I will sign up come spring 08 for the AFP classes.  Is there a detailed overview on this website concerning AFP? I want to know what each step requires and how difficult is to pass each one. What if I fail a particular step, do I do it over and over until I get it right? Are there additional charges when a failed AFP jump has to be repeated? Do I get the same instructor throughout the class or will they switch? After an AFP graduation what would be the next step to improve my jumps? What kind of a RIG would you recommend to buy for newbie jumpers? Where to buy it from? (The only thing I know is that they are expensive  )

I appreciate your input.

I am not an AFP Instructor / SDC staff, so anything I say should be double-checked with them. They are the final word

Not exactly a detailed overview, but here's the cost breakdown for each level
http://skydivechicago.com/Services/StudentJumpers/AFP2007PricingSpecials/tabid/126/Default.aspx

Each AFP jump has a different set of goals in mind. Getting stable in the belly to earth position, turning with shoulders, turning with legs, barrel rolls, front flips, back flips, exiting in a dive, exiting in a sit position, doing a hop + pop, etc. Everyone is different and no two people will necessarily find the same things difficult during AFP training. It really depends on the person. When I went through AFP (finished 2006), you would have to pay the cost of the jump again if you failed a level to retry it. Whether you pass or fail a level, you will always sit down and review the video with your instructor and discuss what went well and what can be improved on for the future. You'll find that each level stacks well with the next one.

The instructors may vary throughout the course of your AFP. But no worries, they are all excellent. During my AFP jumps, I had my first jump with Rook, and then split the rest with Frank and Dave.

Probably before you even graduate, you'll be introduced to people around the DZ including individuals with their coach ratings that will be happy to jump with you and help you improve your skills. Periodically, SDC also has events geared towards helping newer jumpers improve their skills and meet others to jump with such as the New Wave Boogie. If nothing else, introduce yourself around and ask others for advice on who to jump with.

Regarding a rig to buy, thats a question that should really be addressed by your AFP instructor(s) and the riggers we have at SDC. Your AFP instructor can give you advice on the size of canopy you should be looking for and Kirk/Betsy at ParaConcepts can help guide you in your search for a rig. I recommend buying used gear to begin with. It will keep costs down and allow you some flexibility later

Barring all of that, just tell the manifest ladies you have some questions about AFP, gear, etc. and they should be able to point you in the right direction!

Good luck and I hope to see you around the DZ!

-Neil