Nov 21, 2012, 2:27 AM
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DC3's making one jumpable
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I've been wanting to jump a DC3 and found a local non-profit here in Florida that may be interested in letting us jump from one as part of a fund raiser. They have three, one radial and two turbine aircraft. What am I looking at to prep one? Thanks!
Nov 21, 2012, 7:15 AM
Post #6 of 27
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Re: [bodypilot90] DC3's making one jumpable
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The turbine is the way to go if you have the choice. I rode in one of those planes not too long ago at an open house for the shop that rebuilt it. It's a nice plane, and I can't even imagine what the price tag was.
Our deal was that we did a demo into their open house, and got a ride in the plane (and free food), but they wouldn't let us jump out of it. They stated insurance problems with jumping, so I would ask that question before you go too much further in the planning stages to make sure it's a 'go'.
From what I saw, all you would need to do is pull the air-stair door, and you'll be good to go (in terms of the airplane. There was pleny of room in the seats to sit with a rig on, and of course they have seat belts in place.
If you can get the 'go ahead', I would make a call to Skydive Arizona, and see if one of their experienced DC-3 jump pilots and can talk to whoever will be at the stick when you jump. I don't think it will be too much work for the pilot, but a couple minutes on the phone with an experienced jump pilot would probably be a big help.
Nov 21, 2012, 8:39 AM
Post #7 of 27
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Re: [davelepka] DC3's making one jumpable
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Thanks everyone, we'll see. I was just starting to jump and I missed a chance to jump one at Skydive Sebastian, many moons ago. I'll let everyone know if we can pull it off.
Nov 21, 2012, 8:43 AM
Post #8 of 27
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Re: [bodypilot90] DC3's making one jumpable
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I have access to belts, what would you choose turbine or old school radial engine?
I have jumped both quite a bit, the turbine is just like flying in an over sized otter...for the old school experience take the OLD SCHOOL jump-ship!
Insurance might be a problem with either, most likely the turbine though...they're a bit pricey re-done like that - the owner may have some problems.
All ya need to do is pull the door off 'carefully' and put seat-belts in if it's in cargo configuration...some still have seats! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-QH7f1SSyo
Secure anything loose inside near the door, at exit it will blow around... if not often flown with the door off it can get interesting.
Make sure the driver slows it down at exit, some that have never flown jumpers get a bit skittish and tend to wanna keep the speed up.
Nov 21, 2012, 6:12 PM
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Re: [JohnMitchell] DC3's making one jumpable
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You are thinking like a skydiver John. For smokejumping operations the DC-3 hauls 12-14 firefighters with gear and cargo, the Otter hauls 8 firefighters with gear and cargo. Both have two pilots and a spotter.
3 Otters can cover a larger geographical area than one DC-3. You could have one in Ogden, one in Misoula and one in McCall for example. It is really just a flying fire truck and the Otters are simply more cost effecient than an antique DC-3, even with the turbine conversion.
Nov 21, 2012, 9:46 PM
Post #20 of 27
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Re: [SStewart] DC3's making one jumpable
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You are thinking like a skydiver John. For smokejumping operations the DC-3 hauls 12-14 firefighters with gear and cargo, the Otter hauls 8 firefighters with gear and cargo. Both have two pilots and a spotter.
Yeah, my reply was a little unclear. I meant to say that "Yes, for 3 times the cost the DC-3 carries only almost twice the twin otter load. Over 50% higher cost per jumper.
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3 Otters can cover a larger geographical area than one DC-3. You could have one in Ogden, one in Misoula and one in McCall for example. It is really just a flying fire truck and the Otters are simply more cost effecient than an antique DC-3, even with the turbine conversion.
I didn't even consider that aspect of it, the increased flexibility of basing. BTW, those smoke jumpers have my utmost respect and admiration. Those guys are tougher and in better shape than I've ever been on the best day of my life.
Nov 22, 2012, 9:26 PM
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Re: [popsjumper] DC3's making one jumpable
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During the Perris hundred ways back in the day, the visiting 3 had no door, this was winter time and 20,000 AGL, it did have some nice love seats up front!
. If its not flying (which it does during boogies),bring 30 tickets and if Larry or Shawn are around, they'll fire it up
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