Skydive Laconia
 

Hi Allie

In the United States, the minimum age for tandem skydiving customers is either 18 years old or the age of legal majority, whichever is higher. Basically everyone that skydives must be able to legally enter into a contract by signing the waiver.

Thank you for your support, we wish we were open too......lol. This process isn't going to hang in limbo much longer, and our patience is still fully intact.

In the interim, I can tell you that if you pick another dropzone to skydive at, you'll be treated great at any destination you choose.

Skydive New England (www.ugojump.com) just across the border in Lebanon, ME.
Skydive Pepperell (www.skyjump.com) just across the border in Pepperell, MA.
and
Jumptown (www.jumptown.com) in Orange, MA.

They all offer exceptional service and staff.

I have yet to skydive in Addison, VT, but I also hear that Vermont Skydiving in Addison (www.vtskydiving.com) also has some great views above the airport.

I hope that info is helpful. Enjoy your skydives!

While we continue to wait to open in Gilford at LCI, I continue to travel to multi-use airports with both jet traffic and parachute operations giving parachute operational safety seminars. Ironic, huh? :D

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,

Tom

I Did it!!!!
 

Went for my first skydive yesterday, it was AWESOME!!!!!!!
went to Skydive Pepperil
I cannot wait for Skydive Laconia to open, Only thing was the anticipation, after I got past that, everything else was the best feeling in the world

I highly recommend it to everyone!!!!!

Skydive Laconia
 

Congratulations!

I am thrilled you got to make a skydive and enjoyed it. (Did you happen to notice the name of the guy on the training video they showed you?.....lol)

I recently returned from the the midwest US where I was volunteering for a program called "Tandems for the Troops". (Yet another project that we were hoping to also bring to the lakes region through Skydive Laconia.)

http://www.fox6now.com/videobeta/4c4...ing-for-troops

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,

Tom

I did notice, you were the guy with the beard right??
Nice out-takes at the end lol

I jumped with Keith Murphy (or Murray have to check on my cert when I get home). He was on his 13th jump of the day at 1:30pm WOW lol - wish I was him at this point. He was great, everyone there was great, and he had over 3,600 jumps under his belt since he started way back when

we did some cool things in the air and when the shoot opened he showed me how to control it and we glided around with some figure 8's and sharp turns and he told my wife where to stand, and he put us down right in front of her - sooooo cool. IN fact at first she had no desire and now she is just waiting for her chance to go (just have to have the funds disposable first)


I hope this gets through I want to be one of the first customers up over the lake!!

Skydive Laconia
 

Yup, that was me in the instructional video and my wife Mary was the passenger in the training.

Wait a second.......lol. You mean to tell me that your parachute didn't drift across the sky uncontrollably? That my friend Keith told your wife where to stand and then landed you in front of her? What about all those technical terms used in all those official reports like "katabatic winds" and "wind sheer"? :) Keith must not have read the erroneous reports and accusations that he was supposed to drift uncontrollably across runways........lol

You know if people in Laconia/Gilford saw that type of directional control at the Laconia Municipal Airport, it might take away one of the "many many reasons" for concern a certain person(s) has about our ability to operate in Gilford.

Makes you kind of wonder why those few people in power up there are soooo against allowing us the opportunity to prove our point about modern parachute accuracy. Well, its not really a surprise though, right? I think anyone that has been following this thread can understand why they don't want us to show you how accurate those pesky parachutes are these days......lol

As I said before, because the moment we land, their scare tactics will vanish in an instant.

Congrats again on your skydive.

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,

Tom

Well it is funny you say that because my wife and I were in amazement how people were landing literally right beside each other, and how it was so accurate (not that we did not believe that is wasn't, we were just amazed) then once I was in it the ease of control was amazing, i mean there I was never had done this before and I was controlling the chute like I was operating it for years


I Need to get up there again!!!! Please keep well at least me updated as to when you win this battle, I need to be one of the first up

Skydive Laconia
 

Now wait a minute........lol

You mean to tell me that your instructor's accurate landing wasn't just dumb luck, like a broken clock still being right twice a day? :D

Your telling me MULTIPLE parachutes were landing right next to each other, repeatedly? WOW.

They must have been incredibly skilled to be able to do that? I wonder who trains tandem instructors? (Oh, wait, I forgot, I do that, and trained most of the instructors on that dropzone.........)

C'mon........if you keep posting comments like this, those that oppose us will have nothing left to scare people with on this forum and in the papers......lol

I am really glad you had a great time and look forward to someday taking you on a skydive over the lake.

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,

Tom

Tom,

Have you arranged a demo for interested parties- that may help your cause?

I volunteer for a DEMO!!!!:D!!!

I was totally blown away with your jumps in Nepal (Mount Everest) and now you helped bring joy to our heroes. Looking forward to seeing your canopies over Laconia.

Thanks for staying the course......

Skydive Laconia
 

Hi Vitabene

We have offered multiple times, at our own expense to perform demonstration jumps for all the interested parties, dating back as early as 2008. We have offered it to the airport board, the airport manager and the Gilford and Laconia elected officials.

Every time we offer it, we are flatly denied, with no explanation, other than the catch phrase "that is simply not an option."

This, despite the fact that I hold an FAA sanctioned "Pro Rating" and can legally skydive/parachute into stadiums. (I jumped into Lincoln field last summer for a Philadelphia Eagles Fan Appreciation Day).

This, despite the fact that we have "demo insurance" to satisfy the airport's insurance requirement.

This, despite the fact that the airport is practically a ghost town November-April.

This, despite the fact that the airport is practically empty during the week even in the summer months.

This, despite the fact there are only two businesses operating out of the entire airport.

The reason they flatly deny us of course though, is that they don't want us proving them wrong. The moment we land our parachutes safely and accurately, their arguement and all of their fear mongering comes to an abrupt end.

That is why they continue to refuse us access to the airport for a demonstration jump.

At this point however, I wouldn't care to even consider a demonstration jump.

Why?

I could land a sport or tandem parachute anywhere on the field that they asked me to, repeatedly, all day long. But in doing so, it would not sway their opinions. Hence, at this point it would simply be a waste of my time and money to demonstrate what I have been asking to demonstrate for the last three years.

Make no mistake, this is no longer an issue of airport access, it is an issue of self entitlement. For the airport authority to now concede that we can operate, is for them to concede that they were in fact completely, and utterly wrong from the outset of this process, and they will never, ever, ever do that. It's a matter of vanity. Who are we to tell them what they can and cannot allow on THEIR airport.

At this point, atleast when the FAA finally orders them to let us on, they can atleast attempt to salvage some credibility in this process by claiming that the FAA made them let us operate..........

Till then.......

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,

Tom

Hi Tom,
I fully agree, but with all that said, if you feel you need to do a tandom demo, I will race up to meet you!!!!

Good luck and I am pulling for you, not to mention I think I am close enough where our little spot on the lake is, we can probably watch people come down all the time that would be cool

Hi Tom
 

I am very much looking forward to the day of Skydive Laconia's Grand opening!
And as most of us can and will agree about the LAA...
We didn't like the play, but then saw it under adverse condition - the curtain was up!!!!

Best wishes to the Noonans!
Terry
__________________________

Skydive Laconia
 

Since I love to do research, and have all this time on my hands waiting for the FAA to finally correct this airport access process, I thought I would share with you all an email I just sent to the mayor of Laconia and Gilford Selectmen.

It pretty much sums up the irony in this process, that whether it's the LAA or the town elected officials, it seems that those with the least amount of practical knowledge are in the greatest position to affect the outcome of this decision.

Does that bother you? It should.

Anyways, here is the letter I sent:


If any of you would like to follow up directly with your elected officials:

The mayor of Laconia: citycouncil@city.laconia.nh.us

or the

Gilford Selectmen: selectmen@gilfordnh.org

Please feel free to do so.

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,

Tom

I cannot wait for the day that the FAA comes through for you. I've had my own experiences with those arrogant clowns on the Gilford Board of Selectmen. It will be a great day when they have to open up and swallow the bitter pill.

That should help convince them.

Just a brief friendly reminder here......if the Laconia Airport goes nowhere with a skydiving business proposal, then maybe you might consider that beautifull small municipal airport, just off Rt 93-Exit 26, in Plymouth NH......the Plymouth Municipal Airport. It has a very soft green grass runway with excellent quality green grass that would probably be good for skydiver landings as opposed to the black asphalt runway at Laconia. Plus, it's just a short distance from the Rumney Rocks-WMNF natural cliff, sport rock climbing area (see Rumney Rocks in the Outdoor Recreation section) that attracts rock climbers from all over the world. Probably, there would be some cross interest with people who come to rock climb who could also give skydiving a first time jump.

Likewise, the yummy $3.98, 4-cheese frozen pizzas at the Plymouth Super Wal-Mart probably shares a strong demographic with skydivers:):D:)!

See the links in post #352 above!

www.chutesup.com/aboutus.htm and click on the u-tube videos of slow flying, powered parachute take-offs and landings to get a feel for the Plymouth Airport!

Say hey; the Gilford Wal-Mart which is an immediate abutter to the Laconia Airport, carries no frozen pizzas what-so-ever, so's that another excellent reason to stay the heck away from the Laconia Airport and make the move to the Plymouth Municipal Airport!:rolleye1::laugh:

You really think anything said on this forum will sway them one way or the other? I think their minds are already made up. But, I too can't wait until those clowns have to swallow that bitter pill once the FAA approves this! ;)

Skydive Laconia
 

Personally I don't believe that any information on this thread has, or will sway anyone on the LAA. They made up their minds in July 2008 when we first approached them, before they ever even saw our proposal. This is THEIR airport and they will run it the way THEY want, regardless of proper procedure and due process. It was, is and continues to be, an example of a local political machine at it's worst.

I post what I post here for a couple of reasons:
1) To educate the intelligent masses here on the forum that refuse to give into the fear mongering. To the citizens that are being denied new jobs and additional economic stimulus. I post for their benefit, to keep them in formed.
2) To provide a permanent record of the mismanagement of this process by the LAA and the local elected officials, so that when the next election rolls around, the citizenry of these communities can demand accountability for the actions of those put in power to serve them.
and
3) To continue to communicate, even in a one way capacity, with both the LAA and those elected officials. They are all on here reading this, despite never being willing to respond publicly. Ironic, huh?

Since I found this thread, I have been an open book. I post honest and factual information, while the other side hides, refusing to take a public stand. I post to continue to show you that I am not afraid of the facts or the truth, that I invite anyone to challenge the veracity of my statements.

I stand up. They hide.

Does that bother you? It should.

But in the end, look where we are from post #1, where you were warned about those two "floridians" that were trying to drop skydivers on to the airport, over "YOUR homes".

Facts have thrown out every argument that they have made.
1) Landing parachutes on the airport (even AOPA recognizes that as the appropriate method).
2) Size of the airport (everywhere else in the country, similar size and traffic airports support skydiving)
3) We will lose our jets! (Sorry, the NASCAR guys and the John Marriots will still show up, they said so)
4) Landing on the object free area of grass (already happening around the country)
5) Flight schools and No Radio GA traffic (already established by the FAA that's not an issue)
6) Skill of the operators (Despite the cowardly actions of the LAA claiming my stance on aircraft/skydiver collisions is of concern, the rest of the free world continues to consider me a global expert on tandem skydiving safety)
7) Jets "may have some" insurance problems with parachutes (not from any insurance carriers anyone knows of)

and so on and so...........

We met every one of their concerns HEAD ON, never shying away, never backing down. We brought the facts and the truth with us and because of that, they have never been able make any valid argument against us.

Remember all of this come election time. The people you put in office and that are placed on the LAA board are meant to serve you. You are not meant to serve them.

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,
Tom

Hi TOM: I have posted here before with my thoughts. I am a Pilot and have no problem with your proposal..support your IDEA.

I FAIL to understand WHY you still PUSH to Land in Laconia with Skydive Laconia..when you are clearly not wanted by the people on the ground ..."At The Airport."

IF the FAA says you CAN land there.....NOW What..? You have to rent hanger space, office space, purchase fuel, aircraft maintnenance... THEY will not be your friends. ...:look: :look:

SO what is your obsession here..????? I am your friend.. just wondering..NB

EDIT: BTW: Maybe you could drop the ..Always: "Blue Skies To All And To All A Good Flight". I'm sure it just totally aggravates THEM...and doesn't advance your case. NB

NB, your post is nothing but an attempt to stir a pot that Tom has refused to participate in.

Skydive Laconia
 

Hi Pineedles,

Thank you for your support. (I really don't mind responding though.)

Hi NB,

I covered the answer to "Why here?" further up the thread in terms of location and my refusal to be bullied by a handful of locals that don't like seeing things change, even if the change is lawful, economically sound and (despite their claims) doesn't create an unsafe condition on the airfield.

As for them not wanting to be our friends? That's really their loss, not ours. Believe it or not our presence could increase their profits as well, they just fail to see that, because they are blinded by their emotional attachment to the issue.

I've stated before, there a number of hangar owners willing to work with us. They want to work with us and we want to work with them. We will make them lots of money and they will help us make lots of money. Not a bad deal.

As for the FBOs not selling us fuel? Believe me, short of the chief of the FAA Randy Babbitt, every agent of the FAA from here to Los Angeles is watching this. When I say that the LAA and the FBOs will be under a microscope when this is over, trust me, they will be. Any signs of discrimination and they lose their funding.

My "obsession" here is simply truth and justice in America.

As for friends, I have enough friends around the world to not be worried about how a handful of "small town good old boys" will react to our presence on the airfield. Let it bother them all they want, it won't bother us at all.

Blue skies to all and to all a good flight,
Tom

With all those friends around the world why wouldn't you go someplace else where you are more welcome? Why cheat them of the benefits of your presence?

Skydive Laconia
 

Hi JP. To answer your two part question in a nutshell!
The world is no longer flat, and we need many more wonderful people like the Noonans right here, right now!!!!

Would you please readjust your js?

Terry
________________________________

Doubtful, because nothing else has. So what would you do? Get down on your knees, perhaps? :confused:

They have plenty of friends and supporters here, don't worry. They are quite welcome here by everyone but the royalty at the town government (or those who think they are) and apparently you, No Bozo and a handful of others.

Tom, you're almost home. These posts are evidence. Don't give up now, we're behind you. On the other hand, we need more guys like you...how about a 2012 run for president?

Laconia traffic, this is N0---Y on westbound departure Runway 26.... no parachutes in my way!

I think a couple of you people need to go back and read my post again. I am in FAVOR of Tom's idea. :confused: NB

PS: Here's another way to frame it. Lets say you were interested in buying a house in a certain neighborhood, and while you were looking at the house with your real estate agent, a number of your neighbors to be came over and told you .."You are not welcome here". Would you still want to move in with such nice neighbors next door. Just sayin. :)

I agree with this situation becuase it is residential, I think it is a different ball game with a business

I will ditto that!

Using your logic, the civil rights movement never would have happened. Sometimes, doing the right thing is hard, both for you and other people. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't go ahead and do it. Due process and equal treatment under the law are bedrock American principles. Choosing to abandon those principles simply because you're "not wanted" at a certain location strikes me as being un-American.

This is never simple and clear. The Noonans are lucky that they have the connections, money and stamina to fight this battle. How many times does a situation like this go unnoticed by the public. Someone applies for a business permit, the neigboring business find out and calls his buddy on the board, permit denied.

People have been talking about the dollar cost of big government a lot lately but this shows the other cost, maybe corruption is too strong a word but definitely this smacks of political favoritism. When government people are favoring one business over another, it's not right.

I see how the housing and civil rights seems like it fits, but the harm here is purely financial. In the civil rights case, it was a henious crime intending to strip a person of basic human rights.

Oh, I agree that discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, etc. is much more offensive than a group of locals wanting to keep a newcomer out to protect their turf, but the general principle is the same. And don't think that there aren't financial aspects to racial discrimination.

It happens all the time. I KNEW he was going to have a hard time when he first posted.

I don't think this has anything to do with the Cival Rights Movement. :look: NB

I'm not saying that the disagreement over locating a skydiving operation at the Laconia airport is a civil rights issue. Obviously, it's not. What I am saying is that using your logic (don't try to force yourself in where you're not wanted), the civil rights movement, at least as we know it, would not have happened. No civil disobediance. No sit-ins at lunch counters. No school integration. We would still have separate but (not so) equal. Would you have advised MLK and his compatriots to not try and force themselves in where they're not wanted? If not, what's the difference in your mind between exercising your rights in one instance but not another, when local sentiment is against you?

The Noonans have a right, within established rules and regulations, to open a business where they damn well please. I think that you probably agree with that. If they end up getting permission to operate at KLCI, the decision to do so shouldn't be dictated by NIMBYs who for whatever reason would prefer that they go elsewhere.

Skydive Laconia
 

WE, elect people to Govern us... The Noonans have come here in good faith, and of heart to open both an economically sound proposal for a New and to continue to add to an very important tourist destination, ( Area significant )... Wise?

Local government sure has No help from the Hill, these days. :(
No A'Wake, No progress!... However, we will remember them maybe when we are all in default!..


I know that this is a very long thread, but pretty Please read all of it before you post a reply!
Terry
____________________________


Remember that; All people are born alike - except Republicans and Democrats... :)

Nimby
 

NB has said he supports the Noonans and their right to do business. He was questioning the practicality of co-existing where they were not wanted.

Using your logic, I take it you support Northern Pass' right to open their business wherever they (damn well) please and equate it to the Civil Rights movement.

Thanks for your permission to "vote with my feet"; I've been waiting anxiously for your approval.

No idea what 'cajones' are; perhaps you mean 'cojones'--I guess this is just another example of you getting the facts wrong?

Yes, I do own a business. But since I am not obstructing another business from starting up and preventing the addition of jobs to our local economy, I don't feel the need to disclose the name of it. Nice try at intimidation though--that seems to be what you do best. Pathetic.

I had to Google "Northern Pass" because I had no idea what it was. I won't offer an opinion on your comparison because I don't have enough information to do so.

The point that I was trying to make, which apparently I wasn't making very well, is that to give up and go away simply because some people might not want you around (whether it's because of the color of your skin or because you're not a local and your presence will upset the status quo), even when you have every legal and moral right to be there, smacks of defeatism. It's not the kind of attitude that made (and makes) America a great country.

I'll give the Noonans the benefit of the doubt and presume that they've done an analysis that shows Laconia to be the best place to locate their skydiving business. Maybe that's why they're being so persistent. If what Tom is saying is accurate, and his proposed business can thrive and coexist with other airport users, maybe those who are against him will change their minds, if he is given a chance. Who knows, they might even see some benefit from the additional people who come to the airport. But to turn tail and give up solely because potential neighbors want you to go away is wrong.

Tom,

Have you looked at Moultonborough Airport?

Moultonboro Airport
Runway 02-20
Length: 3,475' x 50'
Lighting: PCL (non-standard)
Surface: Asphalt
Inst. App. None
Fuel: 100LL (24/7 self serve)

I live on the other side of Berry Pond from it and would welcome the sight of you flying over and floating to earth at Mboro Airport.

I have a 5 acre field in front of my house on which I will paint all sorts of landing zones for you to practice on.