Right seat passengers jump aircraft

[ChrisD 0]

Anyone with a written procedure for observer, jump rides, and or any non- pilot in the unused right seat?

I've noticed widly varying policies, some downright draconian, some very, perhaps too loose about giving rides.

On one hand the same sort of situation exsists for any aircraft pilot giving rides to the geneeral public...

EX: Some stories about feet gettin under the rudder pedals, too fat and can't pull the yolk full travel, obliovulsly intoxicated, poor health, etc

But other DZ's very open, escort by hand (PERIOD) quick briefing etc...

Have some places gone too far by not allowing ride alongs based solely on the prop strike example???

How many skydivers have actaully sat up front and seen and listen to the multiple events takeing place. Most that I have spoken with walk away with a deeper understanding and many have said something like:

O'H shit, I had no idea,...

Many have indicated how helpless they feel if something were to happen...!

Anyways I'm in the ride along camp, I enjoy the view and a second set of eyes, esp trained eyes, are a great piece of mind to me! Never mind the fact that a ride along can assist if / when ever needed.

This comes from both sides of the fence so to speak. I will add as a jumper I am extreeemly cognizant of moving around with my container, it dosen't take much to rip out a switch for example, where as most skydivers don't seem to understand this. I mean just constantly face forward as you move out of the front seat area, don't try to turn around! (As an example.)

C

any other thoughts??


When I mentioned escort by hand, I mean this literally all non-pilots, observers, passengers get boarded via the exit door or are held by hand. Anyone not held physically by hand and it's an immediate shutdown!

But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

[ChrisD 0]

Anyone?

Ferris?


C

But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

[DougH 270]

182 Observer rides concern me: no seat, easy access to the door, they should have a PEP but could easily take down the whole plane with it. It get even sketchier when your start putting them in the plane with a student rig that happened to be lying around!!!

The ?Dawynesburg? suicide incident alone should be a good indicator of just one of the risks.

On the other hand my grandfather got to fly right seat at an awesome VA dz when my collegiate skydiving team stopped midweek on a trip back from FL a few years back.

This was a perfect example of the good side of observer rides. He got briefed by the pilot, had a real seat and restraints. Got on and off with the pilot so no prop strike risk. Got a headset and really got to feel like part of the happenings!

"The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall"
=P

[twatterpilot 0]

I loved doing observer rides in the Twin Otter when I got the opportunity to meet the individual, check his or her mental state (ie, not suicidal, or terrorist) made sure the individual would fit behind the yoke etc.

Tough in the King Air, person has to wear a rig and no seat, just a straddle bench. But still do'able.

Again, I don't like to do it unless I have had the opportunity to meet and evaluate the person. I love to take staff so they can have the chance to see and hear what a round trip looks like with listening to jumpers and 3 frequencies.

But you are 100% correct, hand held all the way to the cockpit by a trained staff member. Works better and is often more fun for passenger if they are there for a start and shutdown. They get to see the whole operation. I treat it like a flying lesson.

Airline Transport Pilot, Multi-Engine Land, DHC-8
Commercial Multi-Engine Sea, Single Engine Land
Private Glider

[DBCOOPER 5]

Tough in the King Air, person has to wear a rig and no seat, just a straddle bench. But still do'able.

Though the regs say you have to have a seat unless you going to make an intentional jump?

Replying to: Re: Stall On Jump Run Emergency Procedure? by billvon

If the plane is unrecoverable then exiting is a very very good idea.