AFF vs Tandem AFF programs

[cosmicgypsy 5]

I've been researching my options for getting back into skydiving. I really like the idea of doing AFF but the most popular option, close to home, I'm seeing is, x number of tandem jumps before moving on to AFF. My question is. Why this method? I know I can go to other drop zones but that involves cost that I'm not interested in.

So, if some of you could enlighten me about the two options please do.

Thanks

John

[wolfriverjoe 1,340]

Disclaimer: Not an instructor, but my DZ does 'tandem to AFF' training, that also includes tunnel time.

They do the tandems before AFF because it allows the instructor to have more control over the student.
Keep in mind that tandem was originally conceived as a 'dual instruction' tool. It's morphed into a carnival ride, but the value for instruction is still there. 

My DZ has the student take the First Jump Course, then do 2 tandems with an instructor who is also AFF rated. The student has objectives to meet and tasks to accomplish (arch, altitude awareness, pull, landing pattern ect).

If they are able to do what they are tasked to do, they then do 10 minutes (I think) in the tunnel, This is also done with an AFF instructor.

If the student passes all of this, the first AFF jump is with one instructor. 
If the student does not do well, tandems may be repeated, more tunnel time may be done, or the first AFF jump can be done with two instructors. 

The DZO, S&TA and instructors are pretty happy with it. 
The students seem to be too.

[riggerrob 558]

Dear cosmicgypsy,

Your profile says that you made 110 jumps.

How long ago was your last jump?

Did you earn a USPA A License before the pause?

[cosmicgypsy 5]

Hey Rob,

It's been almost 40yrs. Never got a license.

My thoughts on this were to go through a first jump course, seeing as things have changed. Also, it just made sense to me. Seems that I was seeing more of the AFF than the Tandem to AFF and now it's the other way around.

[wolfriverjoe 1,340]

Times have changed. 

Given that your situation is not quite standard, I would suggest getting in touch with the DZ (or maybe a couple of them) and seeing what their thoughts are. 

[nate_1979 9]

13 hours ago, cosmicgypsy said:

Hey Rob,

It's been almost 40yrs. Never got a license.

My thoughts on this were to go through a first jump course, seeing as things have changed. Also, it just made sense to me. Seems that I was seeing more of the AFF than the Tandem to AFF and now it's the other way around.

Almost 40 years! I look forward to hearing about your first jump back when you get back up there!   I’m returning from 14 years away, first jump back should be this weekend, but my 14 years seems like such a small period of time now lol.

[sfzombie13 307]

On 5/28/2020 at 8:22 PM, cosmicgypsy said:

Hey Rob,

It's been almost 40yrs. Never got a license.

 

damn, and i thought i was gonna hold the record for longest time to get my a with just over 22 years.  good luck in your journey and welcome back.

[Baksteen 84]

Granted, tandem might be used as a legitimate training aid.

Same goes for tunnel.

Same goes for VR.
 

My personal opinion however is that DZ's move away from 'AFF only' (not to mention Static-line) at least partially  for commercial reasons.

Why charge only a couple hundred of bucks if students are happy to pay a couple of thousand? Yes, I understand that the DZ has more operational cost, but I have a feeling the profit margin is even bigger.
Granted, you receive value for money, extra training and extra preparation, but that doesn't mean you cannot make a safe first jump without all the bells and whistles.

This is in no way intended as a slight on Wolfriverjoe's DZ their instruction program, or any other for that matter.

[cosmicgypsy 5]

Update.

4th weekend I made a tandem. It was everything I remembered. Also both my sons came with me. I think they got the bug too.

I'll be going back soon.

Cosmic

[SethInMI 145]

On 6/19/2020 at 6:00 AM, Baksteen said:

My personal opinion however is that DZ's move away from 'AFF only' (not to mention Static-line) at least partially  for commercial reasons.

i have the similar opinion. one of the two local Cessna 182 dzs went to the "two tandems before IAD" before the other one, and i steered a friend to the non-tandem dz. now both dzs are "tandems first". i agree tandems first helps the students, but it also takes a good chunk of their $ for that help.

[SethInMI 145]

13 hours ago, cosmicgypsy said:

It was everything I remembered.

congrats!

I was thinking "well i hope it wasn't everything" as a tandem is a little different from a solo jump...but then, hey large canopies, slightly awkward landings, shrug, maybe not so different than the early 1980s? 

[cosmicgypsy 5]

At first I thought to say, except for the guy on my back.

[Zahnrad Kopf 0]

You got me beat. I had been away for 30 years. I spoke with as many people as would speak with me trying to choose. Some suggested one, others suggested the other. Still others had even other suggestions. I ended up settling upon the non tandem AFF. I cannot believe that it took me 30 years to come back. Kicking myself for not doing it sooner. I would really have liked to have some tunnel time, but there are none in this state and the nearest had been closed for covid. Best regards. Have fun.