AFF vs. AFP
I taught the AFF program for 10 years and saw many students getting lost by the wayside. After they finished their student jumps, they just didn't know what to do. At Westside, we don't leave students hanging.
The Advanced Freefall Program (AFP) was developed at Skydive Chicago (one of the most successful drop zones in the country). AFP has been adopted by the elite drop zones in the country; those seeking to promote the progression of the sport. And that's why Westside Skydivers adopted its own version of this rapidly growing program on day one. The famous Ronald Bell has been working with our program over the past 2 years, and has tweaked it to be EVEN better! You can be sure when you complete your training at Westside, you will feel part of this elite family. When you compare AFF to AFP side by side, the winner is clear. Since the best decision is an informed one, let's look at the facts:
AFF
Ground School Jump Category A - $275
Category B - $160
Category C - $160
Category D1\D2 - $125 each
Category E1\E2 - $125 each
For these 7 jumps (providing you don't have to repeat any, which is rare) you are at $1095. Then you are required to do a minimum of 4 jumps with a coach: $100 x 4 = $400. So now you're around $1500. You need 25 jumps to get your 'A' license. You should jump with a coach until you get that license. Jumps with a coach on those remaining jumps: $~75 x 14 = $1050. Or you could just do the remaining jumps by yourself (not learning anything): $~25 x 14 (gear rental per jump) + $23 (avg. fun jump price) = $672.
So an A license via AFF ranges in price from $2167 to $2545 plus tax if applicable. And that's if you didn't have to repeat any jumps, and it doesn't include ANY video.
AFP (pick up a brochure for price breakdown at the dz)
Ground School AFP & Jump 1 (includes first jump) - $299
AFP Jumps 2-18 - $160-$65
Graduation Jump - FREE
Jumps 19-25 - $60-$75
Then you get to CHOOSE your focus - NO OTHER CENTER OFFERS THIS: your remaining jumps (19-25) focus on RW or FREEFLY
Total cost is $2699 (note we don't have to pay sales tax in MN). This works out to around $100/jump for 25 jumps & an A license.
And at Westside:
- Pay as you go, or prepay for the entire package upfront and you save $200
- We record jumps 1-17 on video because it's the best learning tool to show your progression
- AFP jumps are single jumpmaster jumps. And you can keep the same instructor the whole time.
- AFP package includes 25 skydives with instruction, gear rental, and also a packing class
- Get licensed in as little as ONE week, or do it over the course of a summer
Yes, AFP requires 2 tandem jumps, but if you're serious about your jump career, you will understand why. The 1st tandem gets any fear out of the way and adjusts you to the experience. This will also help build on your background knowledge before taking the ground class. The 2nd tandem teaches you dive flow, turns, and canopy control. You are not just being sent out blind - confidence is the KEY to success in skydiving!
AFP ground class takes 4-5 hours, then we will jump weather permitting, so plan to spend the entire day with us. Topics in class to name a few: introductions to instructors, students, facilities, safety, malfunctions, and gear care & use. The first few jumps you do with the instructor holding on in freefall, and then we walk you down on radio - each jump builds off the last. You must make 1 jump every 30 days on student status to keep current.
If you are looking only to make one solo jump, then this program is not for you. I believe in the experience. I want to generate the best skydivers out there. I want you to know your limits and then exceed them. Come feel the difference!