Victoria Skydiving operator The Parachute School has taken delivery of the first production example of the recently released GA8 -TC 320 Turbocharged Airvan to be purchased solely for parachute operations offering their skydivers 14,000 Feet.

The Parachute School, which has been established for 28 years, operates from Euroa in central Victoria. The Parachute School offers Tandem Skydiving, Accelerated Free Fall and Static Line courses. The Static Line and Free Fall courses are a complete weekend package with bunkhouse accommodation provided at the Euroa DZ, which is just 1-hour drive from the northern suburbs of Melbourne. Euroa, being on the north side of the Great Dividing Range, enjoys a very stable weather pattern offering 100 more jumpable days a year making it the best place to skydive in Victoria.

Owner and Chief Instructor of the Parachute School, Ian Matthews, a veteran skydiver with over 12,000 jumps to his credit who says his life motto is “Live life to fullest! Give everything a go!! NOW!!” is delighted with the performance and economics of the new aircraft and its ability to get to 14000 feet in 20 mins with 8 x POB.

The Turbo charged Airvan, powered by the Textron Lycoming TIO-540-AH1A direct drive fuel-injected engine, promises to be an outstanding skydive aircraft. Turbocharging, has significantly improved time to climb to altitude, further enhancing the Airvan’s attractiveness as a cost effective jump platform.

The new Airvan VH-IDM is painted in the Skydive School fleet colours and proudly displays the Skydive Schools distinctive “Go Jump” logo IDM is fitted with the Airvan parachute options kit, further enhancing it’s suitability for the parachute role.

The Airvan with its large square section cabin with flat floor and is capable of carrying two complete three-jumper teams for Tandem Skydiving in comfort. The large panoramic windows provide outstanding visibility for all occupants and enhancing the enjoyment of the climb to altitude. Gippsland has been successful in placing many Airvans as dedicated skydive aircraft in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe.

The Skydive School jump pilots visited the GippsAero factory at Traralgon in eastern Victoria for Airvan familiarisation training with GippsAero flying instructors. During their visit they were able to view aircraft under construction in the assembly line and were impressed with the strength designed into the Airvan. They were also impressed with the quality of craftsmanship with which each Airvan is built and the overall service attached to its delivery.

For further information on this article please contact:
Marguerite Morgan
Global Sales Manager
GippsAero
PO Box 881
MORWELL 3840
AUSTRALIA
Tel: 61 3 5172 1200
Fax: 61 3 5172 1201
Email: sales@gippsaero.com