Bloggers Wanted
We're looking for people to help with the main blog. If you are consistent, knowledgeable and you're into it, please drop me a note.
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Linda2
 Junior Boarder
Posts: 20 
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Anyone know a UK baloon pilot / owner who is qulified and current to drop skydivers?
Thanks in advance
Robin Pengelly +44 (0)7050 072751
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glucose
 Fresh Boarder
Posts: 17
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As far as I am aware, there are no specific ratings for the dropping of skydivers. I would guess that any CPL would be able to do this. Also, I believe that all UK balloons are certified to drop parachutists. Having said all this, I would choose a pilot who has dropped parachutists before.
Are you looking for multiple simultaneous drops? This gets a little trickier! I have never dropped more than two at a time.
Regards, Malcolm
On Wed, 11 Aug 1999 15:51:20 +0100, 'Robin Pengelly'
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Merrill571
Fresh Boarder
Posts: 14
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Malcolm,
there is a licence required to drop parachutists from balloons, several balloon pilots, both PPL and CPL do hold such a licence, but not myself. I believe they are issued via the BPA.
Ian Lloyd
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freegoogleads
Fresh Boarder
Posts: 15
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writes
They are indeed issued by the BPA, after you've completed a short course on how to do it properly! The parachutist also needs to hold the equivalent piece of paper. There has always been a qualifying course held during the Bristol Fiesta - I got mine around 5 years ago and assume that the scheme still runs.
Be warned, there is a bit more to dropping a parachutist safely than just making sure the balloon is descending when he jumps out.
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BangmanX
 Fresh Boarder
Posts: 16
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Oh well, you live and learn! Having dropped around 50 parachutists in my time (even from Bristol several years ago) I wasn't aware that there is a licence. What powers do the BPA have to issue a 'licence'? Does it have a lifespan?
The balloon manufacturers Flight Manuals offer guidance in the dropping of parachutists; the main recommendation being not to drop more than 30% of the balloon's all-up-weight in one go.
Malcolm
On Mon, 16 Aug 1999 08:48:07 +0100, Malcolm Loades
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