I learned to jump in Michigan, and jumped at a couple different DZs before moving to New England a decade ago. I met Midwest's DZO, Randy Allison (also the USPA regional director) at the USPA board meeting in July and on finding out I was a former local boy, demanded that I come visit next time I was in town. As it happened, about 2 weeks later, I was in town!
What a friendly bunch of folks at a great small DZ with a tremendous vibe. I started at another fairly "small" DZ in the Detroit area, and Midwest keeps that tradition alive, even with a Caravan and a 182 at their disposal. (the 182 is probably the cleanest and most well maintained skydiving C-182 I've ever had the privilege to jump out of, too)
The facilities are comfortable but not flashy. This is a "working DZ," not a tandem factory. Packing is wide open, there's plenty of space to stretch out. You can't ask for more outs, and while the landing area proper is fairly small, you have plenty of bean fields and such to land in if you misjudge.
Everybody made me feel right at home the minute I walked in. Its nice to not only get the DZ orientation by walking around, but to get personal introductions to everybody on the DZ at the same time.
Bottom line: if you're looking to make 30 loads a day with all the amenities, go to the "big" DZs. If you're looking to enjoy skydiving with a small, friendly group of jumpers who are there for the love of the sport, come make some jumps at Midwest. I have a new "home away from home" when I'm back visiting family.
Midwest Freefall Sport Parachute Club, Inc.
in Michigan
What a friendly bunch of folks at a great small DZ with a tremendous vibe. I started at another fairly "small" DZ in the Detroit area, and Midwest keeps that tradition alive, even with a Caravan and a 182 at their disposal. (the 182 is probably the cleanest and most well maintained skydiving C-182 I've ever had the privilege to jump out of, too)
The facilities are comfortable but not flashy. This is a "working DZ," not a tandem factory. Packing is wide open, there's plenty of space to stretch out. You can't ask for more outs, and while the landing area proper is fairly small, you have plenty of bean fields and such to land in if you misjudge.
Everybody made me feel right at home the minute I walked in. Its nice to not only get the DZ orientation by walking around, but to get personal introductions to everybody on the DZ at the same time.
Bottom line: if you're looking to make 30 loads a day with all the amenities, go to the "big" DZs. If you're looking to enjoy skydiving with a small, friendly group of jumpers who are there for the love of the sport, come make some jumps at Midwest. I have a new "home away from home" when I'm back visiting family.