The Low-Down on Jumpstart 2008
Air Force personnel have always been great supporters of worthy charities and events. This year’s Jumpstart 2008 event, for teenagers from CanTeen and Project K was hosted by RNZAF Auckland. SQNLDR Darryn Pritchard, OC Parachute Training and Support Unit (PTSU) gives us the low-down on the big jump.
A Kiwi Blue display made up of PTSU staff to finish off the day. AK-08-0065-66-tn.jpg.
For the second year in a row, Parachute Training Support Unit (PTSU), No. 40 Squadron and a number of other RNZAF and NZ Army personnel supported Jumpstart over the weekend of 16 - 17 February. Jumpstart is a charitable activity involving teenagers from CanTeen and Project K who are given the opportunity to challenge themselves and ‘feel alive’ by undertaking a tandem parachute descent from a C-130. The activity is not only supported by PTSU and No. 40 Squadron, but it also allows civilian tandem masters to take the kids for the tandem, as well as allowing sports jumpers who have sponsored a teenager (a minimum of $300) – to jump as well. This is a unique opportunity in New Zealand as there are no other ramp-equipped fixed wing aircraft available to the civilian parachute populace. Jumpstart 2007 was run during the National Parachute Champs held at Matamata. For 2008, it was hosted by RNZAF Auckland and this meant not only PTSU and No. 40 Squadron were involved, but also Expeditionary Support Squadron (ESS), Base Medical, Operational Support Wing (OSW) and the Northern Regional Cadet Forces and members of the NZ Army. Some 50 service personnel and civilians gave up their time to make this work. The organisation of the event fell on PTSU and F/S Ian ‘Lev’ Leatherland worked tirelessly to make all the pieces come together. CPL Pip Dawson from Base Medical Flight and FGOFF Phil Randerson from No. 40 Squadron were also intimately involved with the planning ensuring medical clearances were completed and the No. 40 Squadron involvement was well coordinated. On the day the weather – forecast to be dodgy at best – played the game. With smooth planning in place, not even a change of aircraft really impacted on the day and five sorties were flown and in excess of 200 descents made. PTSU provided drop zone support and clearance, provided dispatchers, and ensured the manifesting and organising of the civilian jumper was completed.
F/S Lev Leatherland ready to dispatch tandems from the rear ramp of a RNZAF C-130 Hercules. AK-08-0065-05-tn.jpg.
I doubt some of the civilians were used to being told to line up and not move, but it did make life easier all round. As well as the people mentioned I would also like to thank the ground and aircrew of No. 40 Squadron, my staff at PTSU and all the other Service personnel and civilians who made the day a huge success. Also, the Jumpstart committee led by Mr Tim Fastnedge who not only got it all coordinated from the CanTeen and Project K side of the house, but also worked tirelessly on the day. This event is one that we can all be proud of, not only those involved but for the RNZAF organisation as a whole.