Sec.15-41-42d. Parachute jump center  


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  • (a) License. A parachute jump center shall be required to have an annual license from the commissioner of transportation. A parachute jump center license may be issued by the commissioner of transportation if the following requirements are met:

    (1) The designated drop zone shall be unobstructed and with a radial distance of at least the following for the various classes of jumpers:

    Classification

    Using Round Canopy

    Using Ram Air Canopy

    (A) Student parachutists

    300 meters

    100 meters*

    (B) Class A license holders

    200 meters

    100 meters

    (C) Class B & C license holders

    100 meters

    50 meters

    (D) Class D license holders

    unlimited

    unlimited

    *with ground to air communications to assist the student in canopy control.

    (2) The parachute jump center operator shall ascertain that all parachutists and all instructors who use the parachute jump center are qualified as to experience, ability, responsibility and physical fitness in accordance with these regulations.

    (3) Each parachute jump center shall maintain a master log book or other suitable record system which will reflect all jumps made daily at the parachute jump center.

    (4) Manned surface-to-air communications, e.g. radios, panels, smoke, lights, must be present on the drop zone during parachuting operations. Before any parachute jump, the pilot of the aircraft must establish communications with the parachute jump center.

    (5) A method of determining wind drift must be used which shall satisfy the commissioner of transportation. The winds aloft and at the surface shall be determined prior to conducting any parachute jump. The wind drift indicator must be of such construction that inadvertent landing off-site will cause no harm to person or property.

    (6) A fee for the initial license to operate a parachute jump center shall be one hundred dollars. Such fee shall accompany the application for the license.

    (7) The license for a parachute jump center will be issued annually after an applicant's request and subsequent satisfactory inspection by Department of Transportation. The fee for the renewal license to operate a parachute jump center shall be ten dollars and shall accompany the application.

    (b) Use of Parachute Jump Centers.

    (1) Wind limitations: The maximum ground wind limitation for parachute jumps shall not exceed the following:

    Ram Air Canopy

    Round Canopy

    Student parachutist

    14 MPH

    10 MPH

    Licensed parachutist

    unlimited

    unlimited

    (2) Reports on the number of jumps, injuries, damage incurred and any off-site landings of parachutists or equipment shall be submitted monthly to the commissioner on the approved Department of Transportation form.

    (3) Notification of a fatal accident shall be reported to the commissioner of Transportation as soon as possible but no later than 4 hours after the fatality.

    (4) Intentional off-site landings are prohibited

    (5) Spectators shall not be allowed within the hazard free radial area as required for the various classes of jumpers as noted under Sec. 15-41-42d(a)(1).

    (6) The minimum age for persons engaging in parachute jumping is 18 years of age. However, a person who is at least 16 years of age may be permitted to participate in parachute jumping upon presentation to the parachute jump center operator notarized consent of a parent or legal guardian.

(Effective May 23, 1986)