If fixed- and rotary-wing pilots keep flying through the airspace above parachute landing areas, a collision could well be a matter of when, not if.
Early in 2025 an aircraft took off from Wānaka and flew straight through the airspace above the nearby parachute landing area (PLA).
The Operations Manager of Aircraft at Skydive Wanaka, Hamish Brown, says the skydive pilot had radioed the aircraft beforehand to let the pilot know a parachute drop was under way.
“It’s a real safety issue,” says Hamish. “It’s happened a few times a year for the last 30 years.
“Pilots should know that this is a regular drop zone. We’ve been parachuting here for a long time.”
Hamish says the issue is caused in part by itinerant pilots, because some of them are not reading the AIP.
“We’ve got a massive shaded area just north of the airport. Our parachute symbols are there.
“I don’t think that symbol triggers anything in some pilots’ minds.”
A transiting pilot, however, may not refer to the Wānaka VFR arrival/departure pages of the AIP, so the PLA could be missed.
The same applies to all PLAs not associated with an aerodrome.
But the message is that even transiting pilots should carefully check the AIP and VNC. For Wānaka, look for the parachute symbol and ‘P912’.
“For PLAs near aerodromes, if pilots read up about the local procedures, I believe we can substantially reduce the number of close calls in the airspace above the parachute drop area,” Hamish says.
Advice for flying near PLAs
There are 25 parachute landing areas listed in the AIP. When active, the amount of parachuting activity at these PLAs can be intense. Temporary PLAs may also be set up for a specific event, and are notified by NOTAM.
“The airspace near an active PLA is like a danger area,” says Doug Hamilton, former CAA Flight Operations Inspector. “This includes airspace above and upwind of the PLA, where parachutists might fly downwind to land.
“Pilots should include checking all the relevant AIP information as part of their preflight planning.
“Also, specifically check the visual navigation charts (VNCs) for PLAs along your intended track. They are designated with a parachute symbol and the code Pxxx.”
AIP New Zealand ENR 5.3 has the details of all current PLAs, including the appropriate frequency for general use in the area. This is usually the aerodrome frequency.
“Have this noted on your flight log or VNC,” says Doug.
“Study the aerodrome chart notes for further information, including AWIB frequency and instructions for use.
“Some AWIB can advise if parachuting operations are taking place. Pilots who are flying NORDO need to be even more cautious around PLAs.
“Without a radio, or in the event of radio failure, you cannot hear the drop aircraft call.”
In that situation, pilots should never join overhead – their best option is to transit the area at least three nautical miles from the PLA.
“Pilots should also be aware that things don’t always go according to plan. Situational awareness is critical,” says Doug.
“Malfunctions happen, parachutists don’t land on the predicted spot, and so on.
“Anyone on the ground with their prop or rotor turning within 100 metres of a PLA should operate extreme caution.
“Before you start your engine, listen for information and look for canopies in the air.”
Hamish Brown also advises pilots who don’t understand a radio call from a jump pilot, to ask for clarification.
“If you think you’ve missed a call, feel free to ask if there’s any skydiving traffic in the area.
“We’re happy to help.”
What happens in the PLA?1
The first signs of parachute activity in the PLA will normally be radio calls from the drop aircraft. In controlled airspace, all drop operations will be co-ordinated with the local ATS, and all drops, including dropping through cloud, require an approval.
In uncontrolled airspace, standard radio procedures apply, and jumpers must remain clear of cloud.
Both pilots and parachutists should be complying with the published VFR MET minima for the class of airspace they’re using. See the GAP booklet, New Zealand Airspace [PDF 1.5 MB].
The drop plane will call when taxiing, and will usually inform local traffic of drop details. Listen carefully, make notes on your log, then talk to local traffic to advise them of your presence and intentions.
Times for the cycle of climb, drop, descent, and landing vary depending on the type of aircraft – turbine or piston-powered. It can be anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes.
The drop plane will call, “Two minutes to drop” and will state the number of canopies.
This is the cue to plan your approach to the field, or your transit out of the PLA. The drop plane will also advise, “Jumpers away” when the parachutists exit the aircraft.
The drop point will normally be upwind of the aerodrome, and, depending on the wind strength and direction, may be up to three nautical miles from the PLA.
Parachutists in free fall are descending at close to 10,000 feet per minute.
A typical tandem jump from 16,000 feet to canopy open at 5000 feet is about one minute of free fall, and about five minutes under canopy.
Sport jumpers will open lower at 2000 to 3000 feet, and will enjoy up to three minutes under canopy.
Use these times to plan your next steps. At aerodromes with PLAs, you might join downwind or straight in, to avoid parachutes in the air.
You could also hold clear of the PLA until all canopies are on the ground, and then complete an overhead join.
Not all PLAs are on aerodromes, however. So keep well clear when transiting the airspace near parachute landing areas – at least three nautical miles from the drop zone.
Footnotes
1 Some of this information is republished from 'Parachute Landing Areas' in:
March/April 2014 issue of Vector [PDF 4.6 MB]
Image source: iStock.com/AscentXmedia