University of Portsmouth Skydive

So, you want to Skydive? There are 3 ways to skydive, each with the pros and cons. Below is a summary of each method of instruction. Please see the links to the right for more information.

RAPS (RAM Air Progression Scheme)

RAPS is the course most popular with our students. The RAPS course involves a day of intensive training followed by your first jump. For these first jumps you will be connected to a 'static line' that will open your parachute for you. You will then be able to fly your parachute to the ground (with ground-to-air radio assistance if you forget something) for a soft tip-toe landing.

As you progress through the course you will be introduced to more and more until you can be signed-off as a qualified skydiver and awarded your 'A Licence'. Follow the 'RAPS' link to the right for an in-depth view of the course content.

Pros

• Low initial course cost.
• Low cost for further jumps.
• All jumps are solo (with an instructor dispatching you or following you out)
• Easy to drop-out if it's not for you.
• Can become a qualified skydiver.

Cons

• Can take up to 3-6 months to get qualified (depending on how much you visit the dropzone)
• No freefall on first jumps

Accelerated Freefall (AFF)

AFF is similar to an intensive driving course. It's more expensive but you'll get qualified much quicker. Like RAPS you will start with a day of intensive training.

You perform 7 freefall jumps while being held by your instructor(s), followed by one low altitude jump when you open your parachute as soon as you exit the aircraft. Finally, you'll do 10 solo freefall jumps to gain your A-licence.

Pros

• Freefall on first jump.
• All jumps are solo (with an instructor).
• Quick to qualify.

Cons

• High initial cost.
• Repeat jumps are expensive (but are not usually needed).

Tandem

A tandem is a great way to experience skydiving without the worry of doing anything yourself. You will be strapped to an experienced Tandem Instructor and will experience thousands of feet of freefall before the parachute is opened. The TI will then steer your parachute safely back to earth.

Pros

• No formal training as everything is handled by an experienced instructor.
• Cheapest and quickest way to experience a single freefall.

Cons

• No opportunity to progress (A RAPS or AFF course must be taken if you wish to continue in the sport).
• A level 1 AFF jump is only a little more expensive.