Tweek 0 #1 December 30, 2004 Hey everybody, im a pilot who is new to this sport. i have recently "inherited" a dc 3 that i would love to get flying. what i am curious about is how much is fair to charge? how many people do i need to take up to cover my fuel? would this plane be a novelty, only used for boogies, or could i fly it every weekend? thanks for the help! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #2 December 30, 2004 Almost everything depends on where the plane is. How much does fuel cost, how many jumpers are there, etc... How many jumpers you need to cover cost depends on how much you charge them. It's gonna be a pretty big minimum load for a DC-3, so you can only fly it every weekend if you have enough jumpers to meet the minimum. How'd ya inherit it? Is it too late to be adopted? Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drakeshelby 0 #3 December 30, 2004 I have no idea. I know a pilot that has had a few jump planes that might be able to offer you a start. Most dropzones are about $18 - $20 per slot(jumper that is). As for how many people you can take depends a little on what type of seating arrangement is inside your plane. Most jump planes do not have any seats in them at all. If they have any seating in them it is just long benches down the side (ex. - Otters,skyvans). Most jump pilots do fill the tanks all the way up either for wait reduction(this is moreso I think in turbine aircraft). I think in your plane you can take safely around 12 jumpers. As for being used in boogies, most people are going to want to jump the turbines just beacuse they are a faster ride to altitude. This is a plane that you could fly every weekend if you are at or around a dropzone that does not have a big plane or a turbine. I know I have not been direct in answering your questions but it might give you some ideas. If I were you I would call around to some different dropzones around your area to see what they charge and ask them how they run their operation. drakeshelbydrakeshelby Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #4 December 30, 2004 Quote think in your plane you can take safely around 12 jumpers. He said DC-3. Try 30 jumpers. At least.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drakeshelby 0 #5 December 30, 2004 OOOOOOOps!! My bad!! My dyslexia must have kicked in. thanks for the correction. dsdrakeshelby Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #6 December 30, 2004 ---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WFFC 1 #7 December 30, 2004 QuoteI have no idea. I know a pilot that has had a few jump planes that might be able to offer you a start. Most dropzones are about $18 - $20 per slot(jumper that is). From the boogie perspective, the DC3 at the WFFC did much better when the slots were the same as a turbine. When it was more, it didn't fly much.----- ~~~Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drakeshelby 0 #8 December 30, 2004 Was that plane there this year?(first weekend) drakeshelbydrakeshelby Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WFFC 1 #9 December 30, 2004 QuoteWas that plane there this year?(first weekend) No, it was there in 2003. We found a DC3 closer to Rantoul for this year (2004) but they were a bit wacked on how much they wanted to charge for slots. Let me rephrase, mentally wacked. ----- ~~~Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Avion 0 #10 December 30, 2004 I have always thought since like 5th grade that a DC3 would make a great personal airplane I talked about this with some people who knew about such things and they said a DC2 would be better in my case because it had better ice breakers in the wings. I wanted to fly around like Howard Hughs. The DC3 can be refitted with turbo props. You can find examples of the conversion on the web. It would be an awesome plane. http://www.baslerturbo.com/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stratostar 5 #11 December 30, 2004 "Wondering what it takes to get a DC-3 started" Seen a fat rope wrapped around the hub and tied to a pick up truck once, kind of like a big lawn mower pull starter. ~you can't pay for kids schoolin' with love of skydiving! ~ Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happythoughts 0 #12 December 30, 2004 The only problem that we had at Rantoul was the wait. There was always a 60-90 minute wait to get 35 other people manifested. People wanted to jump immediately. Plus, at Rantoul, they were charging a double-ticket price because it was booked as a "specialty" aircraft. Another consideration is freeflying. If you put out 35 jumps in a stream of 2/3-ways, the spot may be a little long. Three 10-way teams is different. Also, most don't float many people and the door is narrow. It takes a little more doing to put together RW stuff also because the exit can be strung out. Personally, I love doing big-ways out of a DC-3 because there is a lot of flying. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happythoughts 0 #13 December 30, 2004 Know how to tell that a DC-3 is out of oil? It quits leaking. Know how to spot a first-time DC-3 jumper? He is leaning on the underside of the wing. (Shortly, his face looks like -> ) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #14 December 30, 2004 QuoteQuote think in your plane you can take safely around 12 jumpers. He said DC-3. Try 30 jumpers. At least. I've seen 39 in a DC3. When Lady Luck was running we usually needed 19 to get it into the air at regular jump costs. I've also seen it go up with about 14 tandems in it!_________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrogNog 1 #15 December 30, 2004 Part of the preflight for a DC3: * if you don't have to step over an oil puddle, engine oil level is probably too low. * if you have to step over an oil puddle, engine oil level if probably OK. * if puddle is too large to step over, something else may be wrong. -=-=-=-=- Pull. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YahooLV 0 #16 December 30, 2004 Quote "Wondering what it takes to get a DC-3 started" Seen a fat rope wrapped around the hub and tied to a pick up truck once, kind of like a big lawn mower pull starter. ~ bwaahhaaahahahahahhttp://www.curtisglennphotography.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrewwhyte 1 #17 December 30, 2004 QuoteQuoteQuote think in your plane you can take safely around 12 jumpers. He said DC-3. Try 30 jumpers. At least. I've seen 39 in a DC3. Quote WFFC 1990- 49 jumpers until Scotty Carbone ran up and boarded a rolling plane; make that 50. Temp was about 103 degrees. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites markd_nscr986 0 #18 December 30, 2004 ***I've seen 39 in a DC3. I was in a DC3 at Zhills that lost an engine at 1500 ft over the DZ.There were 50 jumpers in it.The pilot announced over the intercom "You can either land with me or you get ONE pass across the DZ" All 50 of us did a strung out hopnpop from about 1200' It was routine to roll with anywhere from 40 to 50 jumpers in them.24 jumpers in lodestalls and 10-15 in twin beeches depending on the model and/or the "pucker factor" of the pilotMarc SCR 6046 SCS 3004 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bclark 0 #19 December 31, 2004 I also have seen 47 people in a Douglas. (Southern Cross). The DC-3 is an awesome airplane, the cabin is cavernous. I love these airplanes as I am somewhat of a round engine junkie. I've got about 600 Beech 18 jumps and close to 100 DC-3 jumps. However, most jumpers that I know of these days are what I like to refer to as "TURBINE BABIES", and will bitch about anything that does not burn jet fuel. Good luck getting your airplane to make money at an event these days. Minimum load in the Southern Cross at our DZ was 23. These were regular jump tickets prices. We flew it regularly on the weekends, but it was loaded with 6 tandems with what ever videos + fun jumpers to make up the difference. But, what an awesome airplane! Also, larger group exits can be accomplished from the Douglas if you put a "porch" outside the door. (8 foot long OSHA 2 BY 10) Ya just can't see the floaters cuz there is no 6 foot wide door. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites sdctlc 0 #20 December 31, 2004 Jack Guthrie at Skydive Utah might be able to help in gettig some info, they have a DC3 sitting on the airport. They take it up when they meet certian criteria, no idea what that is but it might be a good place to start to getting the information. Other option would be to find other DZ's that have a DC3, like Eloy, and talk to them what their criteria is. http://www.skydiveutah.com/images/3.jpg http://www.skydiveutah.com/images/31.jpg Hope that gets you going in the right direction.... Scott C."He who Hesitates Shall Inherit the Earth!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bodypilot1 0 #21 December 31, 2004 You could give Bill Dause a call at The Parachute Center in Lodi Ca. He could probably give you all the info you need. Be safe Edwww.WestCoastWingsuits.com www.PrecisionSkydiving.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bodypilot1 0 #22 December 31, 2004 QuoteThe DC3 can be refitted with turbo props. You can find examples of the conversion on the web. It would be an awesome plane. http://www.baslerturbo.com/ Very true. When I was in Thailand last year, I had the chance to fly in one for about 5 hours, it was refitted with the turbons by Basler. The Thai Air Force "Rain Makers" owns quite a few of them that are used for seeding clouds, ie; Rain Makers. We were scoping out other LZ's to jump into during the 357ways. What a difference in performance from flying in the piston version years ago. Sooo smooth, but only crused at about 160knts. Be safe Edwww.WestCoastWingsuits.com www.PrecisionSkydiving.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites darkwing 5 #23 December 31, 2004 The FAA allowed us to take 40 jumpers at the Nationals in the late 1970's as I recall. The advice of others to contact Jack Guthrie or bill Dause is good advice. -- Jeff My Skydiving History Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jimmytavino 16 #24 December 31, 2004 Some nostalgia !!! A DC-3.. cool.. Much good luck with it... Sounds like you have begun skydiving in addition to your accomplishment of being a pilot... great.. Depending on your hours, and ratings etc etc You may very well be able to bring "on line"... a welcome and fun jump aircraft... which you can "schedule " at your own discretion...Where are you located???. Could be lots of fun,,, with the right people..... BUT..... no doubt... "it ain't cheap" still,,,, I vote,, do it........( since it's your money !!!! just remember.... " How do you make a million dollars in the skydiving industry"?????.. "start with TWO million" !!!!! jmy o[:-) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites penniless 0 #25 December 31, 2004 Quote "Wondering what it takes to get a DC-3 started" Seen a fat rope wrapped around the hub and tied to a pick up truck once, kind of like a big lawn mower pull starter. ~ Chicago, August 2000? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. 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markd_nscr986 0 #18 December 30, 2004 ***I've seen 39 in a DC3. I was in a DC3 at Zhills that lost an engine at 1500 ft over the DZ.There were 50 jumpers in it.The pilot announced over the intercom "You can either land with me or you get ONE pass across the DZ" All 50 of us did a strung out hopnpop from about 1200' It was routine to roll with anywhere from 40 to 50 jumpers in them.24 jumpers in lodestalls and 10-15 in twin beeches depending on the model and/or the "pucker factor" of the pilotMarc SCR 6046 SCS 3004 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bclark 0 #19 December 31, 2004 I also have seen 47 people in a Douglas. (Southern Cross). The DC-3 is an awesome airplane, the cabin is cavernous. I love these airplanes as I am somewhat of a round engine junkie. I've got about 600 Beech 18 jumps and close to 100 DC-3 jumps. However, most jumpers that I know of these days are what I like to refer to as "TURBINE BABIES", and will bitch about anything that does not burn jet fuel. Good luck getting your airplane to make money at an event these days. Minimum load in the Southern Cross at our DZ was 23. These were regular jump tickets prices. We flew it regularly on the weekends, but it was loaded with 6 tandems with what ever videos + fun jumpers to make up the difference. But, what an awesome airplane! Also, larger group exits can be accomplished from the Douglas if you put a "porch" outside the door. (8 foot long OSHA 2 BY 10) Ya just can't see the floaters cuz there is no 6 foot wide door. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sdctlc 0 #20 December 31, 2004 Jack Guthrie at Skydive Utah might be able to help in gettig some info, they have a DC3 sitting on the airport. They take it up when they meet certian criteria, no idea what that is but it might be a good place to start to getting the information. Other option would be to find other DZ's that have a DC3, like Eloy, and talk to them what their criteria is. http://www.skydiveutah.com/images/3.jpg http://www.skydiveutah.com/images/31.jpg Hope that gets you going in the right direction.... Scott C."He who Hesitates Shall Inherit the Earth!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot1 0 #21 December 31, 2004 You could give Bill Dause a call at The Parachute Center in Lodi Ca. He could probably give you all the info you need. Be safe Edwww.WestCoastWingsuits.com www.PrecisionSkydiving.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot1 0 #22 December 31, 2004 QuoteThe DC3 can be refitted with turbo props. You can find examples of the conversion on the web. It would be an awesome plane. http://www.baslerturbo.com/ Very true. When I was in Thailand last year, I had the chance to fly in one for about 5 hours, it was refitted with the turbons by Basler. The Thai Air Force "Rain Makers" owns quite a few of them that are used for seeding clouds, ie; Rain Makers. We were scoping out other LZ's to jump into during the 357ways. What a difference in performance from flying in the piston version years ago. Sooo smooth, but only crused at about 160knts. Be safe Edwww.WestCoastWingsuits.com www.PrecisionSkydiving.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darkwing 5 #23 December 31, 2004 The FAA allowed us to take 40 jumpers at the Nationals in the late 1970's as I recall. The advice of others to contact Jack Guthrie or bill Dause is good advice. -- Jeff My Skydiving History Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmytavino 16 #24 December 31, 2004 Some nostalgia !!! A DC-3.. cool.. Much good luck with it... Sounds like you have begun skydiving in addition to your accomplishment of being a pilot... great.. Depending on your hours, and ratings etc etc You may very well be able to bring "on line"... a welcome and fun jump aircraft... which you can "schedule " at your own discretion...Where are you located???. Could be lots of fun,,, with the right people..... BUT..... no doubt... "it ain't cheap" still,,,, I vote,, do it........( since it's your money !!!! just remember.... " How do you make a million dollars in the skydiving industry"?????.. "start with TWO million" !!!!! jmy o[:-) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
penniless 0 #25 December 31, 2004 Quote "Wondering what it takes to get a DC-3 started" Seen a fat rope wrapped around the hub and tied to a pick up truck once, kind of like a big lawn mower pull starter. ~ Chicago, August 2000? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
