jump pilot C206
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: UK
Your 1st port of call for info should be the British Parachute Association's web site http://www.bpa.org.uk
From there you can:
* Find your local Drop Zones
* Read the online BPA Standard Operating Procedures - Pilot
* Download the Parachute Pilot Application Form
I Hope that helps.
FreeFallFun
From there you can:
* Find your local Drop Zones
* Read the online BPA Standard Operating Procedures - Pilot
* Download the Parachute Pilot Application Form
I Hope that helps.
FreeFallFun
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 479
Likes: 0
From: Enniskillen
I built many hundreds of hours flying skydivers in C 185, 182, 206 & Islander.
PM me and I'll give you some contacts, they'll be looking for at least 250 hours, complex type and some short field experience.
Tony
Ps. You'll love it for a short time, but after a few cold days (infact most are cold at 12K) you'll wish you were doing something else.
I would need a lot of cash before I would consider it again.
PM me and I'll give you some contacts, they'll be looking for at least 250 hours, complex type and some short field experience.
Tony
Ps. You'll love it for a short time, but after a few cold days (infact most are cold at 12K) you'll wish you were doing something else.
I would need a lot of cash before I would consider it again.
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Wiltshire
Like most things, jump flying is a catch 22 situation. You need to have a serious amount of experience before you can get into it. Most DZ operators will want you to be a skydiver and an experienced pilot. It is challenging stuff. Every take off is a max all up weight take off and the climb needs accuracy. Dropping the skydivers in the right place is also a fine art with odd side winds and atmospheric conditions at altitude. Most jump ships now use GPS but this does not necessarily make things easier. The jumpers want pin point accuracy and good run ins. Also, flying a 206 with five people outside the door is a real hard core flying exercise. The descent is also a challenge both in piston and turbine aircraft. Ideally a DZ operator will want you to have in excess of 500 hours, an IMC rating and be a skydiver. Take advice from the BPA and if you feel you may be close to the minimum qualifications then place an ad in the BPA magazine 'Skydive - the mag'.
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 967
Likes: 43
From: 30 West
I think you over estimate slightly silvereagle.
Having been Chief Pilot for a 3 aeroplane operation for 10 years, albeit a while back, I always looked for and got better results from lower time pilots who had a passion. At 206, PA32, 182 level, they don't need to be skydivers, the club will eventually persuade them to try it and they will benefit. You don't need an IMC rating because all flying will be done strictly VFR won't it
The training needs to be good, they need careful supervision and you need good SOP's which all pilot's adhere to and get a refresher on from time to time. You also need a CP with a good ear and a large stick if he hears the aircraft coming down too fast!
Skydiver flying is the last bastion of non commercial hours and experience building and needs the kind of dedication to stay at a DZ all weekend watching the rain to get 3 loads done last light on Sunday - been there, done it.
I have sent SYED some stuff and hopefully he will get on. To all other aspiring Jump Pilots, you need to be keen, you need to be prepared to commit regular time and also join in with other duties such as mucking in and cleaning aircraft.
It is a challenging and rewarding type of flying which if done correctly will leave you with a much better understanding of flying, performance, loading and practical operation of piston aircraft. If you get to operate a turbine - I hate you 'cos I never did
Having been Chief Pilot for a 3 aeroplane operation for 10 years, albeit a while back, I always looked for and got better results from lower time pilots who had a passion. At 206, PA32, 182 level, they don't need to be skydivers, the club will eventually persuade them to try it and they will benefit. You don't need an IMC rating because all flying will be done strictly VFR won't it
The training needs to be good, they need careful supervision and you need good SOP's which all pilot's adhere to and get a refresher on from time to time. You also need a CP with a good ear and a large stick if he hears the aircraft coming down too fast!
Skydiver flying is the last bastion of non commercial hours and experience building and needs the kind of dedication to stay at a DZ all weekend watching the rain to get 3 loads done last light on Sunday - been there, done it.
I have sent SYED some stuff and hopefully he will get on. To all other aspiring Jump Pilots, you need to be keen, you need to be prepared to commit regular time and also join in with other duties such as mucking in and cleaning aircraft.
It is a challenging and rewarding type of flying which if done correctly will leave you with a much better understanding of flying, performance, loading and practical operation of piston aircraft. If you get to operate a turbine - I hate you 'cos I never did
