AFF Skydiving Course
near Zurich

Earn your Swiss parachute licence with the internationally recognised AFF programme — 8 jumps, expert instructors, and the freedom of solo skydiving.

Find AFF Drop Zones
8AFF Levels
4,000 mExit altitude
from CHF 3,200Full AFF course
Age 16+No experience needed

Become a Licensed Skydiver near Zurich

The AFF (Accelerated Freefall) course is the internationally recognised standard for earning your skydiving licence. Starting with ground school and progressing through 8 supervised freefall jumps, you develop the skills to skydive independently — without an instructor strapped to your back.

The drop zones serving the Zurich region are among Switzerland's most active, operating year-round with modern turbine aircraft and experienced AFF instructors certified by Swiss Parachute and the British Parachute Association (BPA).

After completing your 8 AFF levels you'll add consolidation jumps, pass a written theory exam, and receive your Swiss parachute licence — valid at drop zones across Europe.

AFF Course at a Glance

🎓Ground school: Full-day theory course covering freefall skills, canopy control, emergency procedures, and airspace awareness
✈️8 AFF jumps: Levels 1–3 with 2 instructors, Levels 4–8 with 1 instructor (progressing to solo)
📋Requirements: Min. age 16 (under 18 needs parental consent), max. ~100 kg, good health
💰Course cost: CHF 3,200–4,500 depending on drop zone and number of repeat levels
📅Duration: Typically 2–6 weekends depending on weather and individual progression
🏅Licence: Swiss parachute licence valid throughout Europe (FAI-recognised)

Drop Zones Offering AFF near Zurich

These certified Swiss drop zones run structured AFF programmes within reach of Zurich.

Dropzone 47 — Grenchen SO

~50 km from Zurich

One of Switzerland's most active AFF training centres. Full AFF packages available, Pilatus Porter PC-6 to 4,000 m, multilingual instructors.

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Skydive Luzern — Beromünster LU

~55 km from Zurich

Structured AFF training in German and English. Cessna 208 Supervan, panoramic views of the Alps, experienced instructors.

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Skydiving Ostschweiz — Sitterdorf TG

~80 km from Zurich

Eastern Switzerland's AFF hub in the Sittertal valley (Thurgau). Pilatus PC-6 Porter; Lake Constance and the Alpstein/Säntis massif on the horizon during freefall.

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Swiss Boogie — Kappelen BE

~90 km from Zurich

One of Switzerland's largest operations with a strong AFF tradition. Large landing area, team atmosphere, and regular AFF weekends.

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Your AFF Journey — Step by Step

1

Ground School

Full-day theory covering body position, altitude awareness, emergency procedures, canopy flight, and landing patterns.

2

Levels 1–3 (Dual)

Two instructors exit with you and provide direct physical assistance. Focus on stable arch, altitude checks, and practice deployment.

3

Levels 4–5 (Assisted)

One instructor accompanies you. You demonstrate turns, forward movement, and controlled docking — progressively more independent.

4

Levels 6–8 (Solo)

Instructor follows but does not touch. You perform solo manoeuvres, backflips, and precision deployment to earn full level sign-off.

5

Licence & Beyond

Consolidation jumps, theory exam, and Swiss parachute licence. Then join the community — fun jumps, freefly, formation, canopy piloting.

The Numbers Behind Your Licence

8AFF Levels
4,000 mExit altitude
55 secAverage freefall
200 km/hTerminal velocity

Frequently Asked Questions

No prior experience is required. The AFF course starts from absolute zero — the ground school teaches you everything you need to know before your first jump. Many students complete a tandem jump first to get a feel for freefall, but it is not a requirement.
Each AFF level has specific objectives set by the instructor. If you don't meet the standards for a level you simply repeat it — this is very common and nothing to worry about. Repeat jumps are charged individually (approx. CHF 200–280 each). Most students need 10–12 jumps to complete all 8 levels.
This depends on weather and your availability. Most students complete the AFF levels over 3–6 weekends spread across spring to autumn. The ground school is typically one full day. After your 8 levels you'll need additional consolidation jumps (min. 25 total before the licence exam) which you can do at your own pace.
Yes. The Swiss parachute licence is FAI-recognised and accepted at drop zones throughout Europe. If you plan to jump in the USA or other countries, a local conversion process (usually just a skills evaluation) is typically required.

AFF Courses in Other Swiss Regions

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

More Skydiving in Switzerland

Tandem Skydiving near ZurichNot ready for solo? Start with a tandem jump. First Tandem Jump GuideEverything you need to know before jumping. Skydiving Costs in SwitzerlandFull price breakdown — tandem, AFF, licence. Licensed Skydivers near ZurichAlready licensed? Find your local DZ.

Ready to Earn Your Skydiving Licence?

Contact one of the drop zones above to register for the next AFF ground school. Places are limited — book early.

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