Parachute dropping
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Join Date: May 2001
Location: Far East
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Parachute dropping
What are the oppurtunities regarding jumper dumping on the east coast? What is generally regarded as being the minimum experience needed to get a job as jump pilot?
Am I right in thinking that you don't need a CPL to do dropping, but that you obviously need one if you want to get paid?
Is it just a case of approaching drop zone operators directly or are there any other ways?
thanks for any comments.
Am I right in thinking that you don't need a CPL to do dropping, but that you obviously need one if you want to get paid?
Is it just a case of approaching drop zone operators directly or are there any other ways?
thanks for any comments.
A CPL would be recommended so you can get paid in cash, not in kind. I suggest you approach the jumpmasters at the drop zones in your area. They should be able to tell you if anyone's looking.
Apart from that good luck and maintain your professionalism on the job, some operators frown on ex-meatbombers.
Apart from that good luck and maintain your professionalism on the job, some operators frown on ex-meatbombers.
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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Jumpers like to be thrown out in cloud. Do not be pressured into climbing through cloud to drop them. You will be flying with absolute minimum fuel to start with, never mind a diversion to an airport with an instrument approach procedure. Do not expext good money, but do expext a lot of expense in driving to drop zones, hanging around while hungover and stoned jumpers prepare for their wizz bang adrenilin rush.
Also, most jump planes have been jump planes for years, had umpteen pilots thrash the absolute *4%@ out of them. So check undercarriages and control surface hinges carefully.
I once witnessed flap come out at 160kts in a 182 because the pilot could not slow down, this was my first jump experience flight!!!!I was told by the same pilot that I should establish 80kts in the climb out, fully loaded and more, I dont think so, 95kts worked fine.
Great way to build hours, but also good for character building, jumpers really like to suss out the pilots.
Also, most jump planes have been jump planes for years, had umpteen pilots thrash the absolute *4%@ out of them. So check undercarriages and control surface hinges carefully.
I once witnessed flap come out at 160kts in a 182 because the pilot could not slow down, this was my first jump experience flight!!!!I was told by the same pilot that I should establish 80kts in the climb out, fully loaded and more, I dont think so, 95kts worked fine.
Great way to build hours, but also good for character building, jumpers really like to suss out the pilots.
I don't want to be the best pilot in the world - Just the oldest
Join Date: Jun 2001
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I did the jump flying thing for about 4 yrs and built some good hours both SE and ME.
Boomerang I was always under the same understanding as you that a CPL would have to be held by the pilot to be paid. But given that PJE ops are pvt and therefore hold no AOC it creates a bit of a fuzzy area in relation to remuneration paid. Someone else explained on a similar thread some time back that to be paid, you can be an employee of the company and fly that company aircraft carrying non fare paying pax without a CPL. The big arguement is whether or not skydivers are indeed paying for the aircraft ride. Despite some moves within CASA to change the status quo, it would appear the the pvt ops category is going to remain. It is behind this banner that DZ opeators will hide to avoid having to pay you. Remember the instructors, jumpmasters, camera flyers, packers,manifesters and even the people who work in the cockroach infested kitchens on the DZ get paid. But as far as the skydivers are concerned the PPL CPL holder who has invested far more in money and study to gain his quals should be greatful for the opportunity to fly their clapped out C182s.
Dude If you can score a job flying for a DZ then go for it. As others have said here, good way to get that first 500hrs. But if they want you to fly in an aircraft or in wx you are not comfortable with, don't do it. You might not have your jump flying job if you stand your ground but you will have your life and integrity intact.
Boomerang I was always under the same understanding as you that a CPL would have to be held by the pilot to be paid. But given that PJE ops are pvt and therefore hold no AOC it creates a bit of a fuzzy area in relation to remuneration paid. Someone else explained on a similar thread some time back that to be paid, you can be an employee of the company and fly that company aircraft carrying non fare paying pax without a CPL. The big arguement is whether or not skydivers are indeed paying for the aircraft ride. Despite some moves within CASA to change the status quo, it would appear the the pvt ops category is going to remain. It is behind this banner that DZ opeators will hide to avoid having to pay you. Remember the instructors, jumpmasters, camera flyers, packers,manifesters and even the people who work in the cockroach infested kitchens on the DZ get paid. But as far as the skydivers are concerned the PPL CPL holder who has invested far more in money and study to gain his quals should be greatful for the opportunity to fly their clapped out C182s.
Dude If you can score a job flying for a DZ then go for it. As others have said here, good way to get that first 500hrs. But if they want you to fly in an aircraft or in wx you are not comfortable with, don't do it. You might not have your jump flying job if you stand your ground but you will have your life and integrity intact.
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That first job is the hardest dude, there is no doubt about that, you will be amazed how fast things can happen if you are in the right place at the right time once you have a bit of experience, not even a lot.
As for skydiving ops, why o why do they all think they are so damn smart to beat the jumpers to the ground, ie: hearing of turbine jump planes descending from 12000 to SL in under 1 min...wonder why the engines go bang??????? What is the problem with taking an extra few minutes to get down??
As for skydiving ops, why o why do they all think they are so damn smart to beat the jumpers to the ground, ie: hearing of turbine jump planes descending from 12000 to SL in under 1 min...wonder why the engines go bang??????? What is the problem with taking an extra few minutes to get down??
