The AFF course differs fundamentally from a tandem skydive, as it ends with a qualification to jump independently, not a one-time experience under the supervision of an instructor. For this reason, the candidate must meet formal, health, and fitness requirements. Below are the criteria determining admission to the training and the places where it is worth verifying the details directly at the drop zone.
Who can sign up for the AFF course in Gliwice?
The AFF course in Gliwice is conducted at Gliwice-Trynek Airport by PL Strefa Silesia, operating since 2013, with instructors holding licenses with qualifications issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. The training is aimed at people who want to obtain qualifications for independent jumps, and no prior experience is required, because the course starts with theory and ground preparation. The drop zone has a Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft, and the jumping season lasts from March to October.
The training path includes, in order:
- theoretical training ending with an exam,
- practical ground preparation,
- jumps with two instructors from an altitude of 4,000 meters,
- jumps with one instructor,
- a practical exam in the air,
- independent jumps after completing the course.
Minimum age and legal requirements for candidates
Parachute jumping in Poland is subject to aviation regulations, and jumper qualifications are issued by the Civil Aviation Authority, which means the need to meet conditions specified by law. The minimum age of the candidate is 16, and minors must provide written consent from their legal guardians, a requirement strictly enforced by training centers.
A formal element of the course is the theoretical exam, passing which is a condition for moving on to the practical part. The standalone AFF theory training costs 450 złoty and includes 8 hours of classes spread over two days, while the MINI AFF package with the first jump is priced at 1499 złoty and also includes insurance.
What conditions exclude you from the AFF course?
The most commonly mentioned contraindications include heart disease, epilepsy, serious spinal problems, and some mental illnesses, although the final decision in each case is made by a doctor. The candidate’s individual health condition is assessed, not just the name of the diagnosis, so the same condition in two people may end with a different decision.
Special attention is paid to ailments that may result in a sudden loss of consciousness or control over the body, as well as previous injuries to the musculoskeletal system, because landing places strain on it. Any doubts should be resolved before signing up by presenting the full medical documentation to the examining doctor.
Weight, physical fitness and preparation for training
Weight limits result from equipment certification, because each harness and canopy has a maximum takeoff mass specified by the manufacturer, and most centers accept candidates weighing up to 100 kilograms. People exceeding this limit should agree the conditions individually with the instructor before purchasing the training, because the deciding factor is the equipment available in the given drop zone.
The fitness required for the course is not that of an athlete, but the ability to perform a few specific actions: maintain the arch position in freefall, reach for the deployment handle, and assume the correct landing position. What matters is the absence of serious mobility limitations and the ability to act under time pressure, not cardiovascular endurance.
The ground stage in the MINI AFF package lasts 8 hours and is used to practice these movements before the first jump from 4,000 meters. After each jump, the instructors analyze the recording and discuss mistakes made, and for many candidates a tandem skydive is a natural introduction.
Summary
- The AFF course in Gliwice is run by PL Strefa Silesia at Gliwice-Trynek Airport, with instructors licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority.
- The minimum age for a candidate is 16, and minors need written consent from their legal guardians.
- Contraindications may include heart disease, epilepsy, spinal problems, and some mental illnesses, and the decision is made by a doctor.
- Most centers accept candidates weighing up to 100 kilograms, with the limit determined by certified equipment.
FAQ
How old do you have to be to sign up for the AFF course in Gliwice?
The minimum age is 16, and minors must provide written consent from their legal guardians. This requirement is strictly observed by training centers.
Is there a weight limit for the AFF course?
Most centers accept people weighing up to 100 kg. People above this limit should consult the instructor individually.
Do I need to be in very good physical condition to start the course?
Basic physical fitness is required, but you do not need to be an athlete. What matters is the ability to do simple exercises and the absence of serious mobility limitations.
What conditions prevent participation in the AFF course?
Contraindications include, among others, heart disease, epilepsy, serious spinal problems, and some mental illnesses. In case of doubt, the doctor makes the decision.