How to Apply to be a Skydive Pilot
I had a recent exchange with the chief pilot for a busy, year-round drop zone that operates multiple Cessna 182s and hires many pilots....
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Jul 22, 20232 min
Checklist for "Gotcha" Items
A jump pilot bears huge responsibility on every flight. An awareness of the many things that can go wrong is key. Here is a list of items...
Jul 11, 20232 min
An Inadvertent Parachute Deployment, And a Lucky Break
Here is a video of a premature main parachute deployment on the step of a Cessna 182, first at full speed then at slow mo. The video...
Mar 18, 20233 min
AOPA Designates Jumpers Away a “Distinguished Flight School”
Jumpers Away was recently designated one of 32 “Distinguished Flight Schools” nationwide by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association...
Mar 2, 20232 min
Improving Jump Pilot Training
Here is a summary of my presentation on “Improving Jump Pilot Safety” this week at the 2023 Parachute Industry Association Symposium. I...
Feb 22, 20234 min
So, You Want to Be a Jump Pilot. Here’s What To Know
Flying skydivers is the perfect gig for a freshly minted commercial pilot. You can start filling your logbook with hours and get paid,...
Feb 12, 20232 min
Pilots, Be a Part of Safety Day
Every year, the U.S. Parachute Association designates the second Saturday of March as “Safety Day,” a day for skydivers and skydive...
Jan 9, 20233 min
Jump Pilots: Use Caution with Off-DZ Jumps
Occasionally, a jump pilot will be asked to drop jumpers at locations off the usual on-airport drop zone. If so, steps must be taken to...
Sep 7, 20222 min
The Skydiving Season
Pilots often ask, “When does the skydiving season start and when does it end?” The answer depends on the region of the country and on the...
Jun 28, 20222 min
Jump Pilot Interview? Some Things to Ask
In the past couple of weeks, several DZs have indicated their need for Cessna 182 jump pilots. Various aviation segments, from the...
Jun 19, 20221 min
Jump Plane Crashes Emphasize Emergency Procedures
A spate of Cessna Caravan jump plane crashes this year has brought attention to jump pilot training and jump operation procedures. All...
Apr 18, 20222 min
182 Pilots Must Watch the Door
Jump pilots, especially Cessna 182 pilots, must always be ready for a premature parachute deployment. 182s seem to more susceptible since...
Apr 9, 20221 min
Stand-Down Asked of Jumps from 18,000 Feet and Up
In March, the Parachute Industry Association issued a voluntary “safety stand-down” of jumps from 18,000 feet msl and above pending a...
Mar 24, 20222 min
Jet Flies Formation with Canopies
A video gone viral of late showing a corporate jet maneuvering among open parachutes has drawn lots of online views and more than a few...
Mar 11, 20223 min
Jump Pilots: Begin the Season with a Review of Procedures
Annually, the U.S. Parachute Association designates the second Saturday of March as “Safety Day,” a day for everyone at the DZ to refresh...
Feb 21, 20223 min
Jump Pilots: Give a Safety Day Presentation
Annually, the U.S. Parachute Association designates the second Saturday of March as “Safety Day,” a day for everyone at the DZ to refresh...
Jan 25, 20222 min
Why 182 Jump Pilots Wear Parachutes
I’m often asked which FAR requires a jump pilot to wear a parachute. The answer is…none. FAR 91.307 only requires parachutes (with lots...
Jan 8, 20222 min
2020 and 2021 Had No Fatal Jump Plane Accidents
The U.S. Parachute Association just announced a record-low ten skydiving fatalities for 2021, the lowest since records began in 1961. The...
Dec 29, 20212 min
Start Filling Your Logbook While Getting Paid
Is jump piloting a viable option for a low-time commercial pilot who wants to get paid while quickly building time? It worked for Ethan....
Dec 15, 20212 min
Insurance and the 182 Jump Pilot
You know the drill, you'll need "500 hours, 25 in a 182 and 25 jump flights." Can you get a jump pilot job with under 500 hours? Yes....
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