bigs024 0 #1 May 10, 2002 Okay Here Goes,I just found this kick**s sight today, and am totally stoked. I only have two jumps under my belt (one static and one tandem from 14,000) but have never done anything that was more of a rush or met more cool and laid back people while doing it. Here's my situation, and any advice any of you guys (or gals) have would be VERY much appreciated!!!As mentioned before, I only have two jumps. However, skydiving is something that I have definitely wanted to get into seriously at some point when I have enough money to do it. So I'm down here in Florida finishing up flight school and trying to figure out what I want to do with my Commercial-Multi Engine rating that's going to be FUN for the next few years instead of just buzzing around a pattern with student pilots and it occurs to me that maybe this is an opportunity. I was wondering if anybody (fellow pilots or skydivers) have ever been in this kind of position before and how they went about finding their first job flying jumpers. Did actually being a skydiver help or not? I have a real passion for aviation, an understanding of the regs, and a total thirst for the adventure, freedom, and friendship that skydiving and aviation represents to me. I am not looking to just build time, I seriously think this may be a great opportunity to do something really cool!!! Any idea of good parts of the country or outfits where I may be able to break in as a pilot? I'm only qualified to fly the C182 right now, and here in FL everything is Twin Otters, King Airs, etc. Also, any comments for an aspiring skydiver who only has two jumps but would love to pursue the sport seriously? Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to your responses.Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #2 May 10, 2002 Welcome to the forums and the sport, Dave! Glad you joined us. I can't give any advice on getting a job flying jumpers, but there are a bunch of jump pilots who post here who can (and don't worry... they will... we're a talkative bunch! ).As for getting into the sport, all I can say is jump, jump, jump, read, read, read, ask, ask, ask, and hang out at the dz as much as you possibly can - even when you can't afford to jump. Explore this website for lots of info on training, gear and safety issues too (the links at the top of the page hide a load of great resources).And be sure to tell us about your first AFF jump! pull & flare,lisa---On the other hand...you have different fingers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dutchboy 0 #3 May 10, 2002 Most dropzones are always looking for GOOD jump pilots. Being a skydiver doesn't hurt you. Like everyone else they are not likely to let you start flying an Otter, Skyvan, or Casa right off the bat without enough multi time and time in type. You might be able to work your way up to that though.The DutchboyPhil's Flying Enterprises, Inc. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverdriver 5 #4 May 10, 2002 Quote(and don't worry... they will... we're a talkative bunch! ).Hey! I resemble that remark! Oh, I'm doing it again.Anyway.....Typically you will find operations want about 500 hours total time, Commercial, Instrument. This is usually an insurance issue. My suggestion would be to find a job flying students that also has an active aerial photography business, and does site seeing trips, and is located between some Cessna DZs. When you get your time up flying students and other stuff then you might break in as a weekend Jump Pilot in a 182. Get to about 1,000 total time and about 100 multi-engine and you can start looking for that Twin Otter, Skyvan, Casa job. By that time you will have learned more about the industry and can decide on what you are looking for in an operation.If you want to know more about flying skydivers I have an educational website with its' own posting forum. The site addy is: http://www.DiverDriver.comChris SchindlerATPD-19012www.DiverDriver.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #5 May 10, 2002 Well...if you don't mind moving I would say check out Raeford, NC. They have two 182's and they fly the wings off them on the weekends doing static line students. Here's the cool part....they also have two Otters and a Casa that I'm sure you can work your way into flying. The DZ is also a great place to jump and hang out. Give Tony Thacker a call and see if he is interested. "It's all about the BOOBIES!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigs024 0 #6 May 11, 2002 Thanks to everyone who posted. Glad to see nothing's changed...skydivers are still the friendliest and most outgoing group I've ever been around! Might be heading up to Carolina in a couple of months, so I'll be sure to stop in at Raeford. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dove 0 #7 May 11, 2002 Come on Dave, you know you're just in it for the BOOBIES!!!!doveYippee!!!! Extra Altitude!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
