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When I decided to go with the Freefall University I was choosing from a range of companies. I was confident by the time I arrived I had made the right choice and looking back im certain I did.

Im glad to have met the people I did on this weeklong skydiving adventure. My insrtuctorr was very helpful and thorough and I am grateful to him as I am to everybody else who helped me get through my course and qualify as a skydiver. The packers the pilots and everybody else running the centre .. thank you! Now if you dont mind i think ill go and chuck myself out of a plane one last time !

Everyone here is very relaxed and helpful. From skydiving to showing you around to anything you want to do really. The vibe on the dropzone is great and everbody had a great sense of humour.

My Instructor Tim was great, very patient and gave me great confidence with my skydiving. That being said all the Uni instructors are great. The only question is when can i jump next ? Wahoo!!!

After doing a tandem jump in the UK last October – I decided that I had continue throwing myself out of airplanes at every given opportunity. It was luck of the draw really that we chose the Freefall University, but I am very glad we did.

On arrival at the dropzone – one of the first sights to greet me was that of two of the cutest dogs ever – Dolly and Jelly playing about on the airfield. As an animal nut I took this as a good omen.

We had a very thorough ground school with Ulli Bulli (don’t believe what they say about Germans having no sense of humour!) Paula – who one day I hope to fly like – got all our paperwork sorted and introduced us to the rest of the crew, what a great bunch of people!

The next day we started jumping. I thought the tandem was good – wrong – not a patch on flying solo. What a great sport, what a great place to learn, great instructors and packers who kept us alive – and not forgetting the Trojan little Pilatus Porter that bravely hoisted our fat arses aloft with great stamina!! Aranjuez was a lovely place with very friendly people – but beware vegetarians – the walls in most of the restaurants are made of meat. It’s like having dinner in Jeffrey Dahmer’s basement with Hannibal Lecter!!! Can’t wait for the next jump y no puedo esperar para volver al Ocana!! ( I cant wait to return to Ocaña .

I’ve been into fairly extreme things for a long while – foreign countries, tattooing, very fast bikes, intense sports & competition – nothing without excess, but these were becoming a bit mundane. Then I read a Times article entitled “things to do in a weekend”, in the list was the Free Fall University & dreams of new adrenaline high’s came flooding in. Other commitments prohibited taking on this challenge immediately but 4 months later what started as a normal week at work went something like this:  Monday am, reach project milestone, pm get in touch with David. Tuesday am, agree length of trip & details, pm Book trip, following Sunday find own way from Madrid airport to Aranjuez & book into Hostel. Sleep. Wake up Monday & the fun started. That first day was filled with the basics – drills, equipment, protocols, set sequences of actions (look locate cutaway reserve – you’ll get used to that one!) with the possibility of jumping that afternoon.

Over the next 2 days all 8 levels of the AFF course were complete and what started off as far too much to cram in to one free fall could soon be done by 8 or 9k ft, leaving plenty of time to play. Its difficult to describe the emotions of a jump but it went something like this: 10 minute call, kit up (heart beat kicks a bit), air of calm & concentration descends on the hangar, walk out to the plane & run through drills (heart kicks a bit more), enter plane & get comfortable, plane taxis, takes off & rises through 6k ft (same air of calm, another kick) run through drills again. At around 9k ft begin final kit checks & obligatory hand shakes (it may sound funny, but these little things make a student feel part of the family), heart rate goes up another notch. Just when you think things cant get better the pilot shouts “2 minutes”, shouts “exit”, the door opens, the air rushes in & F**K ME adrenaline-o-meter goes off the scale and continues to rise as one by one the jumpers simply disappear from the door, then its your turn. Here’s a serious bit – If I had 1 % of doubt in the abilities of the staff, do you think I’d have jumped out a plane with them? – I didn’t hesitate. The first 3 or 4 jumps were a blur of drills, instructors, bashing Andy’s hand (sorry, mate) but after that it all starts to gel. The first time you free fall unassisted is surreal, and a little rough around the edges & likewise under canopy – look down at your feet and then nothing until the ground around 4k ft below. Landings, either with or without the instructors guidance, are as soft as stepping off a curb. Then its big grin time as you walk back to the hangar, debrief, re-brief & do it all again. The last jump of my trip couldn’t have been more perfect – clear day & sun-setting, jump, stabilise, rotate to face the sun & drop to earth at around 150mph watching the sun set over the Spanish horizon & pull at 5k ft (honest), then keep on watching the sun disappear when under canopy.

Just writing this has put that glazed look in my eyes & great memories – I cannot wait to jump again. Mr Gregory – its all your fault! So – if your reading this, you are on the verge of an awesome experience – just get on with it, go out there & meet David, 2 Andy’s (Swiss Andy is a big softy really), Paula, Ulli, Louis et al. The guys at the drop zone could not have been more welcoming, the atmosphere is relaxed & friendly. When can I start BASE jumping ?
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It was great to combine a trip abroad with the course! You are placed in an environment with no distractions and also with like minded students helping you focus on getting the job done.

The social scene in Aranjuez was great. It give the perfect setting for chilling out after a days jumping out of a plane at 13,500ft.

I originally started skydiving on the RAPS course in the UK but because of the weather etc I decided that an AFF course was the way forward.

The freefall university looked a fun place to learn. My instructor, Andy Gregory, was brilliant. He was very relaxed and coached through each and every level of the AFF course and because of this I didnt have to repeat any of the levels. All of the instructors here are very experienced but more importantly they all work together professionally (and socially!) and create a big family atmosphere which is welcoming and student friendly. I have really enjoyed my time here at the DZ. I have made lots of new friends and look forward to running into them at various DZ’s around the world. As for this DZ – in the immortal words of Big Arnold….I’ll be back!

I am so pleased I did this AFF course, not only was it an amazing experience but it has built up my confidence in myself. Naturally I was very nervous at the beginning but the teaching from the instructors on each level helped you to conquer those feelings. I was so pleased to have one on one instruction from Andy Guler. Not only is he highly experienced but he’s funny and makes you feel at ease. Always remember to arch, legs, relax and smile!! For me, it wasnt until level 5 that I got the hand of it and really started to enjoy the flying.

Clowning around in the sky doing front and back loops, turns, tracking, etc is so much fun. I still havent quite got the hand of landings and spent some time wiping dust off my butt, but I guess that will come with time. Practice makes perfect. I’m pleased I chose to do the AFF course with the freefall University and in Spain. Everyone is so helpful and friendly and I even got the chance to learn a bit of spanish. Ive made some great friends along the way and look forward to meeting up with them at different dropzones around the world. For me this is the start of an exciting new challenge. For those of you considering doing it, go for it. If you can conquer jumping out of a plane at 13,000ft then you can pretty much conquer anything.

I was a bit nervous before I arrived but was met at the airport by Ulli and Paula and taken straight to the cheers bar to meet current students and the instructors.

Everyone makes you feel welcome and its very easy to settle in. I would highly recommend Andy Guler as an instructor. Very Patient and makes you feel very relaxed on the ground and in the air. If you have ever thought about doing this but keep putting it off for whatever reason, I suggest you get on with it because your missing out on the time of your life.

I did not really know what to expect when I came out here and was quite surprised just how much you have to do for your first jump. And just how quick it seemed an amazing sensory overload. Andy, my instructor pointed out that the secret to skydiving is to completely relax. He could not be closer to the truth!!! On the second AFF jump you will be more orientated due to the familiarity of hurtling toward the earth + safe in the knowledge that you are perfectly monitored by the instructors + should you make an error, they will quickly act on your behalf, as the jumps progress, so does the girth of the permanent smile on your face! Learning to arch properly could be an advantage prior to coming out.

This can be done on any flat surface, such a bed, simply lie on your belly and thrust your pelvis into the floor, head up, arms outstretched and raise your chest upward. After the first day I was felling muscles I never knew I had!!! The course is very well structured and there is never a problem getting on the next load, the instructors are very relaxed and explain thinks clearly, concisely and are reassuring. All the instructors were very experienced, open individuals who go out of they way to make you feel relaxed and welcome (they are also a great laugh). One warning!!!! I May have is that you must be prepared to spend more on jumps that you may intend prior to coming out. Skydiving is truly addictive!!! There is so much to do and learn when you are up there and it is overwhelming!!! The one teacher one student is also a great bonus, they know exactly how you are progressing and any “twcars”(???) that may be needed. I would have no hesitation in recommending Freefall University and Aranjuez as a fantastic place to learn to skydive, the place is amazing and my instructor was top notch, it will not be long before I am back!!! 30 jumps is not enough!!!

Just do it!! Cant think of anything to say that isn’t a cliché, as soon as you are in the plane on the way up you are entered into a different world!

My primary instructor was (Bristol) Andy, who I cant recommend him highly enough, very very professional and fun. Others I jumped ( once qualified ) with were (Swiss) Andy, Carlos and Christian, all excellent… sunset 2+3 ways ….were f*:king cool!!! So, stop thinking about doing it and get yourself there!!!

I had wanted to do this for ages and knew I would love it!I just didn’t realise that id love it quite so much.

The course has been serionsly exciting and tons of fun. The calmness and professionalism of the instructors helps to quickly sooth the nerves and fears when they naturally surface. Then you relax and enjoy the jumps. This has been a fantastic experience and FFU Ocana was definitely the right choice. I will be taking the formation skydiving course next.

When we originally looked at booking a skydiving holiday in Spain, we had to decide between two centres in Madrid. I am 110% confident we made the right choice, from start to finish all staff at the FFU were friendly and helpful (especially David, who arranging everything for us).

We arrived in Aranjuez on friday night, and were immediately met by Louis who showed us round and introduced us to the current students. Next day was ground school, which really helps any nerves you may have, it’s very informative and Andy instills so much confidence in the equipment they use and procedures in place. I flew (literally) through all 7 levels and qualified in 2 days, I hate writing cliché’s but if you have got as far as reading this, don’t hesitate, ring David and get it booked, I promise you will not regret it. Aranjuez is a good place to stay, there are lots of decent place’s to eat and many more bars. It’s also dirt cheap !! The help doesn’t stop when you leave either, David has already contacted the CCI at my local UK dropzone ( Hibaldstow ) who is expecting me at the weekend for my next fix!! Stop reading and pick up the phone!!!!!!!!!

“Skydivers don’t knock on death’s door…….they ring the door bell and run off…….it really pi**es him off” !!!

If you are seriously thinking about taking this course, do it! If you are in two minds about taking the course, do it! If you have just stumbled across this website, just do it anyway!

Great experience, there is nothing like freefalling through the sky! The instructors are great fun. Ulli is a laid back instructor, makes you feel safe and relaxed. Swiss Andy and british Andy are too cool for school. If you are worried about coming out here by yourself you wont be by the end of the first day. You will meet some great people and the nightlife is FANTASTIC! All in all a great experience and holiday, DO IT!!!!!

First of all I’d like to say a big thank you to Andy for getting me through my AFF. Also if you’re thinking of giving this a go alone but don’t think you’ll get along with anyone then you couldn’t be more wrong. After failing to flare on my first jump (Wally) I endeared myself to my peers almost immediately, who then preceded to take the mick for most of the week, as my landings were leaving much to be desired.

Not to be put off by this I continued (falling over) on virtually every landing all the way to Level 6. My first stand up landing was an absolute joy. Now I thought that this skydiving stuff was early nights and no booze. A myth quickly dispelled by meeting in the local bar ( Cheers ) at 9pm on the first night and then rolling in after midnight drunk as a Lord. Then it’s up at 8 for yet more skydiving. (repeat for rest of week) I made quite a few friends the week I was there and we’re all planning another venture out sometime early next year to catch up and fun jump. Going to try and get a few more solo´s done now I’m back in the UK so I don’t get rusty. See you all again around March/April.

The instructors were great and I would definatley reccomend the dropzone. Good DZ, good people .As for what i felt in freefall , words cant describe it. The experience is unquestionable. My best jump was level seven. Next course for me is freeflying. It is without doubt the start of the rest of my life …….i’ll be seeing and jumping with you all again very soon….cheers.

I decided to the the course after doing a tandem. Since then I could not help saying the word freefall without smiling.

My best jump was level 6. The atmosphere was great on the dropzone and Ulli was very sensitive catering to my needs. The landing areas was big and soft for my not so good landing.

The course was excellent. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere at the dopzone made it really easy to learn.

The course was excellent. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere at the dopzone made it really easy to learn.

Every drop zone and school has its own rhythm, energy and atmosphere. I found FFU has a cool rhythm, great energy and a friendly atmosphere. I originally began my AFF in the UK, (weather was a problem) so I went to the USA and did it there, it was fantastic, friendly and fun. I couldn’t imagine there being anywhere better. I then discovered the Freefall University – and my life has never been the same I now consider it my home DZ. The staff and regulars are encouraging (which is great when you are learning, and we never stop learning) friendly, professional and approachable, at any time.

I recently called David to get some advice and he could not have been more helpful, (well obviously he could have if he had he had offered to pay for my next 100 jumps in addition to a return airfare to Madrid – but I digress). I have seen both ends of the student experience ,and I can honestly says I would unhesitatingly recommend the Freefall University. As a first timer you will be nervous (or if you are like me very nervous) you need to jump frequently, gain knowledge, experience and with those three qualities comes confidence. More confidence = more experience = more knowledge = more JUMPS!!!

We all learn in different ways and at different speeds, no matter what your learning curve, you will find the right instructor to work with you. There are very few experiences in life which exceed your expectations, and for me Freefall University was one of those experiences, which is why I went back within four weeks of my first visit, and following a week jumping in the States with friends, plan to be back over New Year. If you’ve every thought about learning to skydive, you’ve found the right place. Now stop talking and start jumping.

Blue skies, Soft landing and Happy Daze!