Scoop

Well, after getting a bit disheartened with other clubs I took the advice of a few friends I met on DZ.com and went up to Old Buckenham (UK Parachuting) to jump with them and check the place out. After initially getting my bearings and figuring out who was who I was greeted and had a mini tour of the site and had a DZ briefing.
To my shock people I had never met before actually made conversation with me, there wasn't the clique feel that you get at a lot of DZs and instead was really friendly. After making a few jumps I loved the place. I was reliant on packers at the time and they were efficient with quick turn arounds. The DZO even hurrying them up to get my rig ready so I could get on another load at one point! On another occasion my rig was grounded and they allowed me use of club kit rent free. Now that's service! Despite the two and a half hour drive there and back I returned a number of times. I'm not a big fan of the UK scene but I have to say I will return to UK Parachuting in a heartbeat as their attitude was a breath of fresh air.
The riggers there are friendly too, a few times they pointed things out to me and repaired minor issues immediately for me without charge. I might not be jumping in the UK at the moment but I will still be taking my rig to UK Parachuting for reserve inspection and repacks.

I have just completed my A licence via AFF with this club at time of this review. I found the club very helpful and the staff and members will always give you time with a query or advice if you make the effort to ask. I too read a lot of poor reviews on this website but I had already started. I love the place although it can be frustrating for students as the number of staff members able to get through the vast quantity of students and tandems means it can be a long wait to jump. All the aircraft rock, I love the Let for its comfort, speed and big door. The Beaver because its fast and fun and the Islander has its own charm too. The landing area is fine with plenty of safe off landing places. The packing shed can get quite busy when they are putting a lot of loads in the air. Because of London air traffic only expect 12,000 feet. The best bit is on a clear day, when they open the door, you can see France on the horizon. As its also an airfield for pleasure flying you can expect your own personal air show during your time there from WW2 to modern aerobatic aircraft. Some of the people there are really good skydivers although you wont hear them talking about their achievements. Don't neccesarily assume the tandems are a bad thing, I have been down numerous times where if it wasn't for the tandems booked in that day there wouldn't have been a lift, paticularly in winter. Come on down and enjoy it!