AFF via osmosis?

[livendive 8]

I thought there was an instructor's forum here, which would be more appropriate for this, but I don't see it, so here goes.

I'm currently S/L, IAD, and TDM rated and am considering attending an AFF course in about two months. My concern is that I have almost no exposure to AFF, as it's not been a method we offer at my home DZ (we'd like to, thus this consideration). My question is for those of you who have taken the course, and especially for those who came from a strictly tandem/static line/IAD dropzone. Did you feel the other candidates had a substantial advantage by virtue of hanging out at AFF DZ's for years? How much better do you think folks were prepared when they had watched countless student videos, listened to NSTIW stories, etc..

Basically, do you think there is some level of osmosis that will be lacking in a person who hasn't been surrounded by AFF?

Blues,
Dave

"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!"
(drink Mountain Dew)

[Tonto 1]

Assuming you have the ground skills, AFF requires 3 primary flying skills. (This is my opinion)

1. Launch and control exits - even when things are screwy.

2. Fly no contact - even when your target is highly mobile, regardless of fall rate (Range is critical)

3. Vertical aggression - for when they go 3D on you. Some flat fly positions don't work here, and you'll need to do what works for you.

I did AFF IC course in the US, and it was a blast. I knew nothing about AFF other than the fact that I wanted to do it.

I now have over 1400 AFF dives. More than any other "chunk" I have - and I love it.

Oh. You'll need someone else to do AFF with at your home DZ. If you don't have the airskills, go on a pre course, or practice with other AFF I's.

t

It's the year of the Pig.

[livendive 8]

  Quote

Assuming you have the ground skills, AFF requires 3 primary flying skills. (This is my opinion)

1. Launch and control exits - even when things are screwy.

I feel OK with this one.

  Quote

2. Fly no contact - even when your target is highly mobile, regardless of fall rate (Range is critical)

This is my weak point. I can fastfall with just about anyone (150 on my belly) but need more slowfall range. In real life, I would likely pass a 5'6" 95 lb girl off to an instructor with more float, but I don't think that's an option in the course.

  Quote

3. Vertical aggression - for when they go 3D on you. Some flat fly positions don't work here, and you'll need to do what works for you.

I feel ok with this one.

  Quote

I did AFF IC course in the US, and it was a blast. I knew nothing about AFF other than the fact that I wanted to do it.

I now have over 1400 AFF dives. More than any other "chunk" I have - and I love it.

Oh. You'll need someone else to do AFF with at your home DZ. If you don't have the airskills, go on a pre course, or practice with other AFF I's.

That's what I was looking for...someone who had passed the course without previously being immersed in the method of instruction. We recently added an AFF-I to our DZ staff, but with just him, we're limited to the Tandem/IAF program. If I go get a rating, we'll be able to offer regular AFF as well.

Thanks for the response.

Blues,
Dave

"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!"
(drink Mountain Dew)

[Tonto 1]

  Quote

This is my weak point. I can fastfall with just about anyone (150 on my belly) but need more slowfall range. In real life, I would likely pass a 5'6" 95 lb girl off to an instructor with more float, but I don't think that's an option in the course.

It may be an option on the course, if you mention it.
Doing so means you're aware of your potential shortcomings and are doing the right thing to keep the "student (evaluator)" within your range.

If they insist on being 5'6 and 95lbs, then put a bunch of weight on them and wear a freefly tent.

I weigh 165lbs, which puts me middle of the road. I can keep up with the 220lb jumpers cos I have a spine that others envy, and when I go flat I can stay with the 100lb people if I've put them in something really slick - but we're dealing with laws of physics.

Being one of only 2 AFF I's on your DZ means you should try a pair up with someone lightish, so when the students go to release dives - you can "specialise" on your fall rates.

PM me if you need more info/insight/whatever.

t

It's the year of the Pig.