proskydiverorg

Yes you would miss out on the money if that was the only day the plane was able to fly. I'm not talking weekends here either. I don't think you need your full staff on Mon-Thur. If everyone is rotating days off you won't make any less money. Yes you might make less one day or two but you will also make more when the other guy is off. This example probably only works with a DZ that has five or more full time instructors, three or more if it is a cessna operation.

It's all about balance for everyone. An excess of anything is bad...

In my second post I stated: "I personally am happy with my pay per jump. However I'm sure their are instructors who are not happy at certain drop zones." I apologize for not communicating my motives clearly. Here is some of the first steps in forming an organization. This is what I mean when I say I cannot do it alone. 1. Clarify mission, vision, and goals. EXAMPLE: 1. improving working conditions for skydiving professionals in terms of: a) wages b) predictable duty time and days off c) medical benefits d) pension options e) mutual support of wind limits, USPA, FARs, etc. f) confidential reporting of DZs that do not pay fairly, do not honor contracts, etc. g) shared data base of earning expectations at different DZs (IOW Will I be able to make a living working at DZ "X" during months "Y and Z?") We can assign numerical goals (okay $$$) at a later date. Membership should be limited to instructors in good standing with USPA, CSPA, BPA, APF, UPT, Srong Enterprises, etc. We might have to establish a separate rating system for videographers. Maybe have videographers submit samples of their portfolios to earn "A", "B" , etc. ratings. Thanks to RIGGERROB for his post on the mission statement 2. Recruit an initial board of directors. 3. Define purpose, and create bylaws. 4. Hold an initial board meeting; approve bylaws and elect officers. So it really doesn't matter what I want or think when it comes to opinions. Everything would be voted on and approved by a board or officers. I think you will find many DZO's disappointed in the support they have received from USPA when they truly needed help. I do understand what you mean by the power clique though. However, I don't want this thread to be a knock down on USPA.

I broke my own leg using this technique. My passenger was saved. I try to slid in every time but if I think its going to be hard I put my feet down and take the hit.

I don't understand your question?

National Household Median Income $44,389 50% of Households make more 50% make less. The median salary for all primary and secondary teachers was $46,000 in 2004. The average yearly salary of firefighters in 2008 was $45,700, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. I know many instructors making 38k-42k at both year round and seasonal DZ's. Work really hard for 6 mo. or work steady all year it comes out to about the same. I think that kind of income qualifies as a career. I've had 4k a week checks working 80 hours, I've made over 1k in a single day. Now that isn't every day or every week but it does happen. So I save my money for when the weather is bad or for the off season. Maybe it should only be for full timers because part timers don't need the money, since they have real jobs and income. I'm more concerned about the places that are so busy they pay less per jump. You have to work harder for the same amount of money. I have heard TM's say they won't jump for under 40 a jump. I've also heard of places that pay 25 a jump. It's probably impossible to get benefits like insurance and retirement, if everyone formed a group I'm sure you could get some sort of plan that you pay in to yourself. It's always better to have group plans than individual plans. Important working conditions to me are having set day's off and having the opportunity to take a vacation or holiday. When it comes to aircraft and gear all I care about is that it is properly maintained and safe. Which isn't always the case.

I don't want people to know who I am because when I do look for a job I don't want the DZO to think I'm a trouble maker who's trying to form a "UNION" that's going to cause problems at his DZ. I want to make a positive effect on the sport. My time and energy would be better spent just starting my own drop zone, but I want to make a difference in the sport. I love our sport and think it is a excellent career choice for some people.

I agree when people work as a team the the work place runs like a well balanced, oiled, and tuned machine. I have never been to New Zealand but I hear the drop zones run very efficiently.

This is an excellent post! I keep saying this is a group effort. I could not do it by myself. More posts like this would be nice. To tell you the truth it would be beter if someone else took my idea and ran with it. If there is enough interest I will ask for volunteers to help with organizing this undertaking.

I agree with you, however its not like most careers when you just go down the road and get another job. Most likely you will have to relocate.

The reason for posting this thread is to bring up these topics, for everyone's input. I think these are great questions. I think everyone should reply to these questions. If people show an interest then we can move on to goals and criteria base on what people want. What is your opinion on your own questions? I mean those who skydive as their main source of income. This does not exclude weekend instructors as too are professionals, that serve a major role in the skydive industry. pro·fes·sion·al 2 a : participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs b : having a particular profession as a permanent career c : engaged in by persons receiving financial return I personally am happy with my pay per jump. However I'm sure their are instructors who are not happy at certain drop zones. I am not trying to bash DZO's they have a very stressful business to run as a business owner. If a DZO truly cares about his staff then I'm sure he has better things to worry about. As for the one who don't care, they probably won't go along with it. I think DZO membership and input would be vital for everyone's interest. This is a voice of professional skydivers.

I have been thinking about forming a organization for professional skydivers for several years now. It would definitely be a volunteer group effort to build. There are issues that I do not like in this industry, and I was wondering if other people feel the same. I think we have one of the best jobs in the world, and i believe that some "NOT ALL" DZO's take advantage of our passion and mistreat their staff because they can. The only way to prevent this is by uniting as a group. I encourage all opinions to see if this is worth pursuing. Anyone interested in helping? For anonymous email: [email protected]