Hi Paul- Welcome to the forums! I'll answer your questions as best as I can, but one thing you'll soon learn about these forums is to take everything you read with a grain of salt. After beginning your training, whether it be AFF, static line, or tandem progression, always listen to your instructors. - Once I've done the AFF and 10 jumps what remains to be done to get my licence - I've heard about 3 different courses for different kinds of jumping, do I only need to do one of these, or is it required/common to do more than one, and approximately what will it cost me? Yes, you only need to do one course. Some people start out doing AFF and decide to do static line or vice-versa instead, but it's not required to do more than one. You will normally go through a 4-5 hr. jump school for static line or AFF. I'm assuming it's the same for tandem progression, but I'm not sure. I did AFF, so I'm the most familiar with that. Static line is the least expensive training, I'm not sure of the cost exactly. AFF will cost approx 1 grand, and IMHO, since tandem progression costs about the same as AFF, I think it's better to go ahead and build up that confidence by jumping on your own. I think most people that decide on the tandem progression course do so b/c they've already done 2 or 3 tandems, and I think most DZ's count that towards your training, even if you didn't set out to do that in the beginning ( I think). I don't know if you've heard of the SIM (skydiver's information manual), but you will find the requirements you'll need to get all of your licenses. You can find the SIM on www.uspa.org ***- How "current" do I have to be to jump once I've got my licence - is there a period of time after which I have to revalidate my licence if I haven't jumped? I pulled this off of the USPA website, from the SIM: A License USPA A-license holders who have not made a freefall skydive within-- 1. 60 days: should make at least one jump under the supervision of a currently rated USPA instructional rating holder until demonstrating altitude awareness, freefall control on all axes, tracking, and canopy skills sufficient for safely jumping in groups 2. 90 days: should make at least one jump beginning in Category D with a USPA AFF Instructor or in Category B with a USPA IAD Static-Line, or Tandem Instructor before proceeding to unsupervised freefall ***- What gear will I need to buy once I've done the AFF, and what will it all cost me if I buy second-hand (price for good second hand gear, rather than cheapest price please). How long will a first set of gear typically last me? Basic stuff would be: container, main parachute, reserve parachute, helmet, altimeter, goggles, and I would recommend an AAD (automatic activation device). The AAD's are expensive, but it may save your ass. Depending on what type of flying you want to explore (belly flying vs. freeflying), you may want to get a container that will be suitable for all types of flying. You can find very good used gear here on dz.com or paragear.com or pierltd.com. Also, check with your rigger at your dz-he may have some used gear for sale. I purchased used gear (container, reserve, main and AAD) a few years ago for about 2 grand. You can read some of the safety articles here for lots more info about what to look for when buying a new/used rig. Your gear will last quite a while if you take good care of it. Keep your parachute out of the sun. Most canopies have to be re-lined after about 500 jumps or so. There is also an article in safety on this website about how to care for your gear. I hope this helps. Good luck with everything. Blue skies, Kim
