Para pilot continued, again....
Sorry PPRuNers, at the request of a PPRuNe moderator, I have restarted this thread. My apologies if my doing so caused inconvenience to posters of the last thread! We'll try again.....
Para pilot, continued...
Quote:
I hope I've posted this in a suitable forum.
,
Yes, you did. Unfortunately, as is apparent, that thread could not continue.
Some of the questions, and issues raised, were fair though, and I had some thoughts...
I flew a C 185 jump plane for two seasons about 20 years ago, mostly for fun. I was not "time building", I just wanted something different, and to meet some new people. I had never jumped, nor did I. I'm not criticizing jumping, it's just not for me... (I did have to wear a 'chute, though vowed to not need to use it). Everyone was happy that I never did.
I was thrust into the jump pilot role with no training or briefing (which was poor, but what did I know?). My first few jump runs were trial by fire, with the jump master telling me what he/she wanted. Well... sometimes a few details were left out, and some scares resulted. Worst was four jumpers trailing from the right strut together, without briefing me, then letting go all at once, while I had near full opposite control just to keep the plane straight. It tumbled rather violently at the moment all the drag suddenly disappeared! I got it back safely, and we had a discussion....
I would not tolerate "horse play". Foolish thoughts like taking keys have no place in a safe aviation environment. Yes, I could force land the 185 back onto the runway, but there is no excuse for the increased risk associated with doing it. More to the point, just turning the engine off like that, and heading down, is prime for shock cooling damage to the cylinders.
What eventually disuaded me from continuing was the willingness (expectation) of the operator to fly overgross. I did not like doing that, so I quietly stepped back from the operation. I was replaced with a 300 hour time building pilot, who seemed willing to accept a risk I was not, in return for the flying.
I trust that in more recent times, things are more safely done, but I'm not involved any more. Though I have flown Caravans and Twn Otters, I did not do so for jumping, only the 185.
If you can get some jump pilot time, take it seriously, do it safely, and insist on no goofing around, but it is a great opportunity to increase your experience, and make some friends....