Testing with DPRE Sandy Reid

[jonathan.newman 1]

This is just my experience taking the oral and practical exam with Sandy Reid. Sandy mentioned that he might be perceived as a tough examiner, having heard that some locals intentionally went to other DPREs to test. I just want to say that he seemed fair and tested by the book.

I had a vacation planned to visit family in Phoenix. I already had 20 packs done and a letter from a master rigger.

I called Sandy the week before arriving to see if he had time to give the exam. He said he might have time, but call back when I passed the written exam.

I made an appointment with the Scottsdale FSDO for a Weds morning, as I arrived on a Tuesday. Then I made an appointment with a CATS test center at an FBO about 2 miles from the FSDO for a couple hours later.

I met with the FAA (who didn't have my appointment on record) and got my paperwork signed. I drove straight to the FBO and called CATS to register for the test once I got there. The written test was hard, as my main study aid was the parachute rigger's handbook. But, I passed. I missed a lot of questions, so I'd recommend some other way to study for the written exam.

I called Sandy from the parking lot of the FSDO, and we made an appointment for 8am Friday.

The oral and practical tests were exactly what I expected from reading the FAA Practical Test Standards. There were no surprises here. Well, one surprise, and that was coming away knowing a lot more than when I arrived. After the exam was over, we debriefed everything.

There was a rigging class going on at the same time that I was testing, so I could see that I would have learned a lot more about rigging had I been in the class. However, I was there just for the test, and what I got was a fair test.

Cheers,
Jonathan

[chuckakers 426]

Bravo! I have known Sandy for 26 years (and bought every rig I've ever owned from him). He is a first-rate person, design and rigging genius, and an honest businessman who goes the extra miles for his customers.

The sport needs more like him.

Chuck Akers
D-10855
Houston, TX

[jimjumper 25]

I went through his rigging school 15 years ago when he was still in California. It's the best when it comes to rigging info and the skills learned far exceed what a "usual" rigging school offers. He's one of the most knowledgable and fair in the business.

[masterrig 1]

I attended Sandy's USAPR School at Eloy, Arizona for my Masters, 12-yrs. ago. Yes, he's tough but fair and I learned a great deal from he and (the late) Mark Schlatter. My practical was with the DPRE in Marana, Arizona. Sandy is also very thorough in his instruction. For me, it was an amazing experience I'll always remember. I highly recommend his rigging class.


Chuck

[chuckakers 426]

Quote

I attended Sandy's USAPR School at Eloy, Arizona for my Masters, 12-yrs. ago. Yes, he's tough but fair and I learned a great deal from he and (the late) Mark Schlatter. My practical was with the DPRE in Marana, Arizona. Sandy is also very thorough in his instruction. For me, it was an amazing experience I'll always remember. I highly recommend his rigging class.


Chuck

Mark was responsible for me buying my first Talon (#284). He taught me to skydive at Parachutes & Associates in Frankfurt, Indiana in 1985. When I was ready to order my first rig I asked for his advice and he suggested this new rig called a Talon. When I asked if it was a good choice, he told me a bit about Sandy and his abilities, and said he already had a Talon on order, sight unseen.

That was enough for me, and Sandy and his terrific wife Brenda and wonderful crew at R.I. have continued to impress me ever since.

Chuck Akers
D-10855
Houston, TX

[RIGGER 0]

From knowing Sandy for many, many years I totally agree with you - Sandy is one of the BEST in our industry & for me a good friend for years - supported by his wife Brenda & the RI's family.
Cheers

[RIGGER 0]

Sandy is a DPRE who is also a h/c Mfg. & involved in the PIA / FAA daily & chaired the PIA Technical commt. for years.

Look at the facility he & Brenda are running - see the rigging classes & the rigging course facilty - it's great.

Sandy is a person to honor & he is fair all the way.

Cheers

[masterrig 1]

Quote

Quote

I attended Sandy's USAPR School at Eloy, Arizona for my Masters, 12-yrs. ago. Yes, he's tough but fair and I learned a great deal from he and (the late) Mark Schlatter. My practical was with the DPRE in Marana, Arizona. Sandy is also very thorough in his instruction. For me, it was an amazing experience I'll always remember. I highly recommend his rigging class.


Chuck

Mark was responsible for me buying my first Talon (#284). He taught me to skydive at Parachutes & Associates in Frankfurt, Indiana in 1985. When I was ready to order my first rig I asked for his advice and he suggested this new rig called a Talon. When I asked if it was a good choice, he told me a bit about Sandy and his abilities, and said he already had a Talon on order, sight unseen.

That was enough for me, and Sandy and his terrific wife Brenda and wonderful crew at R.I. have continued to impress me ever since.

Sandy and Brenda do run an excellent business. They're both straight-up and honest. Wonderful people! Mark was a heckuva guy. After I attended USAPR, we stayed in contact, mostly by e-mail. When he got his horses, we talked horses. He was a multi-talented guy and great sense of humor. He'd always stop by on his way back to Dallas from Eloy and we'd have breakfast and get to visit. Just an all-around good-good guy!


Chuck