steve1 5 #1 April 17, 2004 Silvertip Skydivers, the oldest continually run Collegiant club in the United States, is being pressured to close their doors by the airport board. It's a similiar argument to the closing of the Laurel D.Z. near Billings. Both these D.Z.'s were on Municipal Airports. Some sort of a million dollar policy is now needed (I think this is on each jumper). The way I understand it no such policy exists. The USPA states that our dues are helping Drop Zones stay open. I'd like to know how. The way I understand it they are no help at all. A few years ago there were four drop zones in Montana. If Stevensville goes down there will now be only one left...Lost Prairie. I've thought of selling my gear but I love to jump too much. I've found another drop zone in Canada where I may be able to jump a few months of the year. It's a four hour drive to get there, but it'll beat not jumping. It's getting pretty bad when you have to leave the damn country, just to find a place to jump. On the bright side,...I heard that Lost Prairie now has a paved run way. Hope to see you all there at Boogie time....Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmsmith 1 #2 April 17, 2004 The days of the small 182 dzo(s) on municipal airports are probably history. USPA membership is largely made up of those of limited means, so little lobbying power is available. This is a political problem, and money is the mother's milk of politics. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #3 April 17, 2004 QuoteIt's getting pretty bad when you have to leave the damn country, just to find a place to jump. *** Didn't realize Montana WAS in the country! Sorry to hear it though... Come on down to Texas! We need more of us "Old Timers" here! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chuckakers 426 #4 April 17, 2004 Quote Some sort of a million dollar policy is now needed (I think this is on each jumper). The way I understand it no such policy exists. The board in question can not require an airport user to provide insurance that is not available, and may not restrict airport use on such grounds. They may require "like kind" insurance - meaning if they make the flight school or FBO carry general liability insurance then they can make the skydiving entity do the same. This "slip and fall" policy is readily available through a variety of sources and costs less than $1500 per year in most cases. Additionally, the USPA 3rd party coverage insures against damage caused by a jumper, so that should not be a good arguement from the board. It sounds like what they are trying to make the DZ obtain is liability insurance to cover getting sued by an injured jumper. If that is the case, the DZ has a very strong arguement since no such insurance exists. An intricate knowledge of and ability to recite the federal regs on this issue can make a HUGE difference in the outcome. The local FSDO can guide you through the regs if needed. CA Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #5 April 17, 2004 Good point Chuck, Also Steve... I was in contact with a multitude of insurance underwriters in regard to the USPA insurance issue recently resolved. The company chosen is very familiar with all types of coverage involving aircraft and like operations. PM me if you want the Phone number for Susan or Karen at Insurance Technologies and Programs... They have lots of experience with Parachute operations as well. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve1 5 #6 April 17, 2004 Come on down to Texas! We need more of us "Old Timers" here! You know I might just do that. I always liked most Texans and I'm kind of sick of the long winters up here. I've got at least four more years to get a pension and if most of my body functions are still working by then, and if my bones aren't too brittle, maybe I'll pack up and move to a better place....Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
