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jhm

Wind tunnel coming to Virginia in 2013!

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Howdy folks-
Here is some exciting news that you all might be interested in. VIRGINIA BEACH IS GETTING A WIND TUNNEL!!

That's right...there are plans underway to build an indoor skydiving wind tunnel in Virginia Beach next year; doors opening for business Summer 2013. It will be a 14' recirculating tunnel with the latest flight- and climate-control technology for the ultimate indoor flying experience!

If you're in the Virginia area, and would like to see this dream become reality, please show your support by contacting VB Councilman John Uhrin, 757-200-7005, [email protected] and The Honorable Mayor Will Sessoms, 757-385-4581, [email protected]. Even if you're not a resident of Virginia Beach (or even a resident of Virginia!), you are invited and encouraged to show your support through these contacts. They want to hear from EVERYONE that would be interested in this exciting project. Tell them that if Virginia Beach builds this tunnel, YOU WILL BE THERE!!!

Stay tuned for additional information...we will be posting updates via e-mail, multiple websites, and the local media.
Thx, and Blue Skies.
r/John Meyer

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There was an article in the Richmond Times Dispatch this week about the wind tunnel. Apparently the people living in that area are vehemently opposed to the idea and are going to fight it. According to the a city representative they like the idea of the wind tunnel but are not sure the location is right. Looks like there is going to be a bit of a fight.
Rodriguez Brother #1626
Dudiest Skydiver #1962
DPH #-2

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May be a really good idea to take the Mayor, Town Councilmen, and some residents, down to Paraclete so they can hear for themselves how quiet the new tunnels are.

You could also post a video on your website standing outside of a Tunnel while its running and you are talking, and have a decibel meter in your hand.

Landscaping and architecture plans, and designs that integrate the structure into the structures surroundings.

I think some PR with your local politicians, and lead opponents could go a long way. Also try to do some research on how this tunnel will bring jobs and tax revenue into the local economy.

Good Luck.

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Thx to all who have responded or shown support for the VB tunnel. We are really excited about the project and discussions with city council and local business owners are progressing nicely. Click on the link below (or copy and paste into your web browser) to see a recent Channel 3 news clip, and stay tuned for more exciting news on iFLY VB!

"http://www.wtkr.com/videobeta/f4c621d8-fd83-462e-974c-0a73bde12e7d/News/Beach-lot-to-be-turned-into-new-development"

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I don't know anything about Va Beach, but there is still talk of one or even two tunnels in the DC metro area. One in National Harbor (technically MD but just across the river from Alexandria), and another in NoVA somewhere:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/indoor-skydiving-outfit-leaping-into-washington-market/2012/02/29/gIQAwhwrqR_story.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/06/indoor-skydiving-national-harbor_n_1323815.html

No idea if either has progressed beyond the idea stage, but maybe someone else here knows more.
"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
--Mario Andretti

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Yeah, I've heard or seen reports involving Virginia Beach, Richmond, and Northern Va/DC. I haven't heard of any shovels actually going in the ground. That's really what I want to know--has anybody gotten past the idea stage?



5 months to the day after your post: No.

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This was just posted today on their facebook page:

Quote

Tomorrow, there will be a brief article in the paper announcing the final comprehensive terms of a deal which the City Manager of Virginia Beach will support. On Feb 12, there will be a vote by City Council to authorize the City Manager to enter into a binding contract with the development team. Sorry it been so long, but there's a lot of red tape dealing with the purchase of public property which a normal development does not have to contend with. We believe the location is worth the wait and the end is near!

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We believe the location is worth the wait and the end is near!


Hate to break it to you, but it's more likely they're referring to the end of the world, and not the beginning of the tunnel.


End of the wait or end of the world... eh, either one works for me.

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No further development going on with the wind tunnel in Va Beach. There is a developer, the city council approved a tunnel, but the land has not been given to the developer. The city owns the land.
If you do things that don't make you appreciate life than why do them

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They updated the FAQs on their website in June. Still projecting a summer 2014 opening: http://www.indoorskydivingvabeach.com/faq.php

I also found this on their site, so they are getting some traction in official approvals, too:

Exciting things are happening with Indoorskydiving Va Beach!!!

City Council passed Form Based Code Tuesday, July 10th, by a vote of 9-2. This takes us one giant step closer to making iFLY Va Beach a reality. The indoor skydiving facility is part of a larger mixed use development located at the municipal parking lot at 25th street and Pacific Avenue. The development also includes an upscale apartment complex and a 600 space parking garage that nearly doubles the current public parking capacity. The development team continues to work closely with resort area planning officials and business and residential communities to help shape the final plan.
"What if there were no hypothetical questions?"

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They are advertising for a sales and marketing director. They state they will post customer service rep positions in July. They are not accepting instructor applications at this time.

The website still lists a fall 2014 opening.
"What if there were no hypothetical questions?"

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