The Importance of Efficient Loading at Skydive Perris

Attention jumpers, this is a friendly message from your Chief Pilot, Boyd Willat.

I want to start by saying: DO NOT RUSH! DO NOT skip gear checks! BE SAFE!

However, please don’t make the plane wait for you. Even sitting idle, the planes incur significant costs in fuel, maintenance, personnel, and lost productivity. While there are unavoidable delays and situations, this article will address the avoidable ones.

First, let’s touch on the cost. We buy fuel in large quantities, and even when idling, a turbine engine burns a remarkable amount of fuel. Time on the engines is time on the engines, whether they’re flying or on the ground. Engine overhauls, inspections, life-limited parts, and general wear and tear all contribute to the cost.

There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that most people won’t see. We are constantly planning the next few loads to avoid holding at altitude, which burns even more fuel and increases maintenance. Additionally, avoiding delays allows us to fit in another load at the end of the day. If we spend an extra two minutes per load with avoidable delays, we lose at least one to two loads by the end of a good weekend day.

Skydive Perris is a resort, and we all love the amenities we have, but that also means there are notable hourly costs for just existing. We have many people working extra time on the clock, waiting for you.

The most important part of any dropzone is the pilot (yes, I’m a pilot, so … duh), and keeping the pilot happy is crucial. You can keep your pilot happy by buying them a drink at the end of the day and by avoiding these things while we are in the loading area waiting to load:

• Getting your last dirt dive in.
• Asking Danifest what plane you’re on.
• Grabbing water.
• Chatting about how awesome the jump will be.
• Figuring out the exit order last minute.
• Going back to get your GoPro 360 to get the same “sick” video you got on your other three jumps today.
• Forgetting your chest strap.
• Getting on the wrong plane.

I joke, but I’ve seen all these things happen while I’ve been turning props waiting. Sometimes, more than one at the same time! We are here for you and want you to have a good, safe time. Part of that is keeping the costs from going crazy, and you can help because it all adds up!

Thanks for listening!

Boyd Willat

Skydive Perris Chief Pilot