Pilots and Aircraft

It was not easy to obtain pilots to fly jumpers in the early sixties and most of the pilots named below were willing to put up with these strange people who wanted to leap from perfectly good aircraft.

However there were two pilots amongst them that stood out to the jumpers because they saw the task as more challenging than just being able fly the aircraft.   

Getting the jumpers to altitude using every bit of lift that was available, nursing the engine and the airframe to give of their best within the limits of good airmanship.   Applying climb and descent patterns that were appropriate for the area and being prepared to trust the Jumpmaster's directions on jump run while staying within the parameters of safe flying.

Having dropped the jumpers, they then brought the aircraft down as swiftly as is compatible with engine temperature and safe airmanship.                

Eris Tilley and Darrel Brumby, we salute you.

Pilots who got the jumpers to altitude

With the date they first flew with SCS

Aircraft used by Southern Cross Skydivers