Can I do AFF in Germany and have it count towards a Swiss licence?

AFF level completions are internationally recognised in your logbook. For a Swiss parachute licence specifically, consolidation jumps and the theory exam should be done through Swiss Parachute Association affiliated processes.

How much does the full AFF course cost near Basel?

At DZ47 Grenchen, a complete AFF package costs CHF 3,200–3,800, covering ground school, all 8 level jumps, and equipment rental.

Do I need my own equipment for AFF?

No. All Swiss AFF programmes include full equipment rental — parachute system, jumpsuit, helmet, goggles, and altimeter.

AFF Skydiving Course
near Basel

DZ47 in Grenchen is just 45 km from Basel — one of Switzerland's most efficient AFF training centres. Earn your parachute licence in 8 jumps.

Find AFF Drop Zones

8AFF Levels

4,000 mExit altitude

from CHF 3,200Full AFF course

~45 kmNearest AFF DZ

AFF Skydiving Licence near Basel

Basel's tri-border location makes it one of the most accessible cities in Switzerland for skydiving training. DZ47 in Grenchen is just 45 km to the south — a straight run on the A2/A5 motorway — and is one of Switzerland's most active AFF training operations. Skydive Luzern adds a second option at ~65 km.

AFF (Accelerated Freefall) is the internationally standardised path to a full skydiving licence. Starting with a full-day ground school, you progress through 8 freefall jumps under instructor supervision — beginning with two instructors assisting you and concluding with fully independent solo manoeuvres.

After your 8 AFF levels you complete consolidation jumps to reach the minimum of 25 total, pass a written theory exam, and receive your Swiss parachute licence, valid at drop zones across Europe.

AFF Course at a Glance

📍Nearest AFF DZ: DZ47 Grenchen ~45 km, Skydive Luzern ~65 km

🎓Ground school: Full-day theory on freefall, canopy control, emergencies, and landing

✈️8 AFF jumps: Levels 1–3 dual, Levels 4–8 single instructor, fully solo by Level 8

📋Requirements: Min. age 16 (parental consent under 18), max. ~100 kg, good health

💰Course cost: CHF 3,200–4,500 depending on drop zone and number of levels

🏅Licence: Swiss parachute licence, FAI-recognised throughout Europe

Drop Zones Offering AFF near Basel

Two AFF-certified drop zones within easy reach of Basel.

Dropzone 47 — Grenchen SO

~45 km from Basel

Switzerland's most active AFF training centre with a reputation for thorough, well-structured instruction. Pilatus Porter PC-6 to 4,000 m, multilingual instructors, and a modern facility right on the aerodrome.

AFF Info →

Skydive Luzern — Beromünster LU

~65 km from Basel

Structured AFF training in German and English. Cessna 208 Supervan, panoramic Alpine views, and a friendly community atmosphere at Switzerland's most central drop zone.

AFF Info →

Your AFF Training — Step by Step

Ground School

Full-day theory: body flight position, altitude awareness, emergency drills, canopy control, and the landing circuit — all before your first jump.

Levels 1–3 (Dual)

Two instructors exit with you and provide hands-on assistance. Master stable freefall, altitude awareness, and controlled deployment.

Levels 4–5 (Assisted)

One instructor accompanies you. Demonstrate turns, forward movement, and altitude discipline as your independence grows.

Levels 6–8 (Solo)

Your instructor follows at a distance. Perform solo manoeuvres and earn the final sign-offs — you're flying on your own.

Licence & Beyond

Consolidation jumps, theory exam, and your Swiss parachute licence. Welcome to the worldwide skydiving community.

AFF by the Numbers

8AFF Levels

45 kmNearest DZ from Basel

55 secAverage freefall per jump

200 km/hTerminal velocity

AFF near Basel — Common Questions

AFF is internationally standardised, so technically your level completions are recorded in your logbook and are recognised across borders. However, if you want a Swiss parachute licence specifically, your consolidation jumps and theory exam should be completed through a Swiss Parachute Association (Swiss-Parachute.ch) affiliated process. Your instructor at DZ47 or Skydive Luzern will guide you on the formal requirements.

At DZ47 Grenchen, a complete AFF package typically costs CHF 3,200–3,800, covering the ground school, all 8 level jumps, and equipment rental. Repeat levels are charged individually if needed (approx. CHF 200–280 each). Post-AFF consolidation jumps run approximately CHF 40–60 each at Swiss drop zones.

Swiss drop zones typically operate from April through October/November. The best weather windows for training are May–September. Starting in April or May gives you the longest available season to complete all 8 levels plus consolidation jumps without rushing — most students are fully licensed within the same season they start.

No. All Swiss AFF programmes include full equipment rental — parachute system (main + reserve with AAD), jumpsuit, helmet, goggles, and altimeter. You do not need to purchase any gear to complete the AFF course. After getting licensed, many skydivers eventually buy their own rig, but this is a decision for much later.

AFF Courses in Other Swiss Regions

Zurich Interlaken Bern Geneva Lausanne Lucerne Basel Grindelwald Lauterbrunnen Zermatt Davos St. Moritz

More Skydiving near Basel

Tandem Skydiving — BaselFirst jump with an instructor before committing to AFF. Skydiving Costs in SwitzerlandFull AFF and tandem price breakdown. First Skydive GuideEverything beginners need to know. Licensed Skydivers near BaselAlready licensed? Your local DZ options.

AFF Skydiving Coursenear Basel