Skydive Licence in Newcastle
Get your Skydive Licence with the AFF Course
Learn to skydive solo with some of the most experienced instructors in the country. We have the closest skydiving training to Newcastle with a vibrant community of fun jumpers. Book your AFF stage 1 today, it is the first step to becoming a skydiver.
Complete the AFF training at your own pace
Learning to skydive in Newcastle
How to get your skydive licence
The Accelerated Freefall course (AFF) is the most common path to learning to skydive. It consists of a full day of theory on the ground and 9 skydives with instructors. With Hunter Valley Skydivers you can complete the course at your own pace, with no payment upfront.
AFF Skydive Stage 1
The AFF course starts with one day of ground training. We will explain all the theory and skills required during your AFF jumps: how to check your gear, how to fly your canopy, emergency situations, etc… These are all the skills required to perform your course safely. If you are not confident about your first jump you can opt to do a tandem skydive (TAFF) instead.
AFF Skydives 2 to 9
After passing your ground course and being cleared to jump you will perform AFF stage 1. Assisted by 2 instructors in freefall this will be your very first skydive, wearing and flying your own canopy back to the ground. Instructors will do a debrief session so can start building confidence and acquiring new skills. After AFF1 there are another 8 stages required to pass the AFF course.
'A' Licence Course
After completing and passing your AFF training you are still considered a student, but you don’t rquire direct supervision in freefall. You will be able to do solo skydives and continue to build your abilities. To get your first skydiving licence you will need to complete the ‘A’ licence course, a half a day training with a written exam to consolidate everything you have learned throughout AFF and some solo and group skydives.
Skydive licence packages
AFF Learn to Skydive options
You are not required to pay for the full course upfront. If you are not sure about becoming a skydiver the best option is to book AFF Stage 1 to get started. Otherwise you can book the full AFF course and complete it in a few days or weeks, it is up to you.
AFF Stage 1
$495
APF student membership
Pre-course online training
Full day ground training
AFF Skydive 1
All gear and training materials
AFF Full Course
$2,399
APF student membership
Pre-course online training
Full day ground training
All 9 AFF Skydives
All gear and training materials
A - Package
$3,199
APF student membership
Pre-course online training
Full day ground training
All 9 AFF Skydives
6 additional jumps with gear hire
A Licence course and exam
All gear and training materials
B - Package
$4,799
APF student membership
Pre-course online training
Full day ground training
All 9 AFF Skydives
12 additional jumps with gear hire (8 of which can be B-rel coached)
A Licence course and exam
All gear and training materials
Sign Up to the AFF Course in the Hunter Valley
Submit your details and our team will get in touch to discuss your goals and get you signed up into one of our AFF courses. Alternatively you can call us on 1300 759 348
Skydive licence in Australia
Licensed under the Australian Parachute Federation
Our dropzone and instructors are registered and qualified by the Australian Parachute Federation. Once you complete your AFF course and A licence you officially become a licensed skydiver. Not only you can jump in other dropzones around Australia, but also overseas. The APF skydive licence is recognised internationally in most countries, although minium experience requirements may apply depending on the dropzone.
Skydiving licence with Hunter Valley Skydivers
A skydiving club with 50 years of history
Previously known as Newcastle Sports Parachute Club, we have been skydiving in the Newcastle-Hunter region for over 5 decades, training thousands of skydivers in AFF courses over the years. Rest assured you are in good hands!
Our instructors are truly passionate about helping new people get into the sport. They are also some of the most experienced in the country.
No buses or transfers involved. We have a self-contained dropzone with large grass areas to hang out.
Our dropzone is perfect to learn to skydive, with large open areas to land without hazards.
We are located in Elderslie, just a 50-minute drive from Newcastle.
We have a great community of fun jumpers with regular events at the dropzone, perfect to get into the sport.
You can do the AFF course stage by stage, with no upfront payment for the full course required.
Newcastle skydiving licence FAQs
FAQs about the skydiving licence
Contact our friendly team with any other questions or concerns you may have for an individual assessment.
What's the minimum age to learn to skydive in Australia?
Under the Australian Parachute Federation, 16 years old is the legal minimum age to learn to skydive in Australia. At our 1300SKYDIVE locations we normally require skydiving students to be 18. If a minor over 16 is serious about doing the AFF course we can discuss it with parents or guardians.
How long does it take to complete the AFF course?
You can complete it in just a few days, or weeks. It is not recommended to leave more than 2 weeks between AFF stages.
Is learning to skydive safe?
We make learning to skydive as safe as possible. Our instructors at 1300SKYDIVE are qualified under the Australian Parachute Federation and highly experienced, with thousands of skydives each. During your AFF training you will gained the necessary skills to safely skydive solo.
Do I have to pay for the full course upfront?
You can complete the AFF course and get your skydive licence at your own pace, there is no need to pay for the full course upfront. PAYG is a good option if you are not sure about it, but you can get a better value with an AFF package.
How many tandem skydives do I need to do before signing up for AFF?
Although it can be beneficial to do a tandem skydive to know what to expect, you are not required to have any previous experience before AFF Stage 1.
What is the total cost to obtain the A licence?
You will need to complete AFF and a minimum of 10 witnessed landings achieving the A licence accuracy requirements. This typically takes between 15 and 25 jumps, about $3,199 to $4,000.
Do I need to buy my own gear after completing the AFF course?
You can buy jump tickets with gear hire while you put together your first set of gear. Your skydiving instructors will be able to guide you through the process.
Can I fly a wingsuit after AFF?
Under the current APF regulations you will need a minimum of 200 jumps, a D licence, and completing the wingsuit crest with a qualified coach. Some dropzones may have additional requirements, like a higher number of minimum jumps before you are allowed to fly a wingsuit.
Is the APF licence valid if I travel overseas?
Yes, your APF licence will be valid in other countries. Bear in mind that other federations like the USPA or BPA may have different requirements to the APF, and you will be required to purchase temporary or visitor memberships before you can jump.
Can I jump with other licensed skydivers after AFF?
Once you complete your B-rel table and get signed off by your Chief Instructor you will be allowed to do 4-ways with other licensed skydivers. The Star Crest will prepare you to safely jump with bigger groups.
Can I wear an action camera to film my skydives after AFF?
You will be required to have a minimum of 100 skydives and a C licence before you can be signed off to wear a snag-free helmetmounted camera, at the discretion of the CI/ DZSO.
Come join us!
Our instructors evaluate registrations on a case by case basis. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns to discuss your individual circumstances.