Which drop zone near Bern is better for AFF — Swiss Boogie or DZ47?

Both are excellent. Swiss Boogie (~30 km) has a large social atmosphere; DZ47 (~40 km) is known for thorough, efficient instruction.

Can I split my AFF training between two drop zones?

In principle yes — AFF level sign-offs travel with your logbook. However most students complete all 8 levels at one DZ for continuity.

Is there a maximum age for AFF in Switzerland?

No. There is no upper age limit for AFF in Switzerland. The minimum age is 16.

AFF Skydiving Course
near Bern

Two of Switzerland's finest drop zones are within 40 km of Bern. Earn your parachute licence with expert instructors and Bernese Mittelland views.

Find AFF Drop Zones

8AFF Levels

4,000 mExit altitude

from CHF 3,200Full AFF course

2 DZsWithin 40 km

Bern's Best AFF Training Options

As Switzerland's capital, Bern has excellent access to two of the country's most established drop zones: Swiss Boogie in Kappelen and DZ47 in Grenchen. Both are within 40 km and run structured AFF (Accelerated Freefall) programmes from early spring to late autumn.

AFF is the internationally standardised path to a full skydiving licence. You begin with a full-day ground school, then progress through 8 supervised freefall jumps — starting with two instructors providing hands-on assistance and finishing as a fully independent solo skydiver.

On completion of your AFF levels and minimum consolidation jumps, you pass a written theory exam and receive your Swiss parachute licence — valid throughout Europe at any affiliated drop zone.

AFF Course at a Glance

🎓Ground school: Full-day theory covering freefall body position, altitude awareness, emergency procedures, and canopy flight

✈️8 AFF jumps: Levels 1–3 dual instructor, Levels 4–8 single instructor progressing to solo

📋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 progression

📍Nearest DZ: Swiss Boogie Kappelen ~30 km, DZ47 Grenchen ~40 km

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

Drop Zones Offering AFF near Bern

Both DZs within easy reach of Bern run full AFF training programmes.

Swiss Boogie — Kappelen BE

~30 km from Bern

One of Switzerland's largest and most active drop zones, with a strong tradition of AFF training. Large landing area, modern fleet, regular AFF intake weekends, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

AFF Info →

Dropzone 47 — Grenchen SO

~40 km from Bern

Full AFF packages with Pilatus Porter PC-6 to 4,000 m. Multilingual instructors, modern facility, and one of Switzerland's most efficient lift operations.

AFF Info →

From Zero to Licensed — Your AFF Journey

Ground School

A full day of theory and practical preparation — body flight, altitude awareness, emergency procedures, canopy control, and landing patterns.

Levels 1–3 (Dual)

Two instructors exit with you and maintain contact. Focus on a stable arch, altitude checks, and controlled deployment sequence.

Levels 4–5 (Assisted)

One instructor accompanies you in freefall. Demonstrate turns, forward movement, and precision deployment at the correct altitude.

Levels 6–8 (Solo)

Your instructor follows at a distance. Perform independent manoeuvres and nail precision deployment to earn your final sign-offs.

Licence & Beyond

Complete consolidation jumps, pass the theory exam, and join the skydiving community with your Swiss parachute licence.

AFF by the Numbers

8AFF Levels

4,000 mExit altitude

55 secAverage freefall

25Min. jumps for licence

AFF near Bern — Common Questions

Both are excellent choices. Swiss Boogie in Kappelen is slightly closer (~30 km) and has a large, social atmosphere — great if you enjoy being part of a big skydiving community. DZ47 in Grenchen (~40 km) is highly efficient and well-organised, with a reputation for thorough AFF instruction. We recommend contacting both and choosing based on the available start dates and the instructor you meet.

In principle yes — AFF is standardised internationally and your level sign-offs travel with your logbook. However, most students find it simpler to complete all 8 levels at one DZ, as instructors can track your progress personally and tailor their coaching. Splitting is more common for the consolidation jumps after AFF.

The Bernese Mittelland typically has good jump weather from April through October. Swiss Boogie and DZ47 both operate on a weather-dependent basis — jumps are only conducted in safe conditions. Expect occasional no-jump days; most students plan their AFF training across 4–6 weekends to allow for weather delays.

No. There is no upper age limit for AFF or skydiving in Switzerland. The minimum age is 16 (parental consent required if under 18). Some older applicants with specific health conditions may be asked to provide a medical certificate — your instructor will advise you at the ground school.

AFF Courses in Other Swiss Regions

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

More Skydiving near Bern

Tandem Skydiving — BernTry freefall before committing to the full course. Skydiving Costs in SwitzerlandFull price breakdown for AFF and tandem jumps. First Skydive GuideEverything beginners need to know. Licensed Skydivers near BernAlready licensed? Your local DZ options.

AFF Skydiving Coursenear Bern