Skydiver40TN 0 #1 January 4, 2004 I am looking into the feasability of starting a new DZ for a friend who just aquired investment capitol and is interested in starting a DZ. Any information on potential start up costs and problems and the profitability potential, or lack of. I know some people to talk to but thought some good info may be found here. Any help, info or feedback would be greatly appreciated. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 3 #2 January 4, 2004 Contact USPA for a reprint of a series of articles they did awhile back.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydivingNurse 0 #3 January 4, 2004 I was in Bradford Pa recently having dinner at a resturant in their airport. That would be a great spot for a dropzone (IMHO, of course), very nice airport, not a whole lot of air traffic, oh well, if I ever win the Powerball, I'll have to look into it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skydiver40TN 0 #4 January 4, 2004 I guess I should have specified that Middle Tennessee is our target area. Somewhere in a 50 to 100 mi radius of Nashville. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 3 #5 January 4, 2004 The articles were generic enough for any dz, in any part of the country. quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeyRamone 0 #6 January 4, 2004 Call some dz's operators and ask them first hand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sid 1 #7 January 4, 2004 Quote Any help, info or feedback would be greatly appreciated. run the dz until your money's all gone........ know how to make a small fortune in Skydiving? Start with a large one!Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 558 #8 January 4, 2004 You are starting with the primary requirement: a large pile of money. The second requirement is equipment, fairly easy to lease or purchase if you have friends in the right places, i.e. DZ.com. The third - and most challenging - requirement is staff. Try working at another DZ for a year or two, acquire coach, IAD, tandem and AFF Instructor ratings. Earn rigger, A&P and commercial pilot licenses. Learn accounting, marketing, plumbing and general carpentry skills, etc. Expect to work 48 hours per day at all those chores. Hee! Hee! And they wonder why some DZOs dabble in drugs. Hee! Hee! Alternately you could hire a handful of competent people and let them do their jobs. As DZO, you are responsible for setting standards, reminding staff of those standards and firing the ones who do not conform. Call me when you get closer to establishing your tandem video concession. Good luck with your new DZ. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masher 1 #9 January 5, 2004 Check out this link from the APF http://www.apf.asn.au/apf_admin/downloads/starting_a_dz.pdf It is quite Australia specific, but it could give you an idea of the organisation required.-- Arching is overrated - Marlies Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dumpster 0 #10 January 5, 2004 I've been in and out of that airport several times- The scenery is pretty nice, too. Easy Does It Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
