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It seems like each day the fields are changing colors. It’s a definite sign of what’s to come!
I haven’t posted an update in a while and I’ll try to cover everything that has taken place.
First I want to thank everyone that attended the ICC hearing in Chicago. In part to all of the letters everyone wrote and constant pressure from our end the ICC reopened the case! Now we can present our case to them! The work is far from finished but reopening the case was a HUGE step. Special thanks to Fred Morelli for all of his hard work.
Gomei got some jumpers to dress up in camo for his 3rd annual Mission Challenge. The Challenge is a timed race where you work as a team to complete the race as fast as possible. The challenge also includes accuracy but it wasn’t the nicest of weather. In addition, he sets up a shooting range. Thanks Gomei.
SDC’s Flying Fish organized a New Wave Boogie. Its cool to see SDC graduates now hosting events. Thanks guys.
This past weekend some vendors from local farms came out to set up for the Farmers Market. Vendors had everything from jewelry to homemade BBQ sauce. Thanks to the vendors and I look forward to next year.
Congratulations to John Weicher, Veronica Wall, Yvon Benjamin, and TJ Compton who graduated the AFP Program. Nice job and remember to never stop learning.
Great news: the Key Boogie is happening! If you feel like I do, we got shorted on summer and now the weather is turning. SO November 5-8 the Keys Boogie is happening. Both our otters will be down flying at the boogie. The following was taken from Skydive Sebastian’s website:
Dates: November 5 to 8, 2009
Hotel: Coconut Cay (at the south end other airport) www.coconutcay.com (305) 289-7672
Saturday Night Party – Poolside 7 pm at the Coconut Cay - Entertainment and Dinner included in Registration
Friday night flight to Key West in both Otters for dinner and drinks around the town. (More Information TBA)
Flotation Gear: www.paragear.com and www.kodiakoutback.com “Inflatable Belt”
Confirmed Load Organizers: Luis Prinetto (freefly), Will Pesek Team Standard (freefly), Rook Nelson Team Standard (freefly)
Chris Ash Team Tempest (RW and freefly), Kris Peterson Team Tempest (RW)
Wingsuit and CRW organizers TBA
Aircraft: 2 Chicago Super Otters
Registration $45 – available through www.skydiveseb.com payable on sight.
Additional Activities available for non-jumpers through Marathon Chamber of Commerce: www.floridakeysmarathon.com
C or D –License required for experienced jumper to jump
Proof of 10 jumps from September 1 will be required to participate. Please have a current logbook or ask for a DZ printout. We have been working on receiving permission to hold this event again for two and a half years. We want to guarantee jumpers are not doing the minimum to maintain their currency. We want to guarantee jumpers are active and familiar with their canopies. If another incident occurs we may not be able to hold this event again.
Also happening this winter:
Chicago Invasion December 26 – Jan 3rd.
Puerto Rico Boogie Feb. 10-14
This week (5-8) we are offering $15 jumps. Standard is getting in the last of our training jumps. The Otter flies no matter what. 8-10 loads guaranteed. Don’t miss out!
Nationals starts this coming Monday and on behalf of SDC we wish Rhythm, Furies, and Standard a good meet. Make SDC proud! Follow the action at www.skydivespaceland.com
Coming up this weekend we have IIT from Chicago coming down. We are expecting over 200 tandems Saturday! This has certainly been a great year for our student program. Saturday will be the last day we have two Otters at SDC. Dave will be heading to Nationals to help out with the event. After Nationals Dave and 10EA will head over to Sebastian for the winter.
The Halloween Boogie and Treasure Hunt is October 31st - Nov 1st. Also happening is Rhythm’s Team for a Day. This is the last one of the season so if you have been waiting, don’t.
As some of you may have already heard, starting the beginning of next year we will be implementing a new policy for tenants of Ottawa Airport, Inc. The intention of the campground is to make Skydive Chicago more accessible and enjoyable for those who are here first and foremost to skydive. The campground is nearly at full capacity and it seems there are quite a few trailers that are not in use, or are being used for a purpose other than to be here jumping.
With that said, our new policy to be implemented first thing next year will require tenants of Ottawa Airport, Inc. to be making an average of 10 experienced jumps per month April - November (8 months). Anyone who purchases (and USES) a 50, 100, or 200-jump package will be considered to have met the monthly minimum. Please keep in mind that 100 jump packages must be purchased prior to December 25, 2009 (package prices will be announced no later than the Christmas party on December 5, 2009). Another note to be considered on 50 jump packages is that they will no longer carry over into the following season. Like the 100 and 200 jump packages any jumps that have been made will be upcharged to the full rate.
For those who do not buy a package a minimum of 10 jumps, on average, must be purchased each month. For those of you who are currently on student status, you will only need to spend an amount equivalent to 10 jumps a month each month (i.e. based on 2009 prices it would be $230 per month).
To ensure the jumps are being made I will be performing 2 checks each season on the jump accounts of all tenants. At that time the average jumps made each month must be 10 or higher. The first check will be in the beginning of July and cover April, May, and June. The second check will be towards the end of the season. If at that time the minimums have not been met, then you will be asked to remove your trailer from the property. If it is not removed, then we will tow it out of its slot.
The jumps MUST be made by the individual who owns the trailer and who's name appears on the agreement. They may not be split amongst different people staying in one trailer. There will be no exceptions.
The only exceptions to the jump minimum policy will be for those tenants who receive a regular check from Skydive Chicago or one of our affiliate companies, Para-Concepts, and/or Eat Up. Employees of River Adventures will not be considered an exception.
Finally, as of January 1, 2010 we will no longer allow subleasing of trailers. That means the person who owns the trailer and who's name appears on the contract is the only party responsible. If you wish to transfer financial obligations to another party they must also purchase the trailer.
If you should decide that you will not be able to meet these requirements please remove your trailer prior to April 2010. If you would like to list your trailer for sale the SDC forums are a great place to list ads. When selling your trailer you must bring your balance to zero, otherwise the person assuming your trailer will assume the debt. You may also put an ad together with an asking price and your contact info and I would be happy to pass it along to anyone who asks me what trailers are for sale.
Thanks for your understanding of our new policy and our desire to stay inline with the original intentions of Ottawa Airport and Skydive Chicago: to remain a resort for skydivers. Feel free to contact me at Erin@skydivechicago.com or at 815-433-0000.
Don’t forget to submit your sunset of the month photos. Even if you don’t submit you can still vote.
SDC will be operating on our fall schedule being closed on Wednesday starting October 14th.
Thanks to everyone for a great couple of weeks.
Rook
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