Parachute operations conducted outside of the approved drop zone boundary

The reporter has raised safety concerns relating to parachute operations being conducted outside of the approved drop zone boundary.

The reporter states, a letter of agreement (LoA) is in place between Air Traffic Control (ATC) and [Operator] that defines the approved drop zone boundary when conducting parachute dropping activities. The drop zone is on [Location 1] adjacent to the main runway at [Location 2] airport. The tolerances established by ATC for separation with departing and arriving aircraft are based on the agreed drop zone. The reporter raised concerns in relation to [Operator] non-compliance with the LoA and provided the following examples;

• The operator moves the drop zone approximately 400 m down the beach during surf carnivals without requesting approval or advising ATC.

[Operator] obtained local council approval for beach landings back in [year]. Since then, on occasion, local council has asked us to move the landing area to accommodate the [event]. The location always remains on [Location 1] and does not change 'the approved drop zone boundary'. After several years of the [event] being held, we were advised by the [position title] of the time, that provided we stayed within the 1 NM boundary as per the LoA there was no need to advise ATC of the move.

On the day in question, the landing area was pushed out to approximately 300 m. The parachutists were still exiting the aircraft well inside the boundary zone.

Since the incident in question, after correspondence with Airservices we now agree to advise ATC regardless of how small the move is. 

• On multiple occasions, parachutes are dropped through a solid cloud base and the reporter queries how it is possible to be visual with the line feature as per the LoA to ensure separation.

[Operator], like most other drop zones in Australia, has an approved cloud jumping procedures manual to drop parachutists through cloud.

Our aircraft is fitted 2 x TSO’d GPS, a Garmin 530 WAAS and a Garmin 430 WAAS.

To confirm the integrity of the exit point when dropping through cloud, an appointed loadmaster will verify the spot by cross checking the aircraft GPS position with the pilot.

Approaching the exit point a red light will be activated by the pilot to indicate that the parachutists should be ready to jump.

At the predetermined exit point, a green light will be activated by the pilot, which is also cross-checked with the loadmaster, indicating that the skydivers are clear to jump.

A green light means that the pilot is in the correct location and has been issued an airways clearance to drop.

As per the cloud manual, it is also a requirement that the cloud base over the landing area must be at least 5,000 ft AGL, so as to ensure that the skydivers are clear of cloud during the parachute part of the descent. This allows jumpers to easily visually identify and remain clear of the line feature.

The reporter states, ATC will at times cancel all air work requests when controller resources are limited and aircraft separation is prioritised. The reporter further states, [Operator] will continually apply unnecessary pressure to controllers to accommodate their specific parachute dropping activities despite the cancellation of all air work requests.

Over the last [number] months Airservices have cancelled multiple air work requests, with the company having to refund more than [amount] since [Month] [year]. This has obviously put an enormous strain on the operation and resulted in many unhappy and frustrated customers. This is particularly frustrating when customers have travelled long distances to jump at our operation and we then advised with little or no notice that we can no longer operate on that day. We are simply trying to contact and work with Airservices and openly communicate to see if there is a viable alternative, i.e. later in the day etc. to accommodate our requests. And also, to give our customers an explanation as to why they can’t go on that day. Over the years we were always encouraged to communicate with Airservices and work with them for the best possible outcome for all parties when restrictions are in place for any reason.

Lastly, the reporter queries if it is safe for an [aircraft type] to descend from 10,000 ft in 3-4 minutes with an open door.

[Aircraft types] have been approved for skydiving operations since [year] and have done so without any incidents or accidents. Our aircraft has an approved modification which allows it to descend safely with the door open. Our pilots operate the [aircraft type] as per the aircraft's Pilot Operating Handbook, and on average it takes 6-8 minutes to descend from 10,000ft (not 3-4 minutes as stated) Please note that the [aircraft type] has no descent rate limitations, only speed limitations, which are never exceeded.