I just did my first jump a couple weeks ago and it was an AFF. (I loved it! And you people are are all crazy! ) For me, I needed to go through the training... no real training and being attached to and totally dependent on a tandem instructor would have made me a panicky mess. Plus it was great to hang around at the DZ pretending to be part of the 'in' crowd while the tandem ppl came and went all day. Got to watch ppl pack.. eat, relax, watch landings, eat some more...drink (thanks Joe!) But, that's me, I fly and do a little aerobatics so I figured I'd be able to keep my head on straight during it all. ....Just didn't know if I'd have the courage to make that first step until I did. ....now jump #2... I think I can, I think I can...
