A skydiving event planned for Chelmsford later this month could become a regular part of the summer in Sudbury, says the man organizing the jumps.
Jean-Phillipe Marcoux, owner/operator of Skydive Petawawa, said that, assuming they receive the green light from city council, he's hoping they can come back for another in September, and a few more times next year.
"We're eager to see how things are going to go," Marcoux said. "We'll see if (Sudburians) are the skydiving type, which I think they are.
"And next year, who knows? I wouldn't be surprised if we end up coming back once a month."
He started the business three years ago, after officials at the Pembroke Airport asked him if he'd be interested in offering skydiving events. He did some market research that confirmed it could be a viable business, “and here we are.”
The Sudbury event would be all tandem jumps, which means a qualified staffer would jump attached to the customer.
"That means they can just enjoy the ride without having to learn any procedures or safety measures," he said.
Their Cessna aircraft can carry about five people, meaning two jumpers can go at once, plus a camera person, weight permitting. Skydivers have to sign a waiver that verifies their health status and other information. Some people aren't allowed to jump for medical reasons, but Marcoux said that's the exception – most people in good health can take part.
During an event last year, a customer from Sudbury asked if they'd consider coming here to hold an event. They did some research and decided it could work, but needed to find somewhere to land and take off. Commercial airports such as the Greater Sudbury Airport don't really work for skydiving.
"It's hard to mix skydiving operations with a busy airport," Marcoux said. "So we're planning to go to Chelmsford, where there's a private airstrip there. We've obtained permission of the landowner, who has graciously accepted to let us use their strip and property for landing."
The Edna Street location is perfect for their use, he said, offering plenty of room, while still being close enough for Greater Sudburians to attend.
"From the look of things, it looks like an absolutely great place to skydive,” Marcoux said. “It doesn't affect any local air traffic, it's just far enough and close enough to be successful. We're really looking forward to it."
Assuming they get all the government approvals necessary, the jumps would be an all-day event. Customers would buy time slots to choose when they want to jump and show up 30 minutes early to get fitted with the jumping and safety equipment
"They get a quick briefing, and up they go," he said.
The cost is $325 plus tax per jump, and if all goes well, they will hold a second one at the end of September in the same location.
"We're always interested in going to new venues, but it's a matter of finding a good spot," Marcoux said. "We happened to find this one, which is absolutely beautiful set up. We couldn't ask for better, which is why we're hoping the weather will be cooperative."
City council will vote Tuesday on the matter. Canadian aviation laws require municipalities to be informed and have no objections when someone wants to parachute into a built-up area or an open-air group of people. Transport Canada would give the final OK.
If approved, the event would take place on Aug. 25-26 at 3469 Edna St. Visit the company's website for more details.
