Creating a DZ

[jrodriguez 0]

I am currently looking for information on certification of a drop zone area if that is possible. I would like to know what is involved administratively and who can provide the certification also. I am currently in Dublin California on a small military installation. Any help out there?

[Andy9o8 2]

Semi-frequently discussed on here. Here's a start:

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=search_results&search_forum=all&search_string=%22starting+a+dz%22&search_type=AND&search_fields=sb&search_time=&search_user_username=&sb=score&mh=500

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=search_results&search_forum=all&search_string=%22starting+a+new+dz%22&search_type=AND&search_fields=sb&search_time=&search_user_username=&sb=score&mh=500

If these aren't sufficiently on-point, there are a few regulars on here who are past or present DZOs. Hopefully they'll pipe up.

[councilman24 37]

What do you mean 'certification'? There is no certification of a 'drop zone area'.

Here are the requirments for notification of the FAA. Part 105.25
"Sec. 105.25 Parachute operations in designated airspace

(a) No person may conduct a parachute operation, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow a parachute operation to be conducted from that aircraft--

(1) Over or within a restricted area or prohibited area unless the controlling agency of the area concerned has authorized that parachute operation;

(2) Within or into a Class A, B, C, D airspace area
without, or in violation of the requirements of, an air traffic control authorization issued under this section;

(3) Except as provided in paragraph (c) and (d) of this section, within or into Class E or G airspace area unless the air traffic control facility having jurisdiction over the airspace at the first intended exit altitude is notified of the parachute operation no earlier than 24 hours before or no later than 1 hour before the parachute operation begins.

(b) Each request for a parachute operation authorization or notification required under this section must be submitted to the air traffic control facility having jurisdiction over the airspace at the first intended exit altitude and must include the information prescribed by Sec. 105.15(a) of this part.

(c) For the purposes of paragraph (a)(3) of this section, air traffic control facilities may accept a written notification from an organization that conducts parachute operations and lists the scheduled series of parachute operations to be conducted over a stated period of time not longer than 12 calendar months. The notification must contain the information prescribed by Sec. 105.15(a) of this part, identify the responsible persons associated with that parachute operation, and be submitted at least 15 days, but not more than 30 days, before the parachute operation begins. The FAA may revoke the acceptance of the notification for any failure of the organization conducting the parachute operations to comply with its requirements.

(d) Paragraph (a)(3) of this section does not apply to a parachute operation conducted by a member of an Armed Force within a restricted area that extends upward from the surface when that area is under the control of an Armed Force."

So, this is what you need to do to jump at a particular location.

Running a Drop Zone is a competely different question and answer.

Which were you asking?

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[riggerpaul 1]

Quote

I am currently looking for information on certification of a drop zone area if that is possible. I would like to know what is involved administratively and who can provide the certification also. I am currently in Dublin California on a small military installation. Any help out there?

Are you thinking about sport jumping into Camp Parks?

I think you might get some resistance on that.

Camp Parks is under the Class B airspace of San Francisco Int'l (SFO). In that vicinity, the Class B space is from 6000 to 10,000 feet.

Camp Parks is very close to the Livermore Airport area as well, and that's one of the busiest GA areas in the country.

If you want to make sport jumps, Bay Area Skydiving, Byron, CA, is only a short drive away.

[jrodriguez 0]

I will be running military ops but I dont think there is a site survey in exsistance. It would only be for military operations. I am trying to get whatever paperwork I need together and inform any outisde agencies that may be a stake holder in this. I manage the training areas here. I dont have experience in this though. Any other thoughts.

[jrodriguez 0]

Are you saying there is no paperwork involved as long as I have a free, clear space and the wind is right people can just drop in? I am operating on a military installation. I am trying to gather information so that in the future Soldiers and Marines could have this area as a DZ. Not sure how to go about it.

[SEREJumper 1]

If you are talking about establishing a military drop zone, then yes, there is a whole bunch of paperwork/ coordination (mil/FAA). If the DZ will be on a mil base, you can probably get it done, since the mil base/post may have it's own airspace designated. I've set up a DZ on base close to regional airport before, but it required a lot of work with the base and FAA to get any kinks worked out.

Start by checking out

FM 3-21.38 Patherfinder Operations (will need your AKO for this site)
https://akocomm.us.army.mil/usapa/doctrine/DR_pubs/dr_aa/pdf/fm3_21x38.pdf

or AFI 13-217, Dropzone and landing
http://www.nsf.gov/about/contracting/rfqs/support_ant/docs/logistics/afi13-217_opt.pdf

We're not fucking flying airplanes are we, no we're flying a glorified kite with no power and it should be flown like one! - Stratostar