Accelerated Freefall, or AFF, is the most advanced skydiving training program available. The program's name signifies its nature - an accelerated training program using only high altitude freefall jumps. All of your AFF jumps, including the first, will be made from over 9,000 feet (up to 11,000 feet) and will include approximately fifty seconds of freefall. In as few as seven jumps you can graduate from student status and begin formation jumping with other experienced skydivers.

The first jump course will take approximately eight hours. Your training will cover all aspects of the skydive: from freefall body position, to canopy maneuvering, to landing. Your first jump will be made with two specially rated AFF jump masters who will exit the aircraft with you holding onto your parachute harness. In freefall, your jump masters will assist you in maintaining the correct body position and will be available to help you with the opening of your parachute. After you land, they will take you through a detailed debriefing of your jump.

Before each subsequent AFF jump, you will receive additional instruction on the freefall techniques you will learn and utilize on that jump. On your level 2 and level 3 AFF jumps, your jump masters will release you in freefall but remain close to you. This allows you to learn to maneuver your body in freefall while maintaining the security of having your jump masters nearby in case of difficulty. On the jumps for levels 4 through 7 you will be accompanied by only one AFF jump master. During these levels, you will hone your freefall maneuvering skills, including forward flight, turns, and docking. Upon successful completion of your level 7 training objectives, you will be released to start skydiving with other experienced jumpers!

AFF is only for the student who is certain he or she wants to become a skydiver and who is willing to make the financial and time commitments necessary to go through the program. Because of the concentrated nature of the training, AFF students must repeat training jumps if more than thirty days lapse between jumps. Although AFF costs more per training jump, the total cost to graduate from student status is comparable to that of the static line program. If you know for certain that you want to be a skydiver, and if you want to become one as quickly as possible using the most modern training techniques, this is the program for you!

Prices

For more information, call (515) 243-1711.

The static line program is the original way to learn how to skydive. During the first jump course, you and your classmates will be taught the techniques and skills necessary to make your first skydive safe and enjoyable. The class curriculum includes detailed instruction on the operation and use of the equipment as well as practical training using a suspended harness and an aircraft mock-up. The first jump course takes approximately six hours. Once class is completed, your jump master will assist you in putting on and adjusting your equipment in preparation for your first skydive.

Your first jump will be made from 3,000 feet using a long bridal called a "static line". The static line is attached to the aircraft on one end and to your parachute on the other. When you exit the airplane under your jump master's guidance, the static line will automatically deploy your main parachute. After the parachute opens, you will maneuver it through the air as it gently lowers you back to Earth. After your surprisingly soft landing, you will be assisted by our staff in removing your equipment. When your jump master returns to the ground, he or she will review the jump with you and will fill out your log book. Hang onto your logbook, as it serves not only as a record of your accomplishment, but as important documentation of the training you have received as you progress toward becoming a full-fledged skydiver.

Some people make just one static line jump so they can count themselves among the small number of people in the world who have jumped out of an airplane. If you want to make just one skydive, and you want to do it all by yourself, then this is the program for you! However, we hope you will continue your training toward becoming a licensed skydiver. The static line program is the most popular training method in use and offers the lowest cost per training jump. If you continue your training under the program, you will make four more jumps using the static line before progressing to your first freefall skydive on which you pull the ripcord. Over the next twelve to fourteen jumps, you will make skydives from higher and higher altitudes with freefall times extending up to forty-five seconds. During those jumps, you will be taught the basic freefall maneuvering skills you will need to be able to link up in with other skydivers. When you graduate from the program, you will be allowed to participate in formation skydives!

Prices

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO SKYDIVE?
You must be at least 18 years old to make a solo skydive or a tandem. Unfortunately parental consent will not let us vary on this age limit.

WHERE DO I GO TO JUMP?
Although we are the Des Moines Skydivers, we have made the Winterset Municipal Airport our home. The low volume of air traffic, wide open landing areas, and beautiful countryside make the Winterset Airport an ideal spot for jumping. Moreover, we are located only thirty minutes from downtown Des Moines. The Winterset Airport is located one mile north of Winterset on Highway 169, approximately thirteen miles south of Interstate 80. Here is a map for your reference.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Wear a good pair of tennis shoes and casual clothing appropriate for the temperature. If the weather is cool, we suggest that you bring a sweatshirt to wear under your jumpsuit. We recommend that you leave your jewelry at home. Not only is there a risk that jewelry may be lost during your skydive, but rings, necklaces, and bracelets can become snagged on the aircraft during exit, leading to injury. We supply all the equipment needed to make your jump, including jumpsuit, helmet, goggles, and, of course, the parachute.

HOW LONG WILL MY TRAINING AND JUMP TAKE?
The amount of time required for your training and first jump depends on the training method you have selected and the number of other students. Because there are other factors outside our control that can also affect your jump time, we suggest that you plan on spending the day at the drop zone. We believe you will find that cleaning your schedule of other obligations will allow you to focus on your first jump with-out unneeded worries or distractions. Moreover, even if you are among the first students to jump for the day, we encourage you to remain at the drop zone to learn more about the sport and to watch your fellow students experience the same level of excitement and wonderment you already know. If you will be unable to be at the drop zone all day, please let your instructor or jump master know your time constraints as early as possible.

CAN SOMEONE TAKE VIDEO OR PICTURES OF MY SKYDIVE?
Yes! You are welcome to bring your own camera and a friend to take video or pictures of your jump from the ground. Also, depending on availability, you can hire a freefall cameraman to take video or digital still photographs of your tandem or AFF jump. If you would like to hire a cameraman to capture your skydive on video or still photographs, please let us know at the time you schedule your jump.

ARE RESERVATIONS AND DEPOSITS REQUIRED?
Yes. We do require reservations and deposits. Because classes and time slots fill up quickly, we suggest you make your reservation as far in advance as possible. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation is received five business days in advance of your scheduled jump. See our current piece list for deposit amounts.

DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?
Yes! We accept Discover, MasterCard and Visa.

WHO DO I CALL TO SIGN UP?
To sign up for a class or to schedule a tandem jump, call us at (515) 243-1711 and speak with Marc, or leave a voice mail message and he will return your call within 24 hours.. Please spell your name and, if possible, leave us both daytime and evening phone numbers.

IS THERE A WEIGHT LIMIT?
In most cases the weight limit is 230 pounds. This is a recommend weight limit and might very slightly at the discretion of the instructor. While the equipment itself is capable of handling a heavier weight variables like physical fitness, height and build factor in to this limit. Ultimately it is the instructors decision to accurately judge the safety and comfort of the skydive. If you think you might be near this range and would like to skydive please contact us and we will discuss your situation .

CAN I BRING MY DOG TO THE DZ?
While we all love pets the Dropzone is not a place for them so please leave your pets at home.