Blog | Jumpers Away

Feb 13
2 min

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....

Jul 22, 2023
2 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, 2023
2 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, 2023
3 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, 2023
2 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, 2023
4 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, 2023
2 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, 2023
3 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, 2022
2 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, 2022
2 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, 2022
1 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, 2022
2 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, 2022
1 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, 2022
2 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, 2022
3 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, 2022
3 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, 2022
2 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, 2022
2 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, 2021
2 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, 2021
2 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....