The CATEGORY SYSTEM

Commonly known as the “Static Line” option as that is how your parachute is deployed on your first jump, the Category System, also known as RAPS is the method that the majority of DUFFC members start their skydiving careers by.

The idea is simple, you will gradually progress through a series of eight categories each of which adds a new element to each skydive. When you successfully complete the last category you will gain your skydiving licence allowing you to skydive without instruction worldwide!

Your skydiving journey starts with a minimum of six hours ground training where you learn everything you need to know for your first jump - a static line decent from 3,500 feet where your parachute is deployed soon after exiting the aircraft leaving your instructor behind and controlling the canopy on your own.

As a student parachutist you will get debriefed by your instructor who will talk you through all of your jumps highlighting good points and any areas that you might need to be improve on.

The minimum number of jumps required to become qualified is 18 however you may be asked to repeat some jumps if your instructor feels it is necessary.

As a member of DUFFC you will be given the opportunity to buy jump tickets at a highly discounted rate, we currently sell these from £20 each, the general public currently pay £42, making RAPS by far the most affordable way to learn to skydive with DUFFC.