johndh1

...so, in your defense, as well as your dzo and your jump pilot, where is the (presumed) complainant's position at this time...six months back? I am assuming that the long-term dropzone is established to the South of the field, and everyone else is NOTAM-ed or otherwise informed. If this friend is flying a big turbine-twin like a King Air, he is at least knowledgeable as much as being aware of the surrounding of his paying customers. Bottom line: This incursion didn't sneak up on him - he just didn't do his homework, or wasn't paying attention. I have seen numerous over-zealous fly-boys take off in the middle of conscientious jump operations. Roll Tide Roll

...and where did you land? On the South side of the airport, in the dz (your target area)? You couldn't have been that far away upon opening. Had you been in another direction, you could have easily landed in the Zephyrhills poop-plant, or on top of the ZPH FBO.. Roll Tide Roll

I have a red 2000 Xterra with just over 200,000 miles on it, and aftermarket front- and rear- brush guards. Every time I think about trading it in, I just can't do it. The only time it ever failed to start on me is when, about 6 months ago, the 5-year battery went ka-put at 7 years, overnight. With synthetic oil, regular maintenance, and I changed out the timing belt (rubber) which was supposed to last 60k miles, lasted just fine to 130k miles, and did basic tune-up and rear-end service, I absolutely love this car. If it were a woman, it would be an immoral androgynous hermaphrodite Cougar with low morals and low maintenance, and a gym membership used regularly...and would make me pay for it in a pound of gold/a pound of flesh...nothing more, nothing less. Roll Tide Roll

No disrespect intended here pertaining to your friend's aviation experience; however, I didn't bring this up in two different threads. I am only comparing the historical facts I know personally to that of yours from your friend's second-hand information of a dropzone operation of which I have firsthand knowledge. Roll Tide Roll

What? I thought I only dreamed that. Where's my $200.00?!?! Billy Vance, you Deaf Cunt Hustler, You! Roll Tide Roll

No...don't bother. I can already surmise enough exaggeration on the part of the excited novice pilot. Just let this one fall off the page. Roll Tide Roll

I'm looking for the original complainant's dates and times recorded. Surely he will have it in his flight logs noted that he had to take evasive action. Roll Tide Roll

No offense personally, but you completely lost me here. Roll Tide Roll

Date and time of the incursion will determine who was liable and at fault. Surely AWOS records will prove atmospheric conditions the day of. It's all a matter of record. I, myself, will err on the side of Skydive City, unless proven otherwise. Roll Tide Roll

No way. My bet is that your friend was in error. He was not in the remote parts of Mississippi where they don't have to worry about incursions so much over small airports below 14,000 ft. They are in a very busy part of a very busy state in the U.S. as far as General Aviation. Very few other areas of the country have to worry themselves with year-round GA traffic. Hell, half the bodies-in-air as far as skydivers in the USA are Europeans on Holiday in Florida in the Winter months. In this case, ignorance is not an excuse. Roll Tide Roll

You need to talk to your friend again, and get his position specifically. Anyone flying around ZPH should be fully aware of the skydiving situation, unless they have been locked in a cave since 1969. It is a first-class operation, one that works well with the local air traffic (and has for I-don't-know-how-long) and would not put itself in an adversarial position with anyone's safety intentionally. They have done an exceptional job there of keeping the GA/FBO traffic, glider operation, and skydiving, etc., at safe and comfortable separation for a long time now. I myself have been in an airplane several times on the (NE/SW, I forget the numbers) runway on the FBO side, and have seen almost two dozen comrades under canopy in the air that might make a green aviator nervous - more than once this has been during the week of Sun-n-Fun, with much more traffic than this airport is accustomed to, but handled with care. Somehow, off the ground, and at speed, objects appear closer than they are, especially with vivid color of canopies against a familiar and empty blue backdrop. Still, to call it a "close call" with insinuation by your friend of only the slightest aversion from devastating is quite an accusation on his behalf, especially on an airport such as Zephyrhills. Roll Tide Roll

Naaah...I wear a Z1 Roll Tide Roll

Thanks - I thought helicopters are flown from the right seat? Roll Tide Roll

What would be ideal is to discuss it with someone who has flown jumpers in this (or similar) model - anyone with input please either post here or you can PM me. Roll Tide Roll

Ummmm, I don't think he can actually charge for it. You (BV) may have met him with me before - see PM. Roll Tide Roll

One at a time. http://www.alexisparkinn.com/photogallery/BryanChaisone/St%5B1%5D._Alexander_Bay__Hughes_269A.jpg Roll Tide Roll

Definitely going to do that. He's been flying helicopters for several years now, but this will definitely be different from what he is used to (mostly law-enforcement). I just wasn't sure it was even worth pursuing in this particular model. He said if I check into it he'll do it. Roll Tide Roll

Awesome. A friend here just got one. I can't believe it only burns 11gph. The only thing that concerns me is that with me weighing 225#, I would think it would be a little too drastic weight/balance change once I leave the thing. Roll Tide Roll

Ever jump from one (or know anyone who has)? If not, is it feasible? Roll Tide Roll

"Hinhosa" Roll Tide Roll

I forgot about this one, which has to be my favorite outside of the traditional songs. Couldn't find the original video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l333xjfSlR4 Roll Tide Roll

I've never called anyone "BillyVance," but I have used the name to describe someone's actions - "You pulled a BillyVance!" Roll Tide Roll

I was gonna say that same song by the Carpenters, but I didn't want to keep listing. Roll Tide Roll

Yeah, that was two weeks ago when Franken-Billy had that big fresh gash down the middle of his forehead. I knew we'd be in trouble then, so I told Billy I was just going to slow down as we drove by his house, and he could jump out so I could get away before his wife caught up. Roll Tide Roll

So, Billy left early? Are you kidding? Flo already says I bring Billy home injured or hung-over as it is. She certainly wouldn't be happy with my leaving him curled-up on the doorstep semi-conscious, with his thumb in his mouth, mumbling something about "go to the happy place." Roll Tide Roll