I have found one corner of modern education that seems ideal. Students are locked on to the teacher and the material. No one dozes off, even after lunch. People don’t buy other student’s notes. Ai will never save anyone. The class I took was the AFF – accelerated free fall – at the Ranch in Gardiner, NY.

It’s pretty much Pass/Fail.

Entering the Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) program is like stepping into a new realm, where the thrill of skydiving meets rigorous preparation. The ground school component of AFF is where this journey begins, providing the foundation for every aspiring skydiver. This phase is all about safety, technique, and building the confidence needed to handle the sky’s complexities.

It can be scary at times, sitting at a desk, looking at these slides.

The ground school curriculum is comprehensive and meticulously structured- I had a cool Kiwi named Daryn with 5,000 jumps. It starts with equipment familiarization,  including the main and reserve parachutes, the harness, and the Automatic Activation Device (AAD). Knowing how each component works and performing thorough safety checks become second nature. Additionally, we are introduced to altimeters, our altitude measuring devices.

Learning to read and interpret this vital tool accurately is a must, because … gravity.

Body position is another critical aspect of the training. We practice the fundamental arch position, which is crucial for maintaining stability during free fall. This involves mastering a slight backward curve that keeps us steady as we plummet toward the earth. Alongside this, we focus on the exit position, using mock-up setups to simulate the exact movements required for a smooth exit from the aircraft. Timing and coordination are key here, ensuring that we leave the plane in the best possible posture for a controlled descent.

Emergency procedures form a significant part of our training. We learn to identify common parachute malfunctions and the correct steps for handling them. Drilling the steps for cutting away a malfunctioning main parachute and deploying the reserve ensures these actions become second nature. This preparation is not just about knowing what to do but being able to do it instinctively under pressure.

For me, there were only three scenarios where I might try to correct. The rest meant cut the main. Fast.

Canopy control and landing techniques are also thoroughly covered. Instructions encompass steering the parachute, making turns, and adjusting descent rates. Practicing proper landing techniques to minimize injury risks, including flaring and executing a safe landing roll, is essential. This part of the training ensures that we are not only equipped to handle the free fall but also the critical final phase of our jump.

The engagement level during ground school is intense, and it’s easy to see why. Our safety hinges on our understanding and execution of these skills, driving our focus. Daryn went on for seven hours, and I never took a bathroom break.

Final result; I am writing this. So, Pass.