Dropzone Reviews

[sancripmaster 0]

As an ex-officer i feel rather differently to the Piers Roberts matter then you do

As an officer he has an obligation to make a stand on various matters, which i and others in the profession feel he was warranted in doing.

As far as bitting the hand that 'fed' him. As a competitive jumper, neither Piers Roberts or Andy Newell recieved preferential manifesting or rates. I also believe he left nethers a couple of months before being banned for ' being disloyal to Robin'. I think the only reason he was at the dropzone at all was the fact that he lived less than two miles from the drop zone.

I think the thing that struck those at the top as being cheeky was pointing the finger at those responsible for a particularly bad dropzone run by self intrest(everyone in the know is aware how Robin Durie got his position in the APA, and it doesnt have alot to do with ability).

It showed how threatened they felt by a couple of exuberant reviews that Retd. Colonel Mike Smith went to the BPA council to attempt to have him banned from all BPA dropzones. Not very mature and in my opinion totaly overeacting.

In most resturaunts if the service isnt up to par people complain and get a refund. In BPA dropzones if you complain then you are labeled a troublemaker and then given the ostracon.

[smiler 0]

Wow, you know a lot about Piers for someone who isn't Piers. Still haven't filled in your profile though.

4.37 - Fedykin logged on
4.41 - Sancripmaster logged on
4.52 - Sancripmaster posted

Funny that.

www.wingin-it.co.uk
Wingin' It wingsuit school

[damion75 0]

Quote

everyone in the know is aware how Robin Durie got his position in the APA, and it doesnt have alot to do with ability.

I have to admit that you have a point here. I mean things really have gone downhill since Robin took over the APA... I particularly dislike all the world class skydivers coming over to coach FS and canopy piloting. Not to mention having to have a top class load organiser in most weekends.

And all those parties - what's that about? Damn all those cheap drinks.

Like Monty Python said, what has Robin ever done for us? Nope, I think I will head off to a nice small Cessna DZ with an overpriced bar and no social scene...

***************

Not one shred of evidence supports the theory that life is serious - look at the platypus.

[twibbles 0]

I agree with you there, if anything things have gotten a lot better since Robin got the job. And he really went the extra mile to help out us university jumpers. can't complain there.

Eugene




.

"In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of
people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."

[Andrewnewell 0]

Hey everybody, Ive been watching supertroopers and something just sprung to mind.

"Fedykins Shenanigans are usualy cheeky and fun, Sandscripmasters Shenanigans are cruel and tragic, Which makes them not shenanigans at all,really."

"Eeeeevil shenanigans!"

"I swear to god Ill pistol whip anyone who says shenanigans again!"

Dont get all stressed out about Trolls dudes!

[rocketdog 0]

more related to the original thread......

.....i think even a student with 3 jumps at ONE dz can make a very valid & competent review. especially when he/she supports the review with details.

as a student -- still a customer -- they have expectations too, just as experienced jumpers. alluding to the restaurant comparison, customers STILL have expectations whether or not they have been to any other restaurants. in fact, students posting reviews could definitely be helpful (i.e. comparing teaching methods; maybe 1 method is better suited for you).

~hollywood

see the world! http://gorocketdog.blogspot.com

[Skycaroline 0]

Apologies for the late addition to this thread, but as my name has been mentioned more than once I wanted to respond personally!
As Liz points out I do load organise at Netheravon on a regular basis and I do not get paid. I do it because I like the attitude and friendliness of both the skydivers and the management. I also do it because it keeps my LO skills fresh and opens doors to work at some great events across Europe.

I listed the review from the perspective of someone who grew up in the sport at Netheravon, jumped elsewhere for 4 years and now chooses to be back there helping out at the DZ that first fueled my enthusiasm for the sport. In this review I openly identified myself as a load organiser there. My interest is 'passing on my knowledge and progressing the skills of fun jumpers on the DZ' (I get a kick out of seeing the improvement and the smiles). That interest will never negate my right to an opinion!

No DZ can keep everyone happy all of the time. I have my issues with Netheravon (as I do every DZ I've visited). But on the whole I love the place. I choose to load organise there, I regularly choose to fun jump there when I'm not organising and I never disappear as soon as the sun sets! If I become unhappy at netheravon in the future, I will move on. Skydiving (and load organising) is my hobby not my job and the atmosphere of the DZ is as important to me as it is to the regular fun jumper!

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, whether they are staff, regular fun jumpers, helpers or newbies. When I read reviews of other DZs I am interested in all perspectives. The way I see it is that happy staff and helpers contribute as much to a happy DZ as happy customers!! Can you actually have one without the other???

As long as staff and helpers identify their 'interests' what exactly is the problem? Perhaps the problem is that my opinion is a positive one. If it were negative, would it be more valid???

[tomvailco 0]

Quote

also the reviews written by students with 3 jumps that haven't jumped anywhere else.

Exactly. I think were I jumped and will continue to jump is a great place, with awesome people, but I don't see myself in a position to write any kind of review based on my two jumps.

[paraman1 0]

Quote

As Liz points out (edit) I do it because I like the attitude and friendliness of both the skydivers and the management.

I listed the review from the perspective of someone who grew up in the sport at Netheravon, jumped elsewhere for 4 years and now chooses to be back there helping out at the DZ that first fueled my enthusiasm for the sport.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, whether they are staff, regular fun jumpers, helpers or newbies. When I read reviews of other DZs I am interested in all perspectives. The way I see it is that happy staff and helpers contribute as much to a happy DZ as happy customers!! Can you actually have one without the other???

As long as staff and helpers identify their 'interests' what exactly is the problem? Perhaps the problem is that my opinion is a positive one. If it were negative, would it be more valid???

Well said and defended Caroline, a review is there to be either accepted or otherwise, its not gospel and people are free to chhose how they take it.
Character assassination and derogotory remarks don't bode well for the encouragement of the sport in general, like anything else - reading crap written by whoever leaves a bad taste........... regardless of whether they are 3 jump students, too tunny to fly like me, or mega experienced sky-gods - everyone looks up to someone and we all have a responsibility to ensure that the messages we put out are positive.

If we've got complaints and failings, take it up with the DZ/CCi concerned, if we've got good things to say - as well as telling everyone, make sure that the DZ/CCI knows too.

Anyway, Caroline is a star as she danced with me some years back - not bad for a pretty young women and and old chunky fart like me Enjoy the sport and embrace each others views and opinions - quit the bickering, it lowers the tone
Cheers for reading