TomSpoon

MARTIN - Robert Michael "Bob" Age 93, passed away February 6, 2015. He was the last of 16 children born in Western New York to his parents, Edward Adam Martin and Catherine McMahon. Bob served as a Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps during WWII, flying a P47 fighter named "Buffalo Bum" with the 368th Fighter Group in France and later Germany. He married Greta Putvin of Sloan in 1948 and built a new home there, where they raised their three sons-Michael, Thomas, and Kurt. Eventually the family migrated south to Georgia, with Bob leaving Sloan in 2003. He was a Buffalo firefighter for over 30 years, serving primarily with Ladder 14 on Bailey Ave. Bob Martin was the chief pilot for Frontier Skydivers parachute club for many years, and he also enjoyed rifle and pistol shooting at the Blasdell Rod & Gun club. Among this area's attractions, he really appreciated the German restaurants and taverns. His survivors include his children and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews in Buffalo and WNY. There will be no memorial or funeral, only cremation through McDonald & Sons Funeral Home of Cumming, GA. Condolences may be expressed at www.mcdonaldandson.com. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886-9899.

This should outrage everyone. Let's let him know what we think of him. http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/paraglider-mathew-mchugh-sues-for-2-million-after-losing-a-leg-at-mona-vale-rock-face/story-fni0cx12-1227441897152

The greatest generation. Here is a pic of Bob Martin.

A life well lived. Blue skies Bob.

When I take my 20 year old reserve to a rigger for an inspection and repack I expect an objective knowledgeable assessment of it's airworthiness and either an extension of its legality to jump for an additional 180 days or a reason why it is no longer airworthy. What I don't expect is an emotional opinion of how old gear should be replaced. Just because it's old. This rigger, Don Meyer seems to share my opinion. http://www.parachuteshop.com/life_limits_parachutes.htm I especially like this part. FAA Certificated Senior or Master Parachute Riggers refusing to inspect and repack your parachute due to age are ignorant and lacking in foresight and doing you a disservice, take your parachute to another Parachute Rigger.

Yes Jerry. You are right. Here is the FAA letter. http://www.parachuteshop.com/faa_service_life_limit_parachute.htm

Thanks for sharing your opinion. This is the FAA's opinion which is binding. http://www.parachuteshop.com/faa_service_life_limit_parachute.htm

Hi Pete, Good to hear from you. I used to fly the Cessna 180 N2213C for your Dad at Gift of Wings. Made a few jumps there too. It was a beautiful DZ. Rode my motorcycle past it several years ago and when I saw it was for sale Lynn let me take a look around. Driveway was impassible but the runway looked flyable if someone mowed it. Corn planted everywhere accept the runway The hangar was still there and in good shape. Here's a pic of Bill McDougal. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=103163803060509&set=a.103134599730096.2107.100001006695352&type=3&theater Didnt know he was a pilot. Lots of old Frontier Pics on my FB page there. Take care Tom

Here's a picture of the original Golden Knights STRAC sport parachute team. Bob McDonnell seated lower right.

One more of the pioneers is gone. Bob McDonnell D-10 and one of the original Golden Knights died this week. Blue skies Bob. His obituary: Robert J. "Bob" McDonnell, of Hardwood Ct., Glenwood, died Wednesday December 4, 2013 at his home at the age of 76. He was born April 4, 1937 in Buffalo a son of the late James and Gladys (nee Brown) McDonnell. He served in the U.S. Army from June 21, 1960 through October 30, 1963 and was a member of the Army Golden Knights. He received a Master's Degree in English Education from Buffalo State University and was an English teacher at Maryvale Central School in Cheektowaga for 32 years preceding his retirement in 1995. He was a member of the U.S. Parachute Association (license # D-10); the Parachutists over 60; was a judge for ParaSki Nationals and also skydiving competitions. He enjoyed reading, skiing and had run marathons. He is survived by his wife: Kathy (nee Brady) McDonnell whom he married July 13, 1971 in Amherst; four daughters: K'Lynn McDonnell (Jerry Nichols) of Mayville, Michelle (Michael) Flattery of Boston, NY, Melanie (Kevin) Rolf of Collins and Colleen (Eric) Jantzi of Orchard Park; two brothers: James (Dee) McDonnell of Lockport and Jack McDonnell of California; eight grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Patrick & Roy McDonnell and two sisters: Marilynn McDonnell and Arlene Wiltberger.

There is a Zephyrhills Airport Authority meeting on December 17th. 5:30 PM. Robert H Johnson council chambers of the Municipal building.

The issue is not about the fence being a hardship to Skydive City. The issue is that No fence is needed or required at all. Ask any tenant at the airport. Stop the madness.

"only ninety nine got to do it again"

Jake Schwan AKA Late Jake died Oct 4 2012 in Oak Park Co. He was 89. Jake was a member of The Greatest Generation. A Marine who served in the Pacific during World War II. He started jumping late in life at 51 though his nickname came from his skill as a late diver, not his late start in skydiving. He was also an accomplished stone mason and poet. A life well lived

Chris, Thanks for all you have done to promote jump plane safety. I have lost several friends in jump plane accidents over the years and I know it's not easy to change the culture without ruffling some feathers. Your efforts are appreciated.

Airport access should not be just my cause. It should be every skydiver's cause. You should learn what side your bread is buttered on.

It's no secret that their was a crash at St Mary's several years ago. I think someone posted a link to that thread. It happened, Cathy took her lumps from the feds and its done. This thread is about skydivers access to a public airport. If you are going to use the argument that a plane crash is a reason to deny access to an airport you would have to close half the Drop zones in the country and Delta Airlines would not be allowed to serve Atlanta. Dallas or Detroit,

Quote " the faa told them different." Does this mean their is no more stop and desist order?

If anyone is interested in St Mary's Ga's dirty laundry here you go.I'm sure it's much more complicated than this but here is what Ive gathered from researching the internet. http://www.topix.com/forum/city/st-marys-ga/TVKSEJJ00B40194VD Apparently the St Mary's GA City Council wants to line their pockets with Federal dollars to build a new airport. The original ST Mary's Airport Authority board did not see that as a good idea so they sued to determine who had control of the airport, the Airport Authority or The City Council. The City Council won the suit and than fired most of the airport authority board and replaced them with members who would do their bidding. The Jumping Place is caught up in this because successful business on the field does not fit in with their argument that the airport is not viable.

Yes the board is now using the safety argument after trying for years to impose unfair and unreasonable fees. While what fee's are fair and reasonable are somewhat subjective, airport access and the suitability for skydiving is not. I understand the USPA is now involved. http://www.uspa.org/AboutSkydiving/FAAUSPA/AirportAccess/tabid/211/Default.aspx Hopefully we will get some return on are USPA dues here. We all have a dog in this race.

I've heard that the St Mary's Ga Airport Authority BOD has issued a stop and desist order against The Jumping Place DZ at 4J6. The DZO, Cathy Kloess has been at odds with the board over their trying to impose unreasonable fee's on the business. http://www.tribune-georgian.com/articles/2012/03/23/news/top_stories/1topstory3.23.txt The Federal governments Airport financial assistance program prohibits discrimination against all aviation users by any airport that has taken federal dollars and requires any fees they may charge to be fair and reasonable. http://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/grant_assurances/ The St Marys airport Authority Board is now saying that the airport is too small for skydiving, that "runways are considered obstacles" and the The Jumping Place should cease operations. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiQJ12ysV5k It is no secret that many on the airport board want St Mary's airport closed and moved and some feel that having a successful business there does not fit in with their plans.

It's been a year since Frontier lost Toma. Fly free old friend. You are not forgotten.

Frontier Skydivers Western New York's oldest sport parachute club is hosting a caravan all week from Thursday July 28 2011 thru Wednesday August 3rd at Hollands International Airport [85N] in Newfane NY. $26. to 13.500 Feet No registration. Free camping. Only fifteen miles from scenic Niagara Falls. Directions http://www.frontierskydivers.com/directions Frontier Skydivers 3316 Beebee Rd Newfane NY 14108 716 751 -6170 www.frontierskydivers.com

A component of sweat is salt. Salt crystals deteriorate nylon. Billvon mentioned that he retires his canopies when the center cell blows out. The top of the center cell is most exposed to sweat. I had the top center skin of my spectre replaced at about 1800 jumps. Cost about $150 at PD.

The ZP canopies of today have a much longer useful life than the F111 canopies you remember. I have seen ZP canopies with over 6000 documented jumps that PD still considered airworthy. My Spectre 170 has over 2000 jumps on it, is on it's third line set and still flies and flares very well. Exposure to Dirt, UV and packer sweat probably have a greater effect on canopy life than the number of jumps.