A LETTER FROM OUR CHIEF PILOT

Dear Sir or Madam,
As we approach our busy season here at Skydive Arizona, we would like to advise General
Aviation about our operations. We fly 11 different aircraft in which all but three are twin
turbine. This includes the De Havilland Twin Otter and the Shorts Skyvan. We also operate a
DC-3, Beech 18, and a Pilatus Porter. We climb these airplanes in the 90-100 knot range,
normally level off at 14500 msl, drop jumpers, and descend at a rate up to 4000 ft. per min.
When our operation is busy, we may be operating 5 to 6 skydiving aircraft at any given time.
When we do, the airspace around Eloy (E60) is very congested with aircraft climbing,
descending, in the pattern, and en route on V94 and V16. What we would like to see from the
GA before landing or flying around E60 is to review the AFD, follow traffic pattern directions,
and do not overfly the field. Although we do not continuously drop 24 hours a day, we do have
strange hours and do drop at night. This also pertains to Pinal Airpark (MZJ), as we operate
aircraft there for the U.S. Military.

At E60 our pilots are unable to monitor the local CTAF 122.8 continuously because they are
talking with the other pilots and ground crew on a company frequency, and are also on ABQ
Center for traffic advisories. Occasionally we drop jumpers up to 10 nautical miles from the
airport, and up to FL250, therefore, the only way to ensure that you are clear is to contact ABQ
Center on 125.4 for flight following.

At MZJ our pilots are on the Unicom frequency 123.05 and are also with TUS Approach for
traffic advisories. We also drop jumpers from the flight levels and up to 10 nautical miles away
from this dropzone. We strongly suggest that you find out this information before overflying this
airport as well.

We do not want to discourage pilots from flying into E60, but would like to increase the safety
level for you, the jumpers, and our pilots by educating everyone of our operations. Enclosed is
an enlarged copy of a sectional that has our climb and decent patterns for our jump operations.
We ask that you post both the diagram and this letter in view of all instructors, students, and
transient pilots. We appreciate your support and interest in our effort to increase overall safety.

Tailwinds,

Kris Hackler
Asst. Chief Pilot
Skydive Arizona
520-466-3753

Click the image below to view our ascending and decending patterns

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