Vertical Flyer Free Fly School
Copyright Fraser Corsan 2008

The Verticalflyer Freefly School is based at Dunkeswell airfield Devon where we are able to jump from 14,000ft AGL ideal for freeflying. The philosophy of the school is safe progression from jump one to advanced flying skills. Whether you want to simply try out Freefly through our 3 jump introduction course or advance through FF1 and FF2 we have a programme for you.

Unlike many schools we are here to disseminate knowledge and advance flying skills we appreciate that coaching can be expensive which is why we are the only school in the country that charges only your Coaches slot only and £10 fee for your training. This makes us not only affordable to our students but means they can afford to make more jumps and therefore progress faster.

We are able to do this as our coaches our both professionals outside of the sport and do not need to operate as a profit making business. That’s not to say we don’t invest ourselves, we regularly train abroad to ensure we teach the latest techniques and continue to expand our Knowledge of human flight. We never stop learning.

We are able to offer training in basic entry level freefly skills to more advanced flying skills that require the use of all axis and fall rates during a single skydive.

Training Approach

The approach we adopt with all coaching is not simply to show positions and request replication, we also work on techniques to maximise effectiveness. All too often a coach dive can deviate from plan due to the student being tense or feeling pressure to perform. This is human instinct however there are techniques to reduce this and improve our performance we will introduce you to this so you get the most out of your skydive and you coaching.


Freefly Intro 3 Jump course

An ideal course for anyone wanting to explore the world of freeflying but aren't quite sure if they wish to invest in a full FF1 course. Included in the course is a Freefly manual covering everything in the course as well as a lot more for you to read up on.

We cover all the safety aspects such as fall rates, orientation, recovery technique, equipment safety, exit order, break off, exit position, in air communication, etc. As well as the in air skills to ensure you start with good habits.

Jump 1
The first jump is all about getting the most from your tracking in order for safe break off as well as teaching you a how to control flight whilst tracking with others.

Jump2
This jump introduces you to basic back flying, the first step towards headup flying. As well as making the first attempts at holding a stable headup position, with a good recovery position.

Jump 3
Jump 3 looks closer at headup exits, and general headup flying. We will explain what is needed to continue along the freefly route and what is needed to obtain your FF1 and beyond.

Freefly Exit by Fraser Corsan

BPA FF1 Freefly Course: 20 Jumps
Many jumpers wish to try Freefly and often try with friends or on there own but can find progression slow and bad habits and potentially dangerous jumps can result. By getting Freefly coaching from the outset you can see clear progression and develop good fundamental skills which will be the foundation for later more advanced flying.

This course can take you from having done no freeflying at all to having your BPA FF1 qualification, allowing you to freefly with others. The course is one to one and based on 10 coach jumps with 10 solo jumps. The course consists of 20 jumps through 6 levels, giving you the best start possible into the world of freeflying.

What is FF1?
FF1 is a BPA (British Parachute Association) qualification, which once attained allows you to freefly in a headup orientation (sit/stand) with others. If you do not have this you will not be allowed to freefly with anyone other than a coach in the UK.

The requirements for FF1 are:
- Be able to fly in a stable headup position
- Control fall rate in a headup position
- Control forward and backward movement in a headup position
- Control turns in both directions in a headup position
- Fly relative to others in a headup position

FF1 Course Syllabus
We have divided the course into 6 key levels, however you should expect to make more than one jump per level. 20 jumps is about average to complete the course, you should expect to also do some solo jumps as part of the course to consolidate some of the techniques you have learnt the general split is 50 / 50 coach to solo practice drill jumps.


Level 1 – Back Flying and Headup Position
This level teaches you how to fly stable on your back and how to control a heading in this orientation. After this you will learn how to move into a headup position. By the end of this level you will be able to hold a stable headup position as well as be able to recover to your back with ease.
Level 2 – Heading Control (Turns)
From now on you will spend all of your time in a headup position. This level teaches you how to control a heading and therefore be able to turn in either direction.
Level 3 – Transitions
A transition is any rotation, which takes you into an unstable position and back into a stable position. It could be a front loop, back loop or even a cartwheel. This is to show you can recover back into a headup position quickly should you find yourself unstable.
Level 4 – Fall Rate Control
This level teaches you to speed up and slow down from your natural headup position. Everyone falls at different speeds so you should learn how to match their speed in order to jump with others. This level also introduces you to the stand position.
Level 5 – Forward and Backward Movement
To jump with other freeflyers you need to be able to move towards them and more importantly away from them when needed. This level teaches you to move forward and backward in a headup position.
Level 6 – FF1 Qualification Jump
This jump combines all of the previous levels and demonstrates your ability to complete the requirements of the FF1 qualification.

Freefly Tube by Mike Carpenter

BPA FF2 Freefly Course: 20 Jumps (10 Coached)
Can you already fly in a headup (sit/stand) orientation and have your FF1? Do you want to learn to fly headdown?

This course can take you from having your FF1 to having your FF2 being able to fly in a controlled headdown orientation with other FF1/FF2 freeflyers. The course can be completed in 4. The course is one to one and based on 10 coach jumps with 10 solo jumps taking you through the 6 levels, giving you the best start possible into the world of headdown freeflying. Your should expect to make a minimum of 10 coach jumps and 10 solo jumps in gaining your FF2.
Photo: Babylon

What is FF2?
FF2 is a BPA (British Parachute Association) qualification, which once attained allows you to Freefly in a headdown orientation with others. If you do not have this you will not be allowed to Freefly headdown with anyone other than a coach in the UK.

The requirements for FF2 are:
- Already hold your BPA FF1 qualification
- Be able to fly in a stable headdown position
- Control fall rate in a headdown position
- Control forward and backward movement in a headdown position
- Control turns in both directions in a headdown position
- Fly relative to others in a headdown position
- Display independent body movement in a headdown position (e.g docks/handclaps)


What does the course cover/include?
Unlike some other FF2 courses we do not only cover all the skills necessary to complete your FF2. We also cover the theory, principles and safety issues involved in freeflying. We believe an all round flyer should be knowledgeable in all elements of Freefly both in the air and on the ground allowing you to progress safely and efficiently.
Course Syllabus
We have divided the course into levels, however you should expect to take more than one jump per level. 20 jumps is about average to complete the course, you should expect to also do some solo jumps as part of the course to consolidate some of the techniques you have learnt.

Level 1 – Transitions & Headdown Position
This level works on your existing headup skills, particularly transitions as well as practising short periods of headdown flight until comfortable.

Level 2 –Controlling Heading and Motion
This level will help you become aware of you horizontal movement as well as your heading, allowing you to control your flight. Horizontal and vertical speeds can be high in headdown positions and therefore it is key you understand how to control you position and speed.
Level 3 –Turns & Heading
This level is strongly linked with the previous, teaching you to perform
360 degree turns precisely and know if you have any unwanted movement.

Level 4 – Fall Rate Control
Having the ability to speed up and slow down at will in a headdown orientation is a very important skill to have. We will work with you to develop a wide range of speeds available to you.

Level 5 – Horizontal Movement
Another important skill is to be able to control your horizontal movement. You will learn how to move forward and backwards with control during this level.

Level 6 – FF2 Qualification Jump
This level combines all the skills you have learnt over the duration of the course as well as 'independent arm movement'. This means you should be able to move your arms (dock, hand clap, etc) while staying still in a headdown orientation.

All students progress at different rates so whilst we recommend progression through both FF1 and FF2 qualifications over 20 jumps. This is a minimum jump number and may be adapted for each student should work in a particular skill be required.

2 way Head Down by Alec Cotton

For the best Tandem Skydive and Solo Jump prices please go to our main website:
www.skydiveukltd.com

SEPTEMBER
7th September
Packing Course 9am - 4pm ish. Max 4 people. £40 per person, please bring cash or cheque made payable to Adam Kloos

22nd - 23rd September
Skills Camp and Progression Week

22nd - 23rd September
Chris Lynch wing tips canopy course £30 per day + jumps. Pre booking essential.

24th - 26th September
UKS BOOGIE
Pre-registration essential

OCTOBER
Sat 30th October
Rocky Horror Party
Its Halloween and rather than the traditional Witches and Vampires we are going for The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Break out the inner transvestite!!