Accelerated Freefall FAQs

At Texas Skydiving, we require you to do at least one tandem before starting AFF if you don’t have previous skydiving experience. A tandem jump provides an excellent introduction to our sport, with minimal time and money commitment.

However — those chomping at the bit for their A License can do a “working tandem” whereby the student wears an altimeter, is taught how to deploy the parachute, and receives extra training in how to fly the canopy and land safely.

Our Solo First Jump Course is a day-long class, starting at 9am and concluding with your jump by late afternoon or early evening, weather permitting. The course is offered on any Monday through Thursday. Subsequent AFF and Coach jumps typically take only 45 minutes of training each.

A License requirements can be completed at your own pace and on your own schedule. We’ve had students complete A License requirements in as little as a week or two! It’s dependent on weather, scheduling, and the student’s abilities. Most students spread out training over several weeks.

AFF pricing includes all gear rental, training lift tickets and packing fees associated with completing the 7 level course. See the AFF Pricing page for details.

Note, USPA Annual Membership and License fees are not included and must be paid by the student directly to the USPA. USPA Membership is required for self-supervised jumps.

Yep! Texas Skydiving gift certificates can be redeemed for eligible services across the DZ, including tandem skydives, media packages, AFF and other courses.

Let’s put this in terms common to us all. If AFF provides you with enough info and practice to earn your learner’s permit, then A status is your license to drive. Aside from the mind-blowing sense of accomplishment and adulation from friends and family, you’ll have earned the right to jump with your other USPA-licensed friends at any USPA-recognizing drop zone around the world.

The road to your A License requires that you complete the 7-level AFF program, and then:

• Learn advanced safety and skills via coach jumps
• Log a minimum of 25 jumps total
• Learn how to pack your own parachute
• Ace your check dive and written test

You can go at your own pace and on your own schedule as long as you stay current – which means making at least one jump every 30 days. Waited a little too long between jumps? No problem! We’ll simply add a little refresher training to get you safely back up to speed.

Achieving your A License at Texas Skydiving costs between $2,795 and $2,995, depending on whether you pay as you go or pay outright. See the AFF Pricing page for details.

You earn your A License after successfully completing your check dive with a USPA instructor. Once that big ol’ A is stamped in your log book (and on your forehead), you’ll gain a whole lot of freedom. You’ll be able to jump with pals, perform basic group jumps, pack your own parachute, and experiment with water landings.

We follow United States Parachute Association guidelines, which require all jumpers to be at least 18 years of age. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID with you as proof of age. Sorry, permission from a parent or guardian is not acceptable.

Yes, AFF students must be 240 lbs or less and height to weight proportionate in order to learn to skydive at TXS.

Oh, yes! Your A License is just the beginning! There are four licenses, all told – A through D.

B License holders can perform night, helicopter and hot air balloon jumps and participate in HALO (High Altitude, Low Open; also known as Military Free Fall/MFF) jumps. Advanced B Licensed skydivers can go for their coach rating.

C Licensed skydivers can sport wearables, like the coveted GoPro, and experiment with modified jumpsuits, including wingsuits. Among other wins, C holders can perform small-scale demo jumps and work toward their instructor ratings.

Skydivers who have earned their D License are at the top of their game and can accomplish extraordinary feats. Popular perks include participating in large demo jumps and exhibition jumps (e.g. flying with flags and pyrotechnics), landing in tight or difficult areas, and the opportunity to work toward tandem instructor status.

Yes! Top-of-the-line gear is available for rent at $30 per jump.

There’s no food available at the DZ, but cold drinks are available for purchase and fun jumpers keep the beer fridge stocked. Our charcoal grill can be reserved and we have plenty of tables and shade. Snow’s BBQ, Herk’s Store & Grill (a DZ fave), Granny’s (legit Tex-Mex), and Fresh Donut are all nearby, and Hildebrandt Meat Market has fresh goods for smoking and grilling.

A word to the wise – Snow’s is consistently voted Best BBQ in Texas. They’re open Saturdays only from 8am til the meat’s gone. Don’t miss your load!

We have a small cabin on site ($25 per night), as well as space to pitch tents at the DZ – all first come, first served. Overnighters have access to a fridge and microwave, our charcoal grill and pellet smoker, and restrooms with showers.

Yep – and it’s free.

Not only is it free, but it’s also plentiful.