AOC's for PJE Op's??
Maybe this is a good case example for AOC's for PJE op's.
A number of the posts on this subject have used words like;
'Operator' & 'Paid Pilots' and comparisons to Charter companies.
For a long time I have thought that PJE operators should have an AOC and have CASA scrutiny.
There are some of the rich operators in the PJE scene!. Why, because they don't have to spend the same money on maint. and CASA compliance. They don't have to employ a Chief Pilot, training, etc. etc.
BTW, as PJE is Private and not even aerial work, the bare minimum maintenance is an annual not a 100 hourly. Go figure that one!.
Flygirl; As much as I agree with some of your comments, please do not compare these PJE operators with the rest of the 'Industry'.
These guys are NOT part of the professional GA industry and will not be until they have the same operational requirments as the rest of G.A.
enaires mentioned that his legal eagle's belief that the jump doesn't happen until they leave the aircraft. O.K., therefore, prior to that, they are a paying passenger on an aircraft and as a consequence the operation should be classified as a charter.
Parachuting is a growing Industry, esp. in the inbound tourism, adventure tourism market.
Isn't it in the best interests of this federal and all state governements to mandate AOC's for these operators and try and foster some professionalism.
Just imagine a Twin Otter, Caravan, C206 spearing in with a full load of German or Swedish tandems.
It will have the same effect on inbound tourism as a great White shark at the Gold Coast taking a Japanese tourist.