Droolbaby 0 #1 June 30, 2006 OK. So I have this idea. I want to do something to help open the minds of people as well as help increase cancer awareness. I am considering doing a full US tour on a quest. I am considering making two jumps at each drop zone over the course of a few days. At current count, there are 208 drop zones through out the US (Alaska and Hawaii are not in those numbers) and am considering jumping all 208 DZs in 208 days (basically a drop zone a day, somedays I can jump more than one, but on average, one a day). I would like to know if this has ever been attempted as well as any feed back. I just want some feedback on what people think. Let me know. Thanks. ...Happiness is just a drool away....mmmmm.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #2 June 30, 2006 I've never heard of it being attempted. It's an amazing idea. The biggest logistical issue I see is that most small DZs are not opened or busy during the week. You may not be able to get a plane up during a slow weekday. So you would have to pre-plan, make reservations, etc. Good luck! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #3 June 30, 2006 QuoteYou may not be able to get a plane up during a slow weekday One person can get a plane to fly. Its all about how many slots you're willing to cover. If its a good cause, a lot of DZOs might give a break on the minimums or open up on that day to get some other jumpers out there to help out with the loads (its just as good as any other reason for a mini-boogie during the week). In a 182, $20 a slot you're looking at $80. If you just do a Hop-n-pop with a guessed at number of $15 per slot and maybe a 2 person minimum in the 182 for a hop-n-pop, $30 isn't that far of a reach. The big problem I see is simply travel time. For instance, between Eloy and Texas I think the only DZ is about 9 hours east of Eloy. Other than that, its a cool idea. With some coordination and prior planning its definately do able. Especially if you get the DZOs on board well prior to attempting your plan. Maybe you could try for 1 jump in each state, two states a week?--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tombuch 0 #4 June 30, 2006 QuoteAt current count, there are 208 drop zones through out the US (Alaska and Hawaii are not in those numbers) and am considering jumping all 208 DZs in 208 days I think there are closer to 300 known drop zones. Your best source for that number is Ed Scott at USPA who has an official count of all USPA drop zones, and an informal but pretty complete list of non-member DZ's. Your project sounds expensive. Do a good business plan in advance to be sure you will raise more than you spend in expenses, and/or generate sufficient media to justify the event. You may find that there may be more efficient ways to raise money and increase awareness of the issue. .Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeremy556 0 #5 June 30, 2006 Weather may also present a problem. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bch7773 0 #6 June 30, 2006 I know there is at least one guy who has jumped in all 50 states.... but I doubt he did all DZs. I think it would be very expensive, but possible. small C-182 DZs are usually not opened during the week, but if you pay the DZO and pilot enough they would probably bring out the plane. some DZs may do this for free, some may try to charge you $300 or something. MB 3528, RB 1182 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Programmer 0 #7 June 30, 2006 If you're talking about an ambitious project, you've picked a good one. If you're talking about raising money for cancer research or something like that, there are probably other things you could do that would have a better cost/benefit ratio. ( Lurking a tandem with Lance Armstrong as the passenger comes to mind, but think about what kind of things get press coverage and I'm sure you'll come up with lots of stuff )Back to your original question: There are 3 USPA dropzones in Alabama separated by almost the length of the state. To start at one, drive to the next, then drive to the next would take about 7 hours. That doesn't include time to jump and pack. That means a jump at each dropzone in Alabama would be easily done on a long summer day, but then Alabama is not a big state. California and Texas would be more challenging. Anyway, be sure to post what you do with this, because I'm sure it'll get interesting. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Droolbaby 0 #8 July 2, 2006 Thanks for the input. I know there are a lot of things that can be a better cost/benefit ratio, but I wanted to combine one of my loves with that of something close to many people. Besides, something this ambitious can get a lot of great press AND can pull people into the world of real issues. I will definately let everyone know what is happening with this. We shall see. Thanks for all of the help. ...Happiness is just a drool away....mmmmm.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
