daverdaver

I do realize the requirements for being a jump pilot, but after a bit of mulling it over I've decided that jumping is what i really want to do, not flying a jump plane. It would be kinda silly to fly a jump plane just so I can skydive. The idea crossed my mind as my dad was a jump pilot for years and also did a few free jumps on the side, but I think I'll just focus on skydiving as that is what I want to do. Thanks a bunch for the input though! Dave

Actually, its funny that you mention that... I have my pilots licence and was wondering if it is common for jump pilots to be paid in jumps instead of a paycheck? I've got a full time job doing helicopter maintenance but would love to fly on the weekends in exchange for a few jumps!

I did my first tandem jump at Skydive Gananoque in Ontario last weekend and loved it! I live in Alberta and since I got home I've been calling around to different drop zones to collect as much info as I can about the sport. I'm still trying to figure out if I can afford it (both the money and the time)... er... I should say, how much I will have to give up to be able to afford it. One thing that's been on my mind is how often should you plan to jump to stay "current"? Everyone I've talked to about skydiving says that you have to jump "a lot" or "often" to stay safe but still haven't heard any numbers. Does "often" mean 10 jumps a week or a few a month? I really have no idea. I wish I could say that I could be at the dropzone every weekend all weekend but that just wouldn't be the truth. Thanks, look forward to hearing the replies and I can't wait to get started! Dave