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Skydive pilots: The unsung heroes of most dropzones – #3 of a series: Jonathan Gómez Larreina

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Our interviews series come to an end. Here is number 3. Look at the bottom of the article to find the other two.

A skydiving operation requires the perfect synchronization of multiple elements. Most are very visible and obvious, especially to the sport jumpers.

Skydivers wanting to get to exit altitude as fast as possible require; manifest to manage the movements and anticipation of many customers eager to jump, packers to work at full speed to have the rigs ready on time for the next lift, ground staff to ensure the execution of the operation is accurate, administrative staff to welcome newcomers and new friends. But, who’s flying the aircraft?!?

Flying skydiving aircraft requires extraordinary concentration. Often, the operation involves piloting numerous consecutive flights, with changing weather conditions and variable loads of fuel and skydivers. Adaptability is essential in this position. It takes a lot of skill to be able to fly skydivers.

We want to take this opportunity to recognise the highly valued, yet so easily overseen roles of our fantastic pilots. usually, the unsung heroes of most dropzones. We begin a series of interviews to learn more about them and why they do what they do.

#3 of a series

Jonathan was born in Bilbao in 1977 and has been working at Skydive Spain since 2017. He is a pilot and head of in-flight safety for the company. He likes air sports and traveling. He collaborates as a sailing instructor in national clubs where he has participated in several national and international competitions. Currently he combines his skydive piloting activity with fire fighting.

Tell us your story – How did you become a skydive pilot? In 2000 I got my first license as a glider pilot in a small club, followed by instructor and pilot tug ratings. After working several years in this activity, in 2010 I had the opportunity to start flying the Pilatus Porter PC-6 at several DZs, an activity that 10 years and several ratings later I continue to exercise today.
Have you sacrificed anything to achieve your goal of being a pilot? Moments with the family, in this profession it is very complicated to combine family and work…
Tell us your favourite type of aircraft you have flown and why? Forcing myself to choose I will say that the DG1000, a high performance glider. It´s hard to believe that it´s able to make six-hour flights without a motor.
What aspects of skydiving aircraft piloting do you enjoy the most? All the aspects of piloting are interesting actually. With the numerous flight we do, none are the same as the previous one.
What are the most challenging for you and why? Meteorology, spot calculation, airspace restrictions, traffic … And of course, performing a safe operation is a constant challenge.
What do you like about skydivers? That once on board they are well aware of the importance of following the safety guidelines established during the flight phase.
From a pilot’s point of view, is there anything you would like to say to skydivers? During flight sometimes we don’t have the time that we would like to give explanations.
What is a regular day like for Jonatan at Skydive Spain? I start analyzing the weather conditions to calculate the spot, review the aircraft, documentation, I prepare the flights with formation jumps, fuel, flight plan, etc. I coordinate with the manifest and we start flying. At the end of the day we review how the operation went and I report anything that could be improved from an operational point of view. I finish the day letting everything that I can be ready for the next day.

You are not a skydiver. Does being skydiving pilot make you want to try it? I have completed 3 tandems already, but is the tunnel what I really like.
Why are your colleagues important to your work and why? They are fundamental in this job where the information must be fluid at all times.
How do you describe your work to your friends who don’t know anything about skydiving? I only have a very few non-skydiving friends, but basically: “I work at at dropzone, I climb with the skydivers up to 4,600 meters, they jump, I descend and land, and go again”.
In three words, describe how you feel when you look through the window during a flight. Any traffic nearby?
From your point of view, what would you say to people who ask if skydiving is safe? I say yes, it is safe. When you start skydiving you see the innumerable safety rules that cannot be seen from television.
Any last comments for someone considering skydiving? Save, you will need it.
What are you doing during this lock down that we are experiencing due to the coronavirus? I am having a lot of fun doing my other passion: Playing the guitar! It makes the bad times go away.
Say goodbye to your readers. As Galileo once said…. ¨EPPUR SI MOUVE¨: Without principals we are nothing.