DZ Reopens with USPA Help

[3331 137]

Skydivers and one drop zone owner in Tennessee are happy again. Skydive Paris has reopened at the Henry County Airport in Paris, TN. Jumping commenced on July 8, more than two years after the airport manager abruptly shut down the DZ because skydivers were allegedly landing too close to the runway. DZO Johnny Reyes doggedly fought back and, supported by USPA, its attorneys, and the Airport Access Defense Fund, took the issue all the way to the top of the FAA by filing a Part 16 formal complaint. The result was a slam-dunk FAA ruling that “there exists a long-standing precedent for affording skydivers the same operational latitude given to an aircraft in flight or while taxiing.” The FAA threatened to withhold the airport’s construction funds if it did not allow skydiving back on the airport. “I can tell you that I had never experienced a greater feeling in my life than when those parachutes opened [on July 8th],” said Reyes. “The support that USPA provided played a key role in our success.” Look for a full report in an upcoming issue of Parachutist. 

I Jumped with the guys who invented Skydiving.

[matthewcline 0]

I posted the DZ re-openning in events and places.

It was quiet but fun day there today.

An Instructors first concern is student safety.
So, start being safe, first!!!

[Cloudi 0]

This is awesome! For once, skydiving wins!

Kim
Watch as I attempt, with no slight of hand, to apply logic and reason.

[CSpenceFLY 1]

Glad to see this.I hope the fuckers in the city of Monroe, Ga. get to read this.It's a shame that it takes two years for the FAA to make a decision and they don't issue some kind of cease order while they are pushing all of the paper around.

[steveorino 7]

All I can say is "way to go, USPA & FAA!"

steveOrino

[bob.dino 1]

Congratulations to all involved. Sounds like a good job was done.