I'm an Aerodrome Local. So I am obviously biased. But, considering that Aerodrome is just outside Richmond, Indiana and I live in Columbus, Ohio there are definitely reasons why I choose to pass at least two DZ's on my way to Aerodrome...
1. Basic Safety...It is a priority at Aerodrome, not an afterthought or something to which is only paid lip service. From my first jump course to first flight under a ZP canopy to everything else that has posed any new challenge, the instructors, jumpmasters, coaches and locals have been there to offer advice and guidance in an effort to offer me the safest possible environment in which to experience all aspects of this sport.
2. "Advanced" Safety...Whenever you leave the ground for a jump you are putting your life into the hands of the pilot AND that aircraft's mechanic. At Aerodrome we have the privelage of flying with Steve Stewart (Aerodrome's owner), who is not only one of the most experienced jump pilots in the country but is also a certified and highly experienced aircraft mechanic. Also, Steve holds ratings for Static Line Instruction, AFF, Tandem, Master Rigger and Rigger Examiner. Not to mention that in his early years in the business he obtained a TSO for his harness-container system, the Sweethog. So when flying with Steve you know that not only is the pilot exceptionally qualified to fly the plane you're in, you have someone who understands and cares about the people he's carrying. Granted, Steve isn't always the pilot, but you can be certain that any pilot Steve puts in his planes not only knows his job but also respects the fact that those people in his plane are not just "freight".
3. The DZ...Hundreds of acres of grass and very little air traffic. It's a rather large municipal airport and if it wasn't for Aerodrome I'm sure their motto would be "Richmond Municipal Airport...Sometimes Planes Land Here". Other than skydiving, there isn't much going on there. And if you do land out, the area which surrounds the airport is entirely agricultural. Just don't aim for the 'tall' corn. Also, if you were to land in water that you can drown in, you would have to be shooting for it!
4. The People (AKA The "Feel")...Certainly THE thing which helps me justify the two hour drive every weekend. I don't know how to describe them/it, except to say that the Aerodrome Crowd is awesome!
5. The Facilities...They're rather nice, but you'll have to check the post from Aerodrome about this. Beyond a place to pack out of the Sun and a toilet that flushes, I really don't care about the facilities. (Note: If you visit, stay clear of the couch, it's MINE!) But I should mention that Aerodrome provides plenty of opportunity for SUNSAT activities, such as grilling out, camping, getting naked on the...err, never mind.
So those are my thoughts on Aerodrome. I would write more but it seems to be long enough as it is, and besides, I'm out of beer.
Note: If you decide to visit Aerodrome (which you should) be sure to ask about how you can earn your official "Car Wreck T-Shirt".
Skydive Cincinnati
in Ohio
1. Basic Safety...It is a priority at Aerodrome, not an afterthought or something to which is only paid lip service. From my first jump course to first flight under a ZP canopy to everything else that has posed any new challenge, the instructors, jumpmasters, coaches and locals have been there to offer advice and guidance in an effort to offer me the safest possible environment in which to experience all aspects of this sport.
2. "Advanced" Safety...Whenever you leave the ground for a jump you are putting your life into the hands of the pilot AND that aircraft's mechanic. At Aerodrome we have the privelage of flying with Steve Stewart (Aerodrome's owner), who is not only one of the most experienced jump pilots in the country but is also a certified and highly experienced aircraft mechanic. Also, Steve holds ratings for Static Line Instruction, AFF, Tandem, Master Rigger and Rigger Examiner. Not to mention that in his early years in the business he obtained a TSO for his harness-container system, the Sweethog. So when flying with Steve you know that not only is the pilot exceptionally qualified to fly the plane you're in, you have someone who understands and cares about the people he's carrying. Granted, Steve isn't always the pilot, but you can be certain that any pilot Steve puts in his planes not only knows his job but also respects the fact that those people in his plane are not just "freight".
3. The DZ...Hundreds of acres of grass and very little air traffic. It's a rather large municipal airport and if it wasn't for Aerodrome I'm sure their motto would be "Richmond Municipal Airport...Sometimes Planes Land Here". Other than skydiving, there isn't much going on there. And if you do land out, the area which surrounds the airport is entirely agricultural. Just don't aim for the 'tall' corn. Also, if you were to land in water that you can drown in, you would have to be shooting for it!
4. The People (AKA The "Feel")...Certainly THE thing which helps me justify the two hour drive every weekend. I don't know how to describe them/it, except to say that the Aerodrome Crowd is awesome!
5. The Facilities...They're rather nice, but you'll have to check the post from Aerodrome about this. Beyond a place to pack out of the Sun and a toilet that flushes, I really don't care about the facilities. (Note: If you visit, stay clear of the couch, it's MINE!) But I should mention that Aerodrome provides plenty of opportunity for SUNSAT activities, such as grilling out, camping, getting naked on the...err, never mind.
So those are my thoughts on Aerodrome. I would write more but it seems to be long enough as it is, and besides, I'm out of beer.
Note: If you decide to visit Aerodrome (which you should) be sure to ask about how you can earn your official "Car Wreck T-Shirt".
Blue Skies!