Aircraft
Our Skydiving Fleet
Best In Class
Skydive Perris boasts a fleet of twin-turbine jump planes, all of which have been hand-selected from the safest and most reliable aircraft in the industry. We also have a series of specialty aircraft that are prized by our Film Production Office and revered by schools on field trip. We proudly own and maintain all of our planes, treating them with utmost care so they stay in tip-top shape.
Speedy & Spacious
Jump Planes
Each of our three Twin Otters and five Skyvans has been specially modified and upgraded to the highest standards to accommodate military training exercises and civilian skydiving.
(3) De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otters
Capacity: 22 jumpers; port-side exit
Skydive Perris was the first skydiving center in the industry to operate our own Twin Otter in 1981. With its handy side exit, speedy ascent, and reputation for safety, the Twin Otter is now the most popular turbine-powered jump plane in the world. Skydive Perris has three Twin Otters, each comfortably carrying 22 jumpers to altitude in just 15 minutes.
(1) Douglas DC-9 Jet
Capacity: 80 jumpers; aft exit
Our Douglas DC-9 is the world’s only skydiving jet and we are thrilled to announce she is back in the air! Before it was put in storage at the end of 2007, this aircraft was instrumental in helping deliver supplies and evacuate victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In May 2024, after several years of incessant work by our fantastic team of mechanics, this world-exclusive aircraft carried a few hundred amazed skydivers who discovered the incredible feeling of DECELERATING to terminal velocity. The Jet flies only for special events on specific dates and takes tandem jumpers who are avid to live a unique skydiving experience. Will you be next?
(5) Short Brothers SC7 Skyvans
Capacity: 22 jumpers; aft exit
The Skyvan has been a Skydive Perris favorite since the early 80s. Its spacious 18’ x 6’5″ interior and rear-exit tailgate make it ideal for large groups, wingsuits, tactical training, and much more (like setting up a slip-n-slide for experienced skydivers or dropping cargo!). Our five Skyvans each comfortably carry 22 jumpers to altitude in about 20 minutes.
Novelty Planes
Specialty Aircraft
Skydive Perris is home to three additional aircraft that are as spectacular as they are sentimental. Typically grounded, these special planes take to the sky now and then!
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World War I Fokker Triplane
The Fokker Triplane holds a special place in the hearts of the Skydive Perris family. It was the plane Bennie Conatser built for shows in the 70s, and that he’d fly while Diane, Pat and Melanie would follow in their Cessna 170. This incredible aircraft and her stunning paint job continues to turn heads whether on the ground or in the air.
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World War II Douglas DC-3 Airliner
The Douglas Commercial 3 is another important aircraft in Perris history. It was one of the first models the Conatsers introduced as a jumpship after establishing the dropzone. The handsome, silver 1939 fixed wing multi engine DC-3 at Perris today is still operational but not currently in rotation to fly skydivers.
Full-Time, On-Site
Aircraft Maintenance Division
Skydive Perris owns and meticulously maintains all of our aircraft. Our full-time, on-site aircraft maintenance division is led by Pat Conatser, our second generation co-dropzone owner, a “super mechanic,” and an FAA Mechanic and Inspection Authorization Licensee.
