SkydiveUK Ltd

Having recently been invited by a friend to visit SkydiveUKLtd I can honestly say that this is a shining example of how a DZ operation should be ran. Other operators can learn alot from Jason, a man who can be everywhere on the DZ at the same time yet never rushes anywhere.

Within minutes of arriving I had been talked through the registration proceedure, had a gear and docs check, been given a DZ brief by Jason, been manifested on the next load and had offers by other jumpers to jump with them. All that took place within 15mins (seriously) of arrival.

It was a Friday mid morning in November and I expected only a few jumps, not so. 6 unrushed jumps later within 5 hours and I was hooked on this DZ.

If your able to get there pop the address into your SatNav and pay it a visit, well worth it.

SkydiveUK ltd is a drop zone in the village of Dunkeswell Dorset and derives from the old entity that was Devon and Somerset parachute school. This is one of the most friendly open dropzones one could possibly ask for (think skydive Spain (Seville) and you know what I mean).

The DZ’s CCI is Jason Farrant Jason is an awesome CCI and has none of the old guard CCI attributes (everyone is dangerous and should be regarded with distain!) while retaining safety as priority number one. Other main characters include Phil (an excellent instructor and top packer), Andy Montriou (going to Everest soon) and Paul who quickly organises loads in no time, finally there is Pete Stone a man of several thousand jumps and acts as their main FS coach.

They currently have the choice of two aircraft, the King air and a Cessna (which is used for student drops). Having jumped a Dornier G92, Turbo Finist and an islander, I can honestly say the king air is one of the best jumpships around, getting 15,000 feet in under 8 minutes effortlessly and piloted by one hugely experienced and excellent jump pilot Ed.

The staff are really friendly and do what they can to get you jumping quickly and safely, they offer advice and suggestions and will answer any questions with no fuss.

The PLA is Dunkeswell aerodrome which offers plenty of huge safe areas to land (Adrian –their safety officer makes sure all planes are well out of the way before dropping commences, he also gives really good DZ briefs) and is well managed and maintained.

On site facilities include camping, a clubhouse, hot showers (yes really!!), toilets, indoor carpeted packing area and tea coffee making facilities. They are also close (think 2 mins) from a bar for when the beer light goes on.

In short this is one very well organised fun dropzone with excellent facilities, run by top people with top aircraft and an excellent attitude to novice jumpers.

If you have not been I can honestly recommend this place with no hesitation.

This dropzone has only been operating for a short while yet a lot has been achieved in this time. Where else can one make 4 jumps on a Wednesday or Friday afternoon from 14 grand, weather permmitting? The cheerfull and friendly attitude of staff and jumpers makes this one of the most welcoming dz's in UK.

I went there for a tandem jump recently with a view to going further in the sport, provided I didn't freak completely ;) I found the setup very friendly and relaxed. The instruction was first class and all my questions were answered. During the flight up to 15,000 feet (which was fairly surreal as the guy sat in front of me was dressed as Scooby Doo) other jumpers chatted to me and helped reduce the anxiety I was feeling. Thanks to you all for a fantastic life changing day out for me.
Big Nick

This club has recently seen a lot of changes, moving away from its tandem factory image to become an excellent fun jumpers' dropzone.

The Cessna 206 is still used to serve RAPS students, and hop 'n' pops, but the tandems and fun jumpers now have access to the ultimate jump plane, the King Air. 14 slots, FL150 in less than 10 minutes.

The regulars and staff are friendly and helpful. I did a couple AFF levels here with Andy Montriou before cracking off my consol's, and always felt that I was getting the best instruction and advice. This has continued since I got my license and I'm now signing up to do my FS1 there.

The club recently moved to a new site on the airfield with new buildings and a large packing area. There is a hot shower and free camping. The bar is just yards away, for post jumping beer time.

Organisation of loads for the King has got better and now back-to-back lifts happen regularly over the weekend.

Quite honestly I feel the thing this DZ needs most now is a few more regular fun jumpers. This will add to the already great vibe, and it will help to keep the king moving as frequently as it can.