Hi Matt, hope you’re not the guy I replied to the other day asking where and what I flew. I wasn't being coy! Just protecting my anonymity
and my slot I suppose.
Anyways can confirm that you are ok to para drop on a PPL as this was what I was doing some time ago and having just got back into it, is still the case I believe although I now have the CPL.
Have a look on the British Parachute Association web site for the Ops Manual which contains details of flying experience and training necessary to gain your drop ticket.
http://www.bpa.org.uk/safety.htm Bottom line min requirements 100 hrs p1 and 10 on type. I think.
All hrs are countable SEP & MEP. As for putting a potential fATPL nose out by making an opportunity out of nothing, well you make your own luck, besides para dropping at many centres is often unpaid, so even if you were an fATPL the chances of getting anything other than expenses is pretty slim.
My advise go for it, get yourself off to the centre in mind help out fuelling and cleaning the a/c, sit in on a course or two and who knows you may get a shout. Far better than sending a CV besides it can take a while just hanging around to get a feel for how the whole thing works. Be prepared to have a dibble at the old falling with style
to show willing but also gives you an insight into what it feels like to be in the back when biggles is throwing it around. Name of the game is to take your passengers to their required alt and get back down as safely and efficiently as possible whilst looking after the donkey at all times.
A couple of other things I learned having just finished the CPL. Para dropping is excellent fun and the people are usually a good crowd, and whilst you will become very proficient at take-off's, landings and engine management it does little else for other aspects of flying such as navigation, radio work, circuits etc. as such you might want to keep your hand in at your local airfield.
Regards DD