydiving coach program.
This section of your training program prepares you for more advanced free fall control. According to the USPA, “skydiving is a sport for individualists who like to do things together.” Your coach jumps will teach you the skills necessary to skydive with your friends. In addition to essential group freefall skills, your education in parachute flight will also continue.
At the end of this program you will be ready to perform your “A” license check dive and will officially graduate from the student program. At this point you will be a licensed skydiver! Congrats!
2025 First Jump Course Dates – Schedule yours today!
**Must have made a level 1 tandem in the last 12 months. Please plan to schedule your level 2 tandem during the 8AM class on the Saturday following your first jump course. Your parachute orientation jump should also happen that weekend weather permitting. Your student jump packages can be purchased on site following your First Jump Course.**
- Free First Jump Course: Saturday May 3rd – Use Code 2025FJC
- May 12th: 3PM – 8:30PM
- May 26th: 10AM – 3:30PM
- June 9th: 3PM – 8:30PM
- June 23rd: 10AM – 3:30PM
- July 7th: 3PM – 8:30PM
- July 21st: 10AM – 3:30PM
Click Here for AFF Program Pricing
As a Group Member of the United States Parachute Association (USPA), WNY Skydiving follows the Integrated Student Program (ISP). The ISP is an approved skydiving training program recognized around the world. This program is outlined in the Skydiver’s Information Manual, published by the USPA.
At WNY Skydiving we are committed to providing our students with an extensive skydiving training program. After completing this progression you will have earned your USPA “A” license. See below links for detailed section descriptions and associated costs.
What is a Skydiving “A” License?
The “A” license is the first license level you can achieve in skydiving.
It is issued by the USPA and requires a minimum of 25 skydives (among other skydiving requirements), along with demonstration of several basic skydiving skills. The “A” license allows you to skydive almost anywhere in world. It allows you to jump in groups with other licensed skydivers. Once you have earned your “A” license, you no longer need to jump with a coach or instructor of any kind.
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Skydiving Safety
WNYSkydiving is a member of the United States Parachute Association.
