USPA AFF Instructor Rating Course

May 17–23, 2027 | iSkydive DC | Midland, Virginia

Vertical Training Systems (VTS) will conduct a seven-day USPA Accelerated Freefall Instructor (AFFI) Rating Course for experienced skydivers seeking to become professional freefall instructors.

The course combines academic instruction, practical training, ground evaluations, and in-air evaluations designed to assess candidates' ability to safely and effectively teach, supervise, and evaluate student skydivers in the Accelerated Freefall training environment.

Prerequisites

Candidates must meet all of the following requirements before attending the USPA AFF Instructor Rating Course:

Be a current USPA member.
Be at least 18 years old.
Hold a USPA C License or higher.
Hold or have previously held a USPA instructional rating (Coach or Instructor).
Have completed at least 500 skydives OR held a USPA Coach or Instructor rating for at least 12 months.
Have logged at least six hours of freefall time.

Candidates must also complete the applicable AFF Instructor pre-course activities and required documentation before attending the course.

Candidates should bring their logbooks, proof of qualifications, and current USPA instructional materials. All qualifications and pre-course requirements are subject to verification.

Important: The 500-jump and 12-month instructional rating requirements are alternatives. Candidates do not need both.

Course Curriculum

Training and evaluation will address:

AFF instructor responsibilities and student safety
USPA Integrated Student Program (ISP) instructional standards
Student training, preparation, and ground evaluations
Aircraft procedures and student exits
Freefall observation, proximity, and student assistance
Student deployment and emergency procedures
Canopy flight and post-jump debriefing
Practical instructional evaluations
Required in-air evaluation jumps

Candidates will be evaluated on instructional knowledge, teaching ability, technical proficiency, situational awareness, and adherence to applicable USPA standards.

Course Fees and Estimated Total Cost

This is an estimate. The AFF Instructor Rating Course includes approximately 15 jumps, consisting of about 12 pre-course training jumps and three hot evaluation jumps.

Estimated expenses:

Course registration fee: $800
Candidate jump slots (15 × $30): $450
Evaluator jump slots (estimated candidate share): $450
Optional packing (15 × $12): $180
Examiner travel expenses: Divided equally among candidates

Estimated total without packing: $1,700 plus examiner travel.

Estimated total with packing: $1,880 plus examiner travel.

The $800 registration payment covers the instructional course fee only.

The actual number and combination of single-instructor and two-instructor jumps may vary according to individual candidate requirements.

Additional jumps, retakes, or training may result in additional expenses. Examiner travel costs will be divided equally among registered candidates and communicated when arrangements are finalized.

Course Completion

Candidates must successfully complete all required academic, practical, and in-air evaluations to qualify for the USPA AFF Instructor Rating.

Successful completion is based on demonstrated proficiency and compliance with applicable USPA requirements. Attendance alone does not guarantee a rating.

Registration and Scheduling

Dates: May 17–23, 2027
Location: iSkydive DC, Midland, Virginia
Registration opens: January 1, 2027

Advance registration is required. Candidates will receive instructions regarding documentation, preparation, equipment, and reporting times before the course.

All jumping activities are subject to weather, aircraft availability, and drop zone operational approval.