Deleted 0 #1 April 5, 2002 OK, after months of fighting to find drop zones I can fit my loaded, car hauler semi into, I've come up with very few.The available databases of dz's are weak and thin, at best. USPA's gm list is fairly extensive, but lacks much information. Also, it (of course) does not mention non gm dz's. I tend to gravitate toward non gm dz's, but that's just a personal preference, and like most skydivers, I'll jump anywhere I can get altitude (over 1500 ft please).Does anyone have a decent list of dz's, both gm and non gm? If not, my usual routes are from central Wisconsin (home), down through Illinois (Vandalia-home terminal), and usually ending in Dallas or Houston. I know where the gm dz's are along this route, but the only one I've been into is Skydive Dallas, (forget Waller and Spaceland, unless someone wants to give me a ride to and from the Port of Houston area) and I'll never get in there with this truck if they are actually jumping. Any other non listed dz's in these areas that might accomodate a 75 foot long semi?Rev JimA-39869"It's just what I do..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #2 April 5, 2002 In the Houston area, Waller and Spaceland are just about it for big DZs. My newest favorite DZ has to be Skydive Aggieland (Skydive Aggieland)., it's about an hour north of Waller on Highway 6. You could probably get your rig into SD SanMarcos, but that's about 3 1/2 hours from Houston. On the upside, it is right off of I-35, if that's your route.If you wanted to jump Waller or Spaceland, you can ask around here, there are a ton of people that hang around in the forums that jump there. You could probably find a ride. Then again, you have 9 cars with you, right? "Homer Simpson, smiling politely." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyhawk 2 #3 April 5, 2002 have you looked at the atabase on this site???Opinions are like a-holes everyone has one, the only one that does you any good is yours and all that comes out is shit Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deleted 0 #4 April 5, 2002 9-12, depending on the size...I have been to Spaceland, once, and loved the place. I have a, um, "friend" here in Houston that gave me a ride there, and probably would again, but she has now found gainful employment.....damn.Also, I've been in email contact with a couple of others that jump there, but, well, I'm just not the imposing kind of person. I hate that tag along feeling. Really sucks too, that I never know when I'm going to have to pack up and leave, to load and head out of state.Oh, I didn't mean "big" dz's. Just dz's with big parking lots. If all they have is a c182, fine, that's what I started out in.....actually, I kinda miss it. The hot, sweaty close quarters of hung over skydivers, reeking of stale, cheap beer....... ~sigh~......ahhh, the memories.Rev JimA-39869"It's just what I do..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #5 April 5, 2002 QuoteOh, I didn't mean "big" dz's. Just dz's with big parking lots. If all they have is a c182, fine, that's what I started out in.....actually, I kinda miss it. The hot, sweaty close quarters of hung over skydivers, reeking of stale, cheap beer....... ~sigh~......ahhh, the memories.Definately check out Aggieland, then. There's no doubt you could park there. If you have trouble with it, there's a driver stop about a mile from the DZ and myself or any of the other jumpers and even the DZO wouldn't mind at all going over there and getting you. "Homer Simpson, smiling politely." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deleted 0 #6 April 5, 2002 Quotehave you looked at the atabase on this site???Yes, and like I said, thin. More helpful than most, but still thin, and somewhat inaccurate. Example: I just wrote a review for a dz that I have been frequenting for some time now.(South East Missouri Skydiving Club) Last time I looked, it was not listed, and this time, it is, but it says GM DZ, and I beg to differ, as it is not.I guess individual answers on dz locations will be the most helpful.Rev JimA-39869"It's just what I do..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #7 April 5, 2002 Jim,the reson the dB here is not as thick as you (and most people think) would like it to be is that its "member generated": its yours, mine and every other member's repsonability to enter new DZs and review them. I think this system has advantages: any one can add a DZ and reviews are done by Joe Skydiver. Unfortunatly, some errors can creep in if the DZO or others dont make the error known....I'm pretty sure Langar (a non USPA GM) has enough space for your Semi, but getting it to England migh be a problem RemsterMuff 914 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bhale 0 #8 April 5, 2002 Skydive Temple, in Salado, TX., is right next door to a truck stop! We walk to the truck stop, multiple times a weekend for food, etc... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #9 April 5, 2002 The obvious one I can think of is SkydiveChicago - their access roads and parking lot should easily acomodate your rig.Skydive Chicagoland (Hinckley) also as a truck stop (greasy restaurant called TEMPO) about 1 mile west, where you could probably park all day. We give them enough business, I certainly hope they'd let you..._AmICQ: 5578907MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfeYahoo IM: ametcalf_1999 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
underdog 0 #10 April 5, 2002 skydive texas..... i've been in and out with a 48' lowboy hauling a 12' wide 82000 pound excavator. first turn onto the private road is a little tight but if your legal width it's not any problem at all. there's about 4 acres of parking lot so it's fairly easy to get turned around. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #11 April 5, 2002 SD Atlanta shouldn't be a problem at all!!! Plenty of room to park.SD Monroe has plenty of room too once you get down the narrow steets leading there. Rome and Cedartown would be a little bit of a hassle. "I'm a danger to myself and everyone around me!"-Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jabeln79 0 #12 April 5, 2002 Archway skydiving Vandalia ILWe are a great DZ with C-182's and a King Air. As far as getting the rig in, the parking lot might be big enough but may be hard to get to a couple small roads and cornfields to navigate around. You could probably park at the truck stop in town and call the DZ someone should be able to pick you up. Less than 5 minute trip from the Truckstop and the DZ.Blue Skies Joe "Knowledge is the antidote to fear."--- Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deleted 0 #13 April 6, 2002 QuoteArchway skydiving Vandalia ILThat is literally the only one I don't have to worry about on my route. Vandalia is my home terminal (Waggoners Trucking), and my car is parked inside the shop, ready to go whenever I'm there. Problem is, I'm never there.I have been to Archway, once, but that was late last fall, during the week, in my car, and nobody was there. I'll try and make it back, honest....(still want to find out who that suzyQ that posted over on the "wreak" is)Rev JimA-39869"It's just what I do..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deleted 0 #14 April 6, 2002 Quoteskydive texas..... i've been in and out with a 48' lowboyIs that the one North west of Fort Worth? Any general directions? A local city? Please don't tell me to go to the web site, it takes long enough to get this one to load on this crappy connection. The parking sounds totally cool. I'm +/- 75' total length, +10-12 more feet of overhangs, and I cannot jacknife around in a circle, due to hauling cars. Is there plenty of room to make a BIG circle?Rev JimA-39869"It's just what I do..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deleted 0 #15 April 6, 2002 QuoteThe obvious one I can think of is SkydiveChicagoWas there, in my car. Was a windy day last fall, the day following a team members death. (Sorry, didn't know about it at the time. I just wanted to check the place out and scope the semi possibilities. Everything looked great, till I got right to the access raod (the one right next to the railroad bridge). There you go down in a dip, and right back up and into the SDC area. For a normal semi, this would present no problem, but a car hauler.....bad, very bad. the low 5th wheel might hang up, and I can think of better things to do with the cash from a $500 tow bill. I do plan on returning, just not in the truck.QuoteSkydive Chicagoland (Hinckley)Never been there, but would like to check it out.I have been to Skydive Illinois in the truck though. Get there early enough to park in the airport parking lot, right by the road. Really enjoyed my time there, including my first Otter Jump and my first reserve ride. (Not on the same jump either). Yes, I still owe beer and a bottle (but farmer said just get an extra case), and will be paying that up as soon as I can get back there.Rev JimA-39869"It's just what I do..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deleted 0 #16 April 6, 2002 QuoteSkydive Temple, in Salado, TX., is right next door to a truck stop!Noooooo!!!!!!I delivered in Taylor TX at the Chrysler dealership 2 weeks ago, on a Saturday night, then went back to Dallas and sat until Monday Morning........Damn, wish I had known that before! What's the truckstops name? (I'll find it in my truckstop directory, and that will give me directions right to the DZ for the next time I deliver there!)Rev JimA-39869"It's just what I do..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #17 April 6, 2002 Quote Yes, I still owe beer and a bottle (but farmer said just get an extra case), and will be paying that up as soon as I can get back there.A whole lotta jaws dropped when farmer showed up at Chicagoland's safety day this spring. I think he's gonna be there this year.I think this means hinckley gets your spare bottle.Chicagoland has a long stright driveway running perpendicular to the highway, if you get there early you can just park at the side. People have been known to park on the side of the road, as well._AmICQ: 5578907MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfeYahoo IM: ametcalf_1999 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
QuickDraw 0 #18 April 6, 2002 What about getting a Go-Ped or a monkey bike to stick in ya truck, you can get about 20 mile's or so out of a tank.Just a thought.......Billions of people living out their lives..Oblivious.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deleted 0 #19 April 6, 2002 QuoteWhat about getting a Go-PedI had never really thought about that before. I'm not really sure when I'd put one though. When I'm loaded, I have a hard time just finding somewhere to put the spare tire. Definately a thought though, I'll look into it. How much (aka. how many jumps) does one of those things cost?Rev JimA-39869"It's just what I do..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites