Parachute Dropping
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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Yorkshire
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Parachute Dropping
Hi all,
I'm currently halfway through the ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Course and in much need of some hour building.
I have been told that a nearby Skysports Centre is looking for Drop Pilots and that you can do this with a PPL. I was wondering if this was the case and whether or not all of the hours count, as I've heard rumours that you're only allowed to log so many.
Any help much appreciated.
Matt
I'm currently halfway through the ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Course and in much need of some hour building.
I have been told that a nearby Skysports Centre is looking for Drop Pilots and that you can do this with a PPL. I was wondering if this was the case and whether or not all of the hours count, as I've heard rumours that you're only allowed to log so many.
Any help much appreciated.
Matt
Join Date: May 2002
Location: UK
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Very surprised that any aircraft is in need of pilots at the moment.As long as you dont get paid you can log it all assuming its a 206 and not those great big Let things like at Sibson.
Most places seem to have a waiting list of fATPLs around so you may find it difficult to get in and make the odd enemy if you bump a commercial pilot out of a few much needed hours.
Most places seem to have a waiting list of fATPLs around so you may find it difficult to get in and make the odd enemy if you bump a commercial pilot out of a few much needed hours.
Join Date: Oct 2002
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parachute Dropping
I used to be a parachute dropper in Uk for best part of 12 years (I already had an ATPL beforehand though) but my friends were PPLs building hours.
Unless the rules have changed, and I don't think they have, you can drop parachutists with a PPL so long as you're not getting paid for it. It's treated as a hobby. Also you could, and I think you still can, count ALL the hours. Likewise if you tow gliders.
It's fun. Enjoy it.
Unless the rules have changed, and I don't think they have, you can drop parachutists with a PPL so long as you're not getting paid for it. It's treated as a hobby. Also you could, and I think you still can, count ALL the hours. Likewise if you tow gliders.
It's fun. Enjoy it.
Join Date: Sep 2001
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parachute pilots
MD23
I currently fly at my local skydiving club on a PPL. The way to get taken on is I guess like any job, make a few enquiries and get yourself known there, thats what I did and have done nearly 1000 hours.
good luck
gdn
I currently fly at my local skydiving club on a PPL. The way to get taken on is I guess like any job, make a few enquiries and get yourself known there, thats what I did and have done nearly 1000 hours.
good luck
gdn
Join Date: Sep 2001
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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
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
