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DZO Incoming is now DZO Streamline! One Group Member benefit is regular, timely updates of information beneficial to DZs. The DZO Incoming has been that vehicle for some years, first as a broadcast fax then as an e-mail. DZO Streamline is our newest medium to share information. We hope you like it. E-mail us at GroupMbrs@uspa.org with comments.
Feature articles this month include:
DZO Conference
On February 5, 2007, USPA sponsored a Drop Zone Operator's Conference in Reno, Nevada. Over 87 DZ owners, managers and staff attended from 60 DZs. The conference focused on how to reverse the decline in the number of skydivers. USPA staff, board members and DZOs offered creative ideas and suggestions. USPA wants to ensure all DZs have an opportunity to benefit from the conference. Click here for a recap and summary of the main ideas: 2007 DZO Conference. Group Member program USPA invites responsible skydiving operations to join the world's largest professional skydiving association. Group Member benefits are detailed in the introductory letter to the Group Member Manual.
Airport security notes for DZOs DZ pilots and staff have a special responsibility to be aware of the potential use of their airport by terrorists. A special phone number, 1-866-GA SECURE has been established so that anyone can report suspicious activity to the National Response Center. USPA has developed information that DZs can use to ensure that their facility and their airport is not used for terrorist purposes. ATC notification/authorization Part 105 was revised in 2001. Previous to the revision, Part 105 required that, when jumping in Class E and G airspace, notification be provided to either ATC or a flight service station at least one hour before operations. Most operators simply filed a NOTAM with flight service to comply. To ensure that ATC was fully informed, the new Part 105 requires that ATC be notified at least one hour before (but not more than 24 hours before) jump operations. Note that simply filing a NOTAM with flight service will no longer comply with the Part 105 requirement. For ongoing operations (DZ activity), Section 105.25 says that ATC may accept written notification for the calendar year. This would preclude the need for daily notification. Some ATC facilities have mistakenly kicked back the notification, insisting that the operator notify flight service or a FSDO instead. If this happens, suggest that they thoroughly read Section 105.25. (DZs using Class A, B, C, or D airspace require authorization from the ATC facility. Don't let anyone confuse this ATC authorization with a FSDO's Certificate of Authorization issued for jumps over or into congested areas and open-air assemblies of people.) Attached is a model letter that you can customize and use to provide your ATC facility with written notification of your use of Class E and G airspace. Aircraft modifications Typical jump plane modifications include in-flight doors, deflectors, steps, and rails. Modifications that are not specifically described in the Aircraft Flight Manual must be accomplished by FAA issuance of either a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) or a Field Approval. For $100 ($200 for non-members), USPA sells STCs for jump conversions of Cessna 170, 172, 180, and 182 aircraft. E-mail the Group Member Department or call (540) 604-9740 x. 315. How to start a DZ USPA has compiled a series of articles and papers that address many of the aspects of setting up a jump operation. For $9.95, plus shipping, the USPA packet can help with establishing a drop zone. Click here to order the packet. Mailing list rental program You can rent all or part of USPA's member mailing list to assist you with drop zone promotions and programs. For more information, click here. Publications order form Does your DZ need forms? E-mail us with requests or download and print the forms from our website. USPA Store, DZ items The USPA Store carries several products specifically to help drop zones with their day-to-day operations: Customized flight planners: USPA configures its popular flight planners with your DZ overhead photograph, including runway lengths and headings, and other special information you specify. USPA can print packs of flight planners for you or send you the printer file for local production. Very reasonably priced. First-jump certificates: USPA offers two versions, the all-discipline, full-color certificate or the more economical traditional blue and white static-line certificate.
USPA also offers attractive discounts for bulk orders of Skydiver's Information Manual to sell through your student program. Shop online and order securely with a credit card via the internet. |
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