Chambersburg Skydiving Center

Looks like we needed an UPDATE!
182/206 are the only options here now. JR and Kathy run a nice operation with very competent instructors. I'm a local and the 25 min drive with heated/AC in door packing being a HUGE turn on for people who pack there own... MANY food options close by. Friendly staff and fun jumpers, don't forget to bring the wingsuits ;)

~DANGER

BEWARE of this place. They are only interested in collecting your money and will give no refunds. We got there on July 22, 2012 after making a 12pm reservation for 4 people several weeks earlier. The weather was just starting to clear and they gave COMPLETELY misleading information as to the wait times. 3 hours in they said that it was because of lack of tandem instructors. An hour later they said it would be another 4-5 hrs before we jumped. At this point we asked for our money back and the owner refused. I COMPLETELY understand the weather is a factor and that you are short of instructors. But there is NO LEGITIMATE reason not to be upfront and flat out misleading. This is by far one of the most unprofessional establishments I have EVER seen!

My girlfriend and I visited Chambersburg Skydiving Center just last week after spending a day/night in nearby Gettysburg. Right away it was apparent what a cool and layed back atmosphere it was at the dropzone. The staff were extremely friendly and very helpful in explaining the ins and outs of the DZ/Landing area and the funjumpers there were equally welcoming. Only managed to get in a few jumps that day because of the long trip back to NY but despite it being a bit hazy it was nice to see the Appalachian Mountains and surrounding historical areas from FULL ALTITUDE. The only bummer of the day was not having been able to stay longer. My girlfriend who is not a skydiver was made to feel totally at home as again the folks there are downright awesome. If you're visiting historical Gettysburg bring your rig with you and take the 35 min. or so drive afterwards to this DZ. Even if you're not visiting Gettysburg and just happen to be in the area I highly recommend visiting the DZ. It was a great capper to a memorable weekend.

Christian Bermeo
C-39145

I went with a couple of experienced jumper friends to see a different DZ. We were welcomed and invited to participate in several large RW jumps, with varying degrees of success, but we had a great time. I would definitely recommend Chambersburg for fun jumpers to jump. Everyone was very welcoming and it was a low key fun place to spend a Sunday afternoon.

It is a nice DZ but the prices to get to altitude are a little steep. The packing area is a little cramped but is indoors. Most of the people are pleasant, especially Jamie and Grant. You guys rock!!

My visist to Chambersburg was great. JR and his crew really made the time spent there worth it. Although the weather was bad and there was only one load, the staff made it worth sticking around.

I showed up early and they immediately welcomed me in. Even though it was apparent that JR was busy, he made time to look over my gear, check my logbook and after a quick orientation I was ready to go. Having both a King Air and C-182, they were flexible and put me and three other experienced jumpers on a load. Those that called Chambersburg home really brought me in and made me feel welcomed.

The hanger was extremely organized and gave an awesome first impression. The mats were extremely clean and all the gear was stowed. Overall the facilities were great.

The attitude was amazing. JR, Rocky, Paul, Grant and everyone else were extremely friendly. From an outsider point of view, Grant (AFF instructor) was extremely detailed with the first jump course going and really showed a high level of professionalism.

Bottom Line: I will go back!!! This small DZ was ran well and had their arms wide open. I highly recommend this place. If you are planning to jump in PA, this is the place to go.

Phil Palmer

I have an A lic with a 100+ jumps and I was welcomed, even by the D lic small canopy fliers that I've seen turn their noses up at other DZ's. I had a blast jumping here, the people were nice, the King Air they had rocks. I would go back any day, and recommend it to anyone wanting to jump. I learned in Eloy and have traveled to many different DZ's from the smallest to the largest. This was one of my favorite.

Stopped by on my way to Florida and met a lot of friendly and experienced jumpers. My rig didn't have the required AAD, but JR was very understanding to the point where he gave me a rig to use free of charge. They even let me camp there even though the DZ wasn't open the next day. Make the stop here...its more than worth it.

I visited Chambersburg during their CASA boogie and had a great experience. I showed up to the boogie not knowing anyone, but had no problem meeting new people.

The fun jumpers were very friendly and welcoming, and the Instructors were professional. I noticed the Tandem Instructors were actually instructing their students (image that!) and not simply taking their students on a wild carnival ride.

The facilities were decent, and indoor packing a plus.

Right now their King Air is down, so on a normal weekend they are running only 182s. However, don't let that deter you, they are still well worth the visit.

Next time I'm in the area I will be sure to visit them again.

Blue Skies!

I recently tried Chambersburg since it is convenient to Northern Virginia, and had a great experience. However, my second trip was very disappointing. I manifested as soon as I arrived at the dropzone, and almost 3.5 hours later I finally boarded the aircraft. Unfortunately, the load was overbooked, and there was no room for the tandem's videographer. Bottom line - I was asked to bump to the next load, although no one was manifested and the fuel truck was dry, therefore requiring the plane to fly to a distant airport to take on fuel. I did the math, figured it would be at least another hour, and I wasn't willing to wait after already being 'manifested' for nearly 4 hours. I also knew that I was the first person to manifest for that load - but no one was willing to put a two-way with me (solo) on another aircraft so everyone could jump - the two-way wanted to be on the same load as the tandem and videographer, so they could ride to altitude together. So, I drove 4 hours roundtrip to sit at a dz for 4 hours. At least nobody got hurt.

From the time you walk in the door you are treated like family! Everybody is so nice and helpful. Safety is number 1!!

JR and the rest of the staff were amazing. Not only did they put my jump video to some great music, but I also got a whole roll of stills. Everyone there was in a great mood and very friendly. All of the instructors were patient and helpful. Safety was #1 hands down. Myself and 6 friends went in August and because of wind we were not able to jump. All we had to do was keep our receipts and come back at a later date. 100% recommended for your first or 1000th jump.

I recently had the pleasure to make my first jump (IAD) at Chambersburg Skydiving Center May 9 - May 10. I have to say the Sides family (J.R., Kathy and Jamie) really made me and my family feel comfortable and at home. My ground school instructor John and jump instructor "Doc" Larry were inspirations and extremely competent teachers. The folks at Chambersburg made my first jump an experience that I will never forget. I soon plan to return to Chambersburg for jump# 2.

From the moment I walked in they were interested in getting me up in the air. A quick look at my gear and paperwork and a briefing had me on the load in under 40 min. Met some great people! Seems like they draw from many different DZ's. I enjoyed watching the upper experience level jumpers working with the lower numbers. That's so important and apreciated!!! Great place to spend your time. I only got two jumps today (didn't get there until late) but I had an awesome afternoon.

I was at the Pelt Head Boogie in PA. The DZ had a CASA that day so that was cool. I think there normal jump ship is a King Air. They are nice and friendly folks there. The pacers are good and FAST. I kinda landed into a mound (small rise) it was hard to detect from the air but the fact that on a busy day no one else was landing there should have been a hint. I'll definitely go back.

I came to this DZ with 26 jumps. I am getting close to my A licence but I didn't have much USPA book training. They immediately got me the 4 page card sat down with me and my log book and started filling it out. The weather didn't permit a jump that day but on Sunday I got five jumps in and was invited to participate in a two-way and three-way group skydive. Ya'll please come see these folks. They are OUTSTANDING! And if you like altitude the King Air will get you to 14,000 sometimes 14,500 all day long. Air Conditioned carpeted Pack Room folks!!! This is a nice facility, please, check it out!

This is a small to medium drop zone and has a ton of instructors & coaches. There are three to four packers at a time. The King Air got us to 14K all day long. Sweet! Airport name was changed to Franklin County Airport. Very light air traffic except for this King Air that's going up and down all day. Hmmmm. ;-)

I have yet to encounter any diver attitude. I am very new to the sport with a total of 4 aff jumps at this time, 3 of which have been with the owner. Even as a new person I have seen why so many people come so far this DZ. They made me feel comfortable at eas and relaxed with this whole sport and because of this I plan to finish the aff course with them. keep up the good work.

This is a great drop zone no matter your experience level. They fly a king air that is pretty quick to altitude. The staff is very friendly and willing to jump with you at any experience level.

We jump here most weekends from April through September. Great for camping, relaxed attitude, nice king air and good people.

An early review here noted an attitude problem with upper management, but this is so far from what I've observed. This DZ is extremely newbie friendly, coaches teach patiently and never make students feel like morons. Other jumpers very friendly, layed back atmosphere. Although I live 5 minutes from another DZ, I prefer to make the 1.5 hour trip to Chambersburg.

Great place to jump if you can deal with the attitudes. Beautiful scenery, lots of outs.

No food vendor on sight, however, water/electric hookups for RV's available. Shower facilities are not very well maintained.

These guys know how to do it. I completed my first jumps there and the staff was great. They helped me through my fear of heights and never looked down on me throughout the tough process for me. Now I'm hooked and highly recommend these guys.

On arrival, JR rewired an RV space for the motorhome. We had a mechanical problem and he found a mechanic who came to the DZ and fixed the problem without ripping me off.

I enjoyed the organized jumps. They do a great job at making one feel right at home.

i went there for my first dive, at first they wanted me to do a tandem. after half an hour of convincing i was in class for aff1. the weather was bad that day so the owner opened the airport the next day(monday),hired a pilot, a radio guy, and 2 instructors for me to do my dive. i completed my aff there, driving 4 hours each way each time i went because of how cool they were. the staff go out of there way for me every time i go there. much love to everyone there.