Coach to AFF-I Program
About This Program
The ASCEND Foundation Coach to AFF-I Program is a career advancement and acceleration access program designed to support experienced skydivers in progressing from a Coach rating to the Accelerated Freefall Instructor (AFF-I) rating. It removes the most common barriers that slow or stall this transition—jump cost, access to structured skill building preparation, and lack of guidance/mentorship.
Beyond earning the rating, this program focuses on preparing participants to function effectively as professional instructors within a team environment. In addition to funded jumping and formal course preparation, participants receive mentorship from experienced Instructors to support skill development, professional judgment, and an understanding of how AFF instructors operate within operational student programs. This program is not intended as a discounted or casual path to a rating, but as structured preparation for professional instructional work, helping capable candidates move efficiently and responsibly from qualification to readiness.
This Program Includes:
Full financial coverage of the following:
Jump tickets for up to 200 program training jumps
Travel & lodging costs required for program related activities
All course expenses required to meet AFF-I prerequisites and complete the rating course
1 hour of tunnel time
Structured skill building program designed to hone the skills needed for the AFF Instructor rating.
Pre-course preparation & study materials
The transition from coach to AFF Instructor is one of the most demanding steps in a skydiving career. This program focuses on supporting candidates through the preparation and helps build the confidence to perform and make good decisions under pressure.
Who Is This Program For? ✈
This program is designed for experienced skydivers who hold a current USPA Coach rating and are pursuing progression into professional instructional role. It is intended for individuals who are motivated, physically capable, and prepared to commit the time, effort, and consistency required to meet AFF-I prerequisites in a demanding environment. Successful candidates are those who can remain current, adapt to changing conditions, and take personal responsibility for both their skill development and professional conduct. Progression at this level requires more than jump numbers alone; it demands reliability, sound judgment, and the professionalism and ability to function as part of an instructional team.
This program may not be a good fit for individuals seeking a casual or discounted path to a rating, those unwilling or unable to prioritize safety, training, and currency, or those who are not medically eligible to skydive as determined by the training provider. It is also not an appropriate program for applicants who are unprepared for the realities of structured training, guided progression, and the accountability expected of professional instructors.
Eligibility & Qualifications ✈
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Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be considered for this program, as 18 is the minimum age required to obtain a USPA License.
Applicants must be able to understand and communicate effectively during training and instructional environments
Physical and mental health should be considered for those looking to pursue a career in skydiving. While this program does not require an FAA medical, for their own safety and the safety of others, candidates must be physically and mentally able to perform the duties of an AFF Instructor.
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To qualify for this program applicants must:
Hold a USPA Membership in good standing
Have a USPA B-License
Hold a current USPA Coach Rating
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This program is designed to help candidates meet the requirements of the USPA AFF-I Course Prerequisites.
At the time of attending the AFF-I course, applicants must meet the following USPA requirements:Minimum of 300 total skydives
Minimum of 3 hours of freefall time
USPA Coach rating (which includes the required license prerequisites)
Current USPA membership
Eligibility to attend an AFF-I rating course as defined in the USPA SIM
Applicants are responsible for meeting all USPA prerequisites prior to course attendance. ASCEND funding and mentorship are structured to support candidates in efficiently and intentionally reaching those requirements.
The Application Process ✈
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The application typically takes 45–60 minutes to complete. It includes written responses intended to understand an applicant’s interest in skydiving as a professional pathway and their readiness for the demands of the program. The application is intentionally thorough, but not excessive, and does not require document uploads for this program.
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Yes. The application includes short written questions focused on understanding an applicant’s interest in skydiving as a professional pathway and their readiness for the demands of the program. All applicants who move forward in the process will participate in an interview with members of ASCEND’s Selection Committee. References are not required for this program.
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Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed as organizational capacity allows. Each application is initially screened to confirm baseline eligibility, then reviewed by ASCEND’s Selection Committee using a structured evaluation process. Selected qualified applicants will be invited to interview as part of the review cycle. Because this is a rolling process, review timing may vary based on application volume and program availability.
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Candidates are selected through a structured review process led by ASCEND’s Selection Committee. Applications are evaluated based on demonstrated commitment, readiness for progression, and alignment with the program’s career-entry intent. Interviews are used to better understand each applicant’s goals, expectations, and ability to meet the demands of professional skydiving training. Selection is competitive, and not all qualified applicants will be selected. Final decisions are made to ensure program resources are directed toward candidates most likely to successfully complete the program and pursue a professional pathway in the sport.
Ready to Apply?
If this program feels like a strong fit for you, we’d love to learn more about you. We’re looking for motivated individuals who are ready to commit the time and effort required to progress through training with purpose and accountability.
If you’re excited about the challenge and curious about what’s possible, we encourage you to take the next step and apply. We look forward to learning more about you and your goals.