I apologize for the long delay since the last update... 

The 2007 USPA Nationals, which took place here at Skydive Chicago, was a huge success.  We had about 550 people register to compete in at least one event at the Nationals.

               Photo By Shane Eggenberger

I’d like to congratulate all of those competitors who took medals home!  Congratulations to some of the Skydive Chicago locals: SDC’s Quattro took Bronze in 4-way Intermediate; Mandrin (which includes our very own Mike Wittenburg) took Gold in VRW Open; John Zagoda took Silver in Canopy Piloting Intermediate; and Troy Church took Bronze in Canopy Piloting Intermediate.  Nice work guys!

Another special note about the 2007 Nationals is that it was the first year where VRW Open class was a USPA event.  Also, the VRW Intermediate class was introduced this year as a test event.  It went well and we hope to see it represented by the USPA in next years Nationals!

                Photo By Steve Verner

I had many people comment to me on how well the Nationals were run here, many of whom have been around the event for many years.  I would like to thank everyone on the Skydive Chicago staff that worked hard to make the event go smoothly.  I’d also like to thank all of the judges and countless others who helped make the Nationals a great event.

We had some awesome hoodies made up for Nationals (thanks for the design Jen)!  There are still some mediums and larges left which we are selling at a discounted rate.  They are $25 for one or $40 for two.  If you are interested e-mail me at Erin@skydivechicago.com or call 815-433-0000.

Skydive Chicago has moved into it’s fall hours. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday open from 9am - 5pm; and weekends from 8am – sunset.

This Saturday, October 6th, we will be holding the New Wave Boogie for those jumpers with less than 300 RW jumps.  It will be hosted by Gosia (of SDC’s Furies), Todd and Lisa (both of SDC’s Quattro).  Saturday will also be the 10-way Speed event organized by Mike Wittenburg.

               Photo By Shane Eggenberger

October 13th we will be holding Swoop Mountain, also hosted by Mike Wittenburg.

Anybody who is interested in becoming a rigger can signup for Para Concepts rigging course scheduled for October 20th – 27th.  For details check out their website at www.para-concepts.com.

If your looking to plan a skydiving trip this winter we have a few options for you!  One of the Skydive Chicago Otters will be leaving for Skydive The Farm in Georgia.  Pilot Dave will be down there with the Otter from October 12th – March 31st.

               Photo By Shane Eggenberger

Skydive Chicago will also have one of the Otters down in Sebastian, Florida for the Cross Keys and Skydive Chicago Invasion.  We were down there last year and it was awesome!  The dates this year are December 28th – January 7th. 

There will be RW, Freefly, and Wingsuit organizers.  The new years party is also a great time with DJ’s, Ice Sculptures, Fireworks, and more!  There is also a lot of time blocked off for the Orlando Wind Tunnel (every night except for New Years Eve)!

                    Photo By Shane Eggenberger

Best of all registration is only $20 onsite!  We will have a crew down there from Skydive Chicago as well.  For more details on the boogie keep an eye on the Special Announcements in the SDC forum at:  http://www.skydivechicago.com/Forums/tabid/110/forumid/7/postid/333/view/topic/Default.aspx

Hope to see you all soon!

Erin

P.S. I just read the following in the CSC update and felt it should be included in our update as well:

We typically do not send out things like this, but the following affects many of us as pilots and skydivers:

Congress is debating proposals that could cost us money as pilots, skydivers, and friends of general aviation. I have signed the AOPA petition against user fees and higher aviation gas taxes that will shift much of the burden of paying for our national aviation services to the small, individual flyers. This would further increase the costs of general aviation (and skydiving) to prohibitive levels for most people. Our ability, as Americans, to become pilots without unreasonable costs is one of the reasons our aviation system is the best in the World. Help keep the adventurous spirit alive and available for future generations by signing this petition before Congress is convinced to further subsidize major airlines to make flying cheaper and better for them while killing off what made flying what it is today for the individuals and small companies.

For details and to add your name to the petition today go to: https://www.aopa.org/faafundingdebate/petition_form.cfm