AFF training regulations about maximum time between jumps before to repeat from level 1.

[pchapman 279]

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I passed all levels with no issues whatsoever.
I'd like to hear from you since you are in the sport for such a long time, how many times AFF instructors made someone repeat 1 and 2 three times???

As others are saying, one can't tell without video & talking to everyone involved.

But one expects some specific reasons for not moving on to the next level, to be written in your logbook or a student record kept by the DZ.

So it is hard to believe you had "no issues whatsoever". But I could believe situations where the deviations from ideal weren't big enough to prevent moving up.

Normally it is a bit tough to explain to students why they are being held back to pay for another expensive jump, so as an AFF instructor one wants to have a pretty clear reason --- "The requirements for this level include xxxx. You were unable to complete xxxx with any stability."


How might instructors be imperfect?

It is possible for an instructor to be overly picky. For example, not passing someone on Level 1 because their pull was slow and despite altitude awareness in general, the pilot chute release was 500' low. (I don't know how good an example this is, because I'm newish at AFF instructing myself.) Technically perhaps a fail, but in the big picture the essential tasks were completed to move on.

Occasionally, more junior instructors might unintentionally hold a student back a bit, by not releasing the student as much as planned on a particular dive. The instructors are a little wary because of something that happened before, but at some point the student has to be let go more to show what they can do, if they are to fulfill the tasks for the dive.

[shattenjager 0]

Again, thank you all for your responses, I see and feel a lot of good judgment and professionalism, your opinions are really important for me.
It might sounds stupid, but I'm just looking for some sort of "interior peace of mind", that experience left an open wound that I'd like to heal.
The reason I cited my SL military jumps, is just to demonstrate that I wasn't a total newbie, and I am aware, now even more ;) that there is a HUGE difference between SL and free fall skydive.
This will make a better skydiver out of me.
Thanks again!

Thomas

The mind is like a parachute: If you don't open it, it doesn't work.

[rehmwa 2]

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more junior instructors might unintentionally hold a student back a bit, by not releasing the student as much as planned on a particular dive.

that's interesting - I've seen the opposite

juniors release readily as it's pounded into them at the cert course - old timers don't want to take the chance as eagerly

YMMV

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[deltron80 0]

Just one note...the fact you already had so many jumps you damn well should've passed AFF the second time much more quickly!

[shattenjager 0]

Oh yes, I did it through with no problems, just repeated level 8 because I was too rushy to complete it, tried to jump 4 times in a month and everytime was on weather hold for high wind and then I waited 4 hours before jump, I totally messed it up and didn't deserve to pass.
I'm so happy now that I'm on solo and only 4 jumps from my license!
Definitely ground school again was really good, things changed a little bit since 2005 and I'm glad I did it again.
Being new in this sport I had many doubts and questions, that's why I posted here, and I got really awesome feedbacks and answers, really helpful!
Thanks.

The mind is like a parachute: If you don't open it, it doesn't work.