Post-AFF Progression
After AFF: Finding Your Footing as a New Licensed Jumper
The structure disappears after your A-license. Here's how to find your place at the DZ and keep moving forward.
AFF is the most structured part of learning to skydive. Every category has clear objectives, and you jump with a coach or instructor on every skydive. Then AFF ends, and you move into the post-AFF phase — solos become part of the picture for the first time, and you're building jump numbers alongside the remaining requirements.
Then you pass your A-license and the structure is gone entirely. You can jump with any licensed skydiver, but figuring out who, what to work on, and how to find your place at the DZ is now on you.
Most new A-license holders show up the following weekend, do a solo because they aren't sure how else to get on a jump, and go home wondering if this is what skydiving is supposed to feel like now. It isn't.
You have more resources than you think — and a clear path forward. Here's where to start.
How to find your footing
Four ways to stop doing solos and start building a crew
Start with people who already know you
Your coaches and former instructors are a real resource. Reach out and ask who you should be jumping with and what you should be working on at your current jump number. They know your flying. That introduction to the right person at your DZ is worth more than approaching strangers cold.
Find the load organizer
At larger DZs, load organizers put jumps together for people at all experience levels. Introduce yourself, tell them where you're at, and ask what would be appropriate for you. Most will have an answer and a group that fits.
Use DZ events
Most dropzones run events that bring people together specifically for jumping and socializing. These are the easiest entry point for meeting people without having to figure out the social dynamics on a random jump day. Check your DZ calendar and put them on yours.
Stay until the end of the day
Most DZ friendships don't start in the air. They start at the end of the day when people are packing, standing around outside the hangar, or sitting by a fire. New jumpers tend to head home after the last load. The ones who stay are the ones who end up with a crew.
What to work on
Give yourself a goal: the B-license
Knowing what you're working toward makes everything easier — including asking experienced jumpers to jump with you. A specific ask is easier to say yes to than a general one.
The B-license gives you back the structure AFF provided. It pushes you to develop real canopy skills, formation flying experience, and the judgment to jump safely in a wider range of conditions. Most skydivers complete it in 4 to 6 months after their A-license with a strategic approach.
We put together a complete roadmap that walks through every requirement, how to approach each one, and a checklist you can keep in your logbook.
See the B-License Requirements →
Download the Free B-License Roadmap
A 7-page strategic guide to completing your B-license, including a progress tracking checklist for every requirement.
- Requirement-by-requirement strategy and timing
- The most common mistakes that slow progression
- Complete progress checklist with jump number tracking
- Budget planning and realistic cost breakdown
Created by Experienced USPA Examiners
Christina Arango
USPA Coach Examiner
AFF Instructor
Jumping since 2001
Juan Arango
USPA Tandem Examiner
AFF Instructor · FAA Senior Rigger
Jumping since 2001