highfly 0 #1 March 5, 2008 Didnt think it warranted Incidents, but it made national news in NZ. Skydivers off course New 7:00AM Thursday March 06, 2008 Three skydivers who landed off course northwest of Thames were given an extra flight when they were winched to safety by the Auckland Westpac rescue helicopter following a communication breakdown yesterday. The trio were rescued from a ridgeline after apparently being misguided by people on radio communications. One of the skydivers, a chief instructor at Thames Airfield, Gareth Jacobs, said the uninjured group were walking along a ridgeline when the Westpac crew arrived and saved them the walk out of the bush. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10496444 www.myspace.com/durtymac Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rover 9 #2 March 6, 2008 On the TV news it was stated that the pilot requested a confirmation of his position from ATC before they jumped. ATC response was that it is not their responsibility to 'spot' the aircraft. Interesting to note that the lower airspace above the airfield is not controled therefore it is illegal to jump through cloud. Looks like the New Zealand Skydiving Association needs to have a good and thorough look at its procedures and ratings process. Not to be confused with the New Zealand Parachutes Industry Association which is the reglulatory authority of the vast majority of NZ skydiving operations. Go Gareth!???!2 wrongs don't make a right - but 3 lefts do. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
