Legend Freefall: Training Methods Comparison

Comparison of Training Methods

Pepperell's skydiving training offers three basic (Phase One) training methods:

1. Accelerated Freefall (AFF) -- eight skydives
2, Instructor Assisted Deployment (IAD) -- 15 skydives
3. Instructor Assisted Freefall (IAF), -- three tandem skydives, then AFF category C

All three training methods require a First Jump Course (FJC) and are followed by Phase Two (Categories E or F to H) which brings the student to the required 25 skydives for an A-License, if all A-License Proficiency Card requirements are met and signed off.

All three methods also required a USPA Check Dive conducted by a USPA instructor prior to licensing.

Prospective students often ask for a comparision of IAD and AFF. Here it is:

Solo Exit Stability Training (student exits without instructor grips)
AFF = four exits (categories D and E)
IAD = 15 exits (categories A to E)

Freefall Time
AFF = approximately eight minutes in eight skydives
IAD = approximately six minutes in 15 skydives

Canopy Flight Instruction Time (under canopy at 4000 feet, descending at approximately 1000 feet per minute)
AFF = approximately 32 minutes, eight landings
IAD = approximately 60 minutes, 15 landings

Cost (Phases One and Two, not including the Transition Class, and not including repeat skydives in categories where target learning opportunities were not all met.)

Phase One
AFF = $1410.00 (eight skydivies with either one or two instructors)
IAD = $1345.00 (fifteen skydives with one instructor)

Phase One Repeat Skydives
AFF = $195 or $165 per skydive
IAD = $85 or $95 per skydive

Phase two
AFF = $1615.00 (17 skydives)
IAD = $950 (10 skydives)

Phase Two Repeat Skydives
$95 both AFF and IAD

Totals:
AFF = $3025 (not including the Check Dive)
IAD = $2295 (not including the Check Dive)

Check dive is $125 for both methods.

IAF: Tandem skydives are standard prices (see Prices page) and this method can require anywhere from a minimum of three to a maximum of five, then the student transitions to either AFF or IAD.

Both AFF and IAD students may transition between methods according to procedures outlines in the Skydiver Information Manual of the USPA.

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