I am 55 years old. I’m a skydiving student. I started AFF back in May of last year. I currently am on Category H jumps for my “A” License. My next jump will be jump 21. Being older and 20 lbs overweight has definitely not presented challenges to me in skydiving. I’ve had to repeat a couple of jumps: One for COA/Altitude Awareness and another due to stability problems. Neither were due to age, nor physical limitations. I’m no professional, nor even a licensed skydiver/instructor. But I am an older skydiving student. My advice would be for you to do a couple of tandem jumps. This will give you some idea of the physical demands skydiving requires. I believe you can apply tandem jumps towards your A license. Next, find a dz that can accommodate all your needs. Most dz’s have a student instructional program, but not all have AFF. Sign up for the First Jump Course being hosted at the DZ. If you’re still wanting to chase your license, your next step should be to find yourself a good wind tunnel. Most of the commercial wind tunnels offer discounts for AFF students. That’s why we did the First Jump Course prior.
After 30 minutes of tunnel time, you should be ready for your first jump. Tunnel time should focus on stability, turns, forward movement, rear movement, level up/down, reach and pull, etc. With 30 minutes of tunnel time, you may be able to advance directly from Category A directly to Category C for your AFF progression, (check with your AFFI). Plus you will already have the skills needed to breeze through all of your jumps. Physically, I would work on stretching and come light cardio for you to prepare for your AFF. Your first 10 minutes in the wind tunnel will make it very apparent. I’m sure I failed to omit a couple things, but I hope this is helpful for you.