Training
for parachutists
For the parachutist training you need:
- to be in a generally good physical condition
- passport pictures
- proof of citizenship
- birth certificate
- parental consent if you are a minor
The training and examination is in German.
To get to the dates, please switch to the German-language link here.
The entire training takes place from a fixed-wing aircraft at Graz Airport.
Do you have questions about costs and registration?
Please contact us via mail.
Fallschirmzentrum Niederöblarn
E-mail: info@fz-n.at
Information about the AFF-parachutist training
There are seven performance levels with well-defined learning objectives, which all together constitute the AFF (Accelerated Freefall) method. Each one of these outcomes covers a certain facet of parachuting skills. A student has to achieve the learning objective. Each performance level is completed with one parachute jump; if the objective is not achieved, the jump has to be repeated.
Before the first performance level, a tandem jump has to be completed. Its purpose is to get used to it and raise a conscious awareness of the free fall. A teacher controls parachute and landing.
Performance level 1
The student leaves the plane in about 4.000 m. Two teachers hold the student on shoulders and leg harnesses. After the student gets familiar with the environment and falls in a stable manner without help of the teachers, the shoulder grip will be released. The student has to prove his/her receptiveness by observing the jump axis through looking down to the ground, reading the altimeter and by keeping eye contact with the teachers. In the following three pull practices, the student changes his/her body position for the first time and repeatedly touches the pull handle. During the free fall, the teachers correct the student’s body position and any wrongdoings with hand signals. At 1.400 m above ground, the student initiates the canopy opening independently.
Performance level 2
This level covers further familiarisation with a stable, stationary free fall. Again, the teachers hold onto the student’s leg harnesses during the whole drop. The pull practices are repeated. The teachers conduct a rotation with the student to test his/her receptiveness. At 1.400 m above ground, the student initiates the canopy opening independently.
Performance level 3
The teachers will release their grips on the student after a good exit. The student conducts leg work and body symmetry exercises, then the teachers release their grip on the leg harnesses, but stay in immediate proximity. The student now independently maintains the jump axis, reads the altimeter and opens at 1.400 m.
Performance level 4
This level is about rotations and forward movements. Only one teacher accompanies the student at level 4. The exit is changed slightly, the student will still be held onto. Only when the student’s body position is good, the teacher releases his grip. The teacher signals the rotation direction with hand signs. The student initiates the rotation carefully and after a full 360° turn completes it in his/her original jump axis. After this, the student initiates his/her first active approach towards the teacher.
Performance level 5
is a repetition of level 4. The learning objectives are higher. Two rotations have to be conducted in both directions, the teacher should be approached again. Before opening the canopy, the student waves with both hands to signal the opening.
Performance level 6
Is about free fall before reaching terminal velocity. The student will not be held when exiting. The student independently decides about the jump axis. On instruction, the student conducts a back flip and a flash which is a horizontal forward movement.
Performance level 7
Is the completion of the AFF-training. The student exits the plane head first, conducts a forward flip, a back flip, rotations in both directions and a flash towards the target circle.
After the AFF jumps
after completion of the AFF-training, the student has to conduct another 20 jumps under supervision of a teacher. After that, the student takes an exam and will receive a parachutist certificate which enables the student to conduct jumps at every airfield. The entire training takes about 2 months