Hey guys,
I just got back from doing my company checkout. I'm definitely going to have a good time working here! The whole atmosphere is very chill...all the regulars introduced themselves, lots of couches to lounge on in the hangar, big BBQs and bonfires every weekend, just a really friendly place in general.
The owner is an awesome guy who's been jumping for 37 years and flew as a jump pilot himself for many years before losing his medical. He did a good job of explaining what their operation is like, how they want the plane to be flown, etc. He also has a great attitude towards safety and professionalism. He encouraged me to be efficient for the sake of the company (fly tight patterns, taxi fast, etc.) but completely backs me up if I make a decision about safety. He said the same things that have been said here on JC about being careful with fuel management, CG, and of course not letting the jumpers boss me around too much.
For my checkout he strapped a chute on and knelt next to me in the cockpit. We went around the pattern three times, then climbed to 5000 AGL and practiced the procedures for opening and closing the door. After I felt comfortable closing the door on my own, we dropped down to 3000 AGL, set up for a jump run over the airport, and out he went! I guess I must not have sucked too bad if he was willing to leave me alone up there!
During the debrief he said I'd done well and he was happy to have me fly for them as much as I want.
I was going to fly some revenue flights for them right after my checkout, but the wind started gusting to 25 knots so the whole day got scratched. At least I have something to look forward to next weekend.
