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
- Tandem Skydive – Level 2
- Accelerated Free Fall Program (7 Jumps) *
- Parachute Packing Class
- Skydiving Coach Program (Jumps 9 – 25)
2023 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 AFF jumps should also begin that weekend weather permitting. Call to schedule your level 2 tandem jump. Your AFF jump package can be purchased on site following your First Jump Course.**
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.
1. TANDEM SKYDIVE
LEVEL 1 + 2
A Tandem Skydive Level 1 + 2 introduces you to the basic elements of skydiving gear: the altimeter and the ripcord. It also includes an introduction of canopy flight by your instructor – under canopy! Learn more about Tandem Skydive – Level 1 + 2
2. FIRST JUMP COURSE +
PARACHUTE PACKING CLASS
Following the successful completion of your Tandem Skydive Level 2, you are ready 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, and also includes a parachute packing class.
3. ACCELERATED FREE FALL
(AFF) PROGRAM
Now you are ready to make that maiden 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. 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!
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.
