Beware the middleman!

In the recent months many websites have popped up offering skydiving
gift certificates and attempting to book reservations for skydiving.

They appear to be representing a skydiving center in your local area
and make claims that they have the highest skydiving safety record, use
the best equipment, have been serving the local area for a long time,
offer the least expensive skydive, and have the closest jumping
location to metropolitan areas.

However, these websites are actually nothing more than a middle man or
skydiving reservation agency which costs you money. Be leary of their
many misrepresentations!

To help you determine if a website represents an actual skydiving
center:

Does the website provide a business address for the drop zone?
Does the website include specific information about their jumpmasters
or the name of their Chief Instructor?
Does the website include specific information about their facilities
such as which airport, lounges or type of runways?
Does the website claim to be a National Skydiving Association (NSA)
participating skydiving center? The NSA is fictional.
The only regulatory agency for sport skydiving in the USA is the United
States Parachute Association (USPA). The USPA is a membership
organization that maintains and regulates a group member listing of
drop zones which abide by the association's Basic Safety Regulations.

Still not sure if their legit, call the 800 number and ask where they
are located. If they cannot answer immediately without asking where you
are calling from, then you have reached the middle man!

You might be asking "why not go through one of these agencies?"

Deceptive business practices: They employ a templated website which
offers the same facts and pictures across the country, but claim to
represent a local drop zone.
Location and distance: The agent will only book you with a
participating skydiving center, sometimes several states away!
Bogus fees: Airport Fee, Homeland Security Fee, Poor Weather /
Re-Schedule Fee are all tacked on after you have already paid over the
internet and arrive for your appointment. You may initially only pay
$165 over the internet. However after you arrive and add up the fees,
your bill can quickly exceed $250 for the jump alone. The Homeland
Security Fee is especially troublesome, since it preys on our fears of
terrorism and your belief that you are contributing to National
Security.
Low budget operations: Usually, the skydiving center in the area who is
participating with these booking agencies is so small and low budget
that they are unable to market for themselves. And if they can't afford
marketing, how can they afford good instructors, quality gear, or have
properly maintained aircraft?
Making a skydive is an experience you will remember and cherish for
life. It is important that this experience be performed by a competent,
professional center associated with the United States Parachute
Association. Choosing to make a reservation with an agency which makes
claims of, but has no control over, safety, instructors and equipment
quality is literally throwing caution into the wind. Do your research
before you jump. Your safety and enjoyment depend on it.

This web page has been brought to you by a concerned community of USPA
certified skydiving centers serving the Maryland, Virginia,
Pennsylvania and Delaware areas

From:	Jen
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	Tue, 4 Jan 2005 16:48:16 -0500

Sounds like Sulley to me

wrote in message
news:1104774165.470128.285450@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> Beware the middleman!
>
> In the recent months many websites have popped up offering skydiving
> gift certificates and attempting to book reservations for skydiving.
>
> They appear to be representing a skydiving center in your local area
> and make claims that they have the highest skydiving safety record, use
> the best equipment, have been serving the local area for a long time,
> offer the least expensive skydive, and have the closest jumping
> location to metropolitan areas.
>
> However, these websites are actually nothing more than a middle man or
> skydiving reservation agency which costs you money. Be leary of their
> many misrepresentations!
>
> To help you determine if a website represents an actual skydiving
> center:
>
> Does the website provide a business address for the drop zone?
> Does the website include specific information about their jumpmasters
> or the name of their Chief Instructor?
> Does the website include specific information about their facilities
> such as which airport, lounges or type of runways?
> Does the website claim to be a National Skydiving Association (NSA)
> participating skydiving center? The NSA is fictional.
> The only regulatory agency for sport skydiving in the USA is the United
> States Parachute Association (USPA). The USPA is a membership
> organization that maintains and regulates a group member listing of
> drop zones which abide by the association's Basic Safety Regulations.
>
> Still not sure if their legit, call the 800 number and ask where they
> are located. If they cannot answer immediately without asking where you
> are calling from, then you have reached the middle man!
>
> You might be asking "why not go through one of these agencies?"
>
> Deceptive business practices: They employ a templated website which
> offers the same facts and pictures across the country, but claim to
> represent a local drop zone.
> Location and distance: The agent will only book you with a
> participating skydiving center, sometimes several states away!
> Bogus fees: Airport Fee, Homeland Security Fee, Poor Weather /
> Re-Schedule Fee are all tacked on after you have already paid over the
> internet and arrive for your appointment. You may initially only pay
> $165 over the internet. However after you arrive and add up the fees,
> your bill can quickly exceed $250 for the jump alone. The Homeland
> Security Fee is especially troublesome, since it preys on our fears of
> terrorism and your belief that you are contributing to National
> Security.
> Low budget operations: Usually, the skydiving center in the area who is
> participating with these booking agencies is so small and low budget
> that they are unable to market for themselves. And if they can't afford
> marketing, how can they afford good instructors, quality gear, or have
> properly maintained aircraft?
> Making a skydive is an experience you will remember and cherish for
> life. It is important that this experience be performed by a competent,
> professional center associated with the United States Parachute
> Association. Choosing to make a reservation with an agency which makes
> claims of, but has no control over, safety, instructors and equipment
> quality is literally throwing caution into the wind. Do your research
> before you jump. Your safety and enjoyment depend on it.
>
> This web page has been brought to you by a concerned community of USPA
> certified skydiving centers serving the Maryland, Virginia,
> Pennsylvania and Delaware areas
>

From:	Orange Splat
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	Wed, 05 Jan 2005 04:45:47 GMT

No way! ...Like, he's NOT actually "still around", is he Jen? I mean other
than that silly little menagerie shop he now fronts... you know, right next
to those Mexicans and gooks (not my words here folks ...before you flame) he
so, so, so much self-avowedly adores! ---Is he? I had thought we all had
FINALLY banished this reference to permanent ostricization long ago. Please
tell me I'm not missing something here.

BTW, how's things with you lately?
Blues,
-Grant

"Jen" wrote in message
news:CaECd.2337$Ny6.3948@mencken.net.nih.gov...
> Sounds like Sulley to me
>
>
> wrote in message
> news:1104774165.470128.285450@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>> Beware the middleman!
>>
>> In the recent months many websites have popped up offering skydiving
>> gift certificates and attempting to book reservations for skydiving.
>>
>> They appear to be representing a skydiving center in your local area
>> and make claims that they have the highest skydiving safety record, use
>> the best equipment, have been serving the local area for a long time,
>> offer the least expensive skydive, and have the closest jumping
>> location to metropolitan areas.
>>
>> However, these websites are actually nothing more than a middle man or
>> skydiving reservation agency which costs you money. Be leary of their
>> many misrepresentations!
>>
>> To help you determine if a website represents an actual skydiving
>> center:
>>
>> Does the website provide a business address for the drop zone?
>> Does the website include specific information about their jumpmasters
>> or the name of their Chief Instructor?
>> Does the website include specific information about their facilities
>> such as which airport, lounges or type of runways?
>> Does the website claim to be a National Skydiving Association (NSA)
>> participating skydiving center? The NSA is fictional.
>> The only regulatory agency for sport skydiving in the USA is the United
>> States Parachute Association (USPA). The USPA is a membership
>> organization that maintains and regulates a group member listing of
>> drop zones which abide by the association's Basic Safety Regulations.
>>
>> Still not sure if their legit, call the 800 number and ask where they
>> are located. If they cannot answer immediately without asking where you
>> are calling from, then you have reached the middle man!
>>
>> You might be asking "why not go through one of these agencies?"
>>
>> Deceptive business practices: They employ a templated website which
>> offers the same facts and pictures across the country, but claim to
>> represent a local drop zone.
>> Location and distance: The agent will only book you with a
>> participating skydiving center, sometimes several states away!
>> Bogus fees: Airport Fee, Homeland Security Fee, Poor Weather /
>> Re-Schedule Fee are all tacked on after you have already paid over the
>> internet and arrive for your appointment. You may initially only pay
>> $165 over the internet. However after you arrive and add up the fees,
>> your bill can quickly exceed $250 for the jump alone. The Homeland
>> Security Fee is especially troublesome, since it preys on our fears of
>> terrorism and your belief that you are contributing to National
>> Security.
>> Low budget operations: Usually, the skydiving center in the area who is
>> participating with these booking agencies is so small and low budget
>> that they are unable to market for themselves. And if they can't afford
>> marketing, how can they afford good instructors, quality gear, or have
>> properly maintained aircraft?
>> Making a skydive is an experience you will remember and cherish for
>> life. It is important that this experience be performed by a competent,
>> professional center associated with the United States Parachute
>> Association. Choosing to make a reservation with an agency which makes
>> claims of, but has no control over, safety, instructors and equipment
>> quality is literally throwing caution into the wind. Do your research
>> before you jump. Your safety and enjoyment depend on it.
>>
>> This web page has been brought to you by a concerned community of USPA
>> certified skydiving centers serving the Maryland, Virginia,
>> Pennsylvania and Delaware areas
>>
>
>

From:	Jen
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	Thu, 6 Jan 2005 16:22:53 -0500

I don't know if its him or not. Just sound's like him. Things are ok. Just
got a huge cortizone shot in my knee so I could walk again and my dog just
died but other than that Im fine. Hope you are fine.

Jen

"Orange Splat" wrote in message
news:%hKCd.68246$uM5.31106@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> No way! ...Like, he's NOT actually "still around", is he Jen? I mean
other
> than that silly little menagerie shop he now fronts... you know, right
next
> to those Mexicans and gooks (not my words here folks ...before you flame)
he
> so, so, so much self-avowedly adores! ---Is he? I had thought we all
had
> FINALLY banished this reference to permanent ostricization long ago.
Please
> tell me I'm not missing something here.
>
> BTW, how's things with you lately?
> Blues,
> -Grant
>
> "Jen" wrote in message
> news:CaECd.2337$Ny6.3948@mencken.net.nih.gov...
> > Sounds like Sulley to me
> >
> >
> > wrote in message
> > news:1104774165.470128.285450@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> >> Beware the middleman!
> >>
> >> In the recent months many websites have popped up offering skydiving
> >> gift certificates and attempting to book reservations for skydiving.
> >>
> >> They appear to be representing a skydiving center in your local area
> >> and make claims that they have the highest skydiving safety record, use
> >> the best equipment, have been serving the local area for a long time,
> >> offer the least expensive skydive, and have the closest jumping
> >> location to metropolitan areas.
> >>
> >> However, these websites are actually nothing more than a middle man or
> >> skydiving reservation agency which costs you money. Be leary of their
> >> many misrepresentations!
> >>
> >> To help you determine if a website represents an actual skydiving
> >> center:
> >>
> >> Does the website provide a business address for the drop zone?
> >> Does the website include specific information about their jumpmasters
> >> or the name of their Chief Instructor?
> >> Does the website include specific information about their facilities
> >> such as which airport, lounges or type of runways?
> >> Does the website claim to be a National Skydiving Association (NSA)
> >> participating skydiving center? The NSA is fictional.
> >> The only regulatory agency for sport skydiving in the USA is the United
> >> States Parachute Association (USPA). The USPA is a membership
> >> organization that maintains and regulates a group member listing of
> >> drop zones which abide by the association's Basic Safety Regulations.
> >>
> >> Still not sure if their legit, call the 800 number and ask where they
> >> are located. If they cannot answer immediately without asking where you
> >> are calling from, then you have reached the middle man!
> >>
> >> You might be asking "why not go through one of these agencies?"
> >>
> >> Deceptive business practices: They employ a templated website which
> >> offers the same facts and pictures across the country, but claim to
> >> represent a local drop zone.
> >> Location and distance: The agent will only book you with a
> >> participating skydiving center, sometimes several states away!
> >> Bogus fees: Airport Fee, Homeland Security Fee, Poor Weather /
> >> Re-Schedule Fee are all tacked on after you have already paid over the
> >> internet and arrive for your appointment. You may initially only pay
> >> $165 over the internet. However after you arrive and add up the fees,
> >> your bill can quickly exceed $250 for the jump alone. The Homeland
> >> Security Fee is especially troublesome, since it preys on our fears of
> >> terrorism and your belief that you are contributing to National
> >> Security.
> >> Low budget operations: Usually, the skydiving center in the area who is
> >> participating with these booking agencies is so small and low budget
> >> that they are unable to market for themselves. And if they can't afford
> >> marketing, how can they afford good instructors, quality gear, or have
> >> properly maintained aircraft?
> >> Making a skydive is an experience you will remember and cherish for
> >> life. It is important that this experience be performed by a competent,
> >> professional center associated with the United States Parachute
> >> Association. Choosing to make a reservation with an agency which makes
> >> claims of, but has no control over, safety, instructors and equipment
> >> quality is literally throwing caution into the wind. Do your research
> >> before you jump. Your safety and enjoyment depend on it.
> >>
> >> This web page has been brought to you by a concerned community of USPA
> >> certified skydiving centers serving the Maryland, Virginia,
> >> Pennsylvania and Delaware areas
> >>
> >
> >
>
>

From:	Tom B
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	Wed, 05 Jan 2005 06:26:37 GMT

"Orange Splat" wrote in message
news:%hKCd.68246$uM5.31106@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> No way! ...Like, he's NOT actually "still around", is he Jen? I mean
> other than that silly little menagerie shop he now fronts... you know,
> right next to those Mexicans and gooks (not my words here folks ...before
> you flame) he so, so, so much self-avowedly adores! ---Is he? I had
> thought we all had FINALLY banished this reference to permanent
> ostricization long ago. Please tell me I'm not missing something here.
>
> BTW, how's things with you lately?
> Blues,
> -Grant

Something wrong with gook? After all it is a term to describe Americans
anyway.

Tom B

From:	Peanut4040
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	20 Jan 2005 04:57:57 GMT

OPPS,,, sorry,, left out niggers.

From:	Peanut4040
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	20 Jan 2005 04:57:34 GMT

>
>Something wrong with gook? After all it is a term to describe Americans
>anyway.
>
>Tom B

sounds tew me he has a problem with rednecks dat like to hang rebel flags from
invaded federal structures. Dont make me bring back dat pink army,,, oh wait,,
shit,, most of them have been kidnapped and I aint put forth the effort in the
ransom notes to get them back./. MY BADDD

Next season,, I PROMISE, to put up whatever ransom the gooks, spicks, micks,
rednecks, hymies, wet backs, and gawd dang knuckle dragging, commode hugging,
stupid ass Yankees can come up with.

THEMMM,, THEMMMM FUCK THEMMMM

From:	Tandmterry
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	20 Jan 2005 23:05:33 GMT

>From: peanut4040@aol.com (Peanut4040)

>gawd dang knuckle dragging, commode hugging,
>stupid ass Yankees can come up with.
>
>THEMMM,, THEMMMM FUCK THEMMMM

Wany to challenge me Gooober?

Terry

From:	Mike Spurgeon
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	Thu, 20 Jan 2005 06:37:06 GMT

Peanut4040 wrote:

> Next season,, I PROMISE, to put up whatever ransom the gooks, spicks, micks,
> rednecks, hymies, wet backs, and gawd dang knuckle dragging, commode hugging,
> stupid ass Yankees can come up with.
>
> THEMMM,, THEMMMM FUCK THEMMMM

You're drinking again, aren't you?

From:	Peanut4040
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	22 Jan 2005 00:51:53 GMT

>
>> Next season,, I PROMISE, to put up whatever ransom the gooks, spicks,
>micks,
>> rednecks, hymies, wet backs, and gawd dang knuckle dragging, commode
>hugging,
>> stupid ass Yankees can come up with.
>>
>> THEMMM,, THEMMMM FUCK THEMMMM
>
>You're drinking again, aren't you?
>
>

uhmm, how didya know?? ,, did i misspell one of dem?

From:	JimBo
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	20 Jan 2005 14:07:54 GMT

>Subject: Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
>From: Mike Spurgeon mike@spurgeon.net

>You're drinking again, aren't you?

what was your first clue ?

Jim D-10154

Man small... why fall ? Skies call... thats all.

From:	mrdbcooper at email.com
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	4 Jan 2005 08:57:15 -0800

your post is not relevant...we are discussing 1-800skyRide

From:	Tom B
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	Tue, 04 Jan 2005 17:06:29 GMT

wrote in message
news:1104857835.962780.47590@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> your post is not relevant...we are discussing 1-800skyRide

Oh horseshit! She discusses 1-800-SKYRIDE's legitimacy, as well as pointing
out that it is a separate enterprise than one that looks and sounds very
similar, a distinction that the casual reader might miss.

Tom B

From:	Peanut4040
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	06 Jan 2005 04:15:48 GMT

>
>your post is not relevant...we are discussing 1-800skyRide

smile,, welcome to freedom of speech. hehehehehe

From:	ynotssor
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	Tue, 4 Jan 2005 18:15:02 -0800

wrote in message
news:1104857835.962780.47590@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com

> your post is not relevant...we are discussing 1-800skyRide

Bill, I think that if you re-read the post to which you're objecting, you'll
find that *your* comment is out-of-order and irrelevant.

Maybe you're just having a temporary reading comprehension problem that will
resolve itself with some rest and relaxation.

tony

--
use hotmail for email replies

From:	mrdbcooper at email.com
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	4 Jan 2005 07:06:05 -0800

the information I posted is available on the Skydive Ocean City website.

From:	Rhonda Lea Kirk
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	Tue, 4 Jan 2005 10:21:40 -0500

mrdbcooper@email.com wrote:
> the information I posted is available on the Skydive
> Ocean City website.

Oh bloody hell.

The information is posted on *all* the websites of
1-800-SKYDIVE members.

1-800-SKY*DIVE* is a number/service owned by Lee
Godwin, brother of Pam Godwin Manos, brother-in-law of
Guy Manos--real skydivers--who also own Skydive Miami.
It is a legitimate service that allows callers to
connect directly with a dropzone local to them if that
dropzone subscribes to the 1-800-SKYDIVE service. The
three largest dzs in the country are subscribers, along
with some of the best-known, most reputable smaller
dzs.

1-800-SKY*RIDE* is a just a scam designed to line the
pockets of a disreputable...never mind. It's a scam.

From:	ynotssor
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	Mon, 3 Jan 2005 11:20:41 -0800

wrote in message
news:1104774165.470128.285450@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com

> Beware the middleman!
[...]
> Deceptive business practices: They employ a templated website which
> offers the same facts and pictures across the country, but claim to
> represent a local drop zone.
> Location and distance: The agent will only book you with a
> participating skydiving center, sometimes several states away!
> Bogus fees: Airport Fee, Homeland Security Fee, Poor Weather /
> Re-Schedule Fee are all tacked on after you have already paid over the
> internet and arrive for your appointment. You may initially only pay
> $165 over the internet. However after you arrive and add up the fees,
> your bill can quickly exceed $250 for the jump alone. The Homeland
> Security Fee is especially troublesome, since it preys on our fears of
> terrorism and your belief that you are contributing to National
> Security.
[...]

Well-put, Bill.

tony

--
use hotmail for email replies

From:	Tom B
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	Mon, 03 Jan 2005 18:52:55 GMT

wrote in message
news:1104774165.470128.285450@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...

And all this time I thought you were dead !!!

> Beware the middleman!
>
> In the recent months many websites have popped up offering skydiving
> gift certificates and attempting to book reservations for skydiving.
>
> They appear to be representing a skydiving center in your local area
> and make claims that they have the highest skydiving safety record, use
> the best equipment, have been serving the local area for a long time,
> offer the least expensive skydive, and have the closest jumping
> location to metropolitan areas.
>
> However, these websites are actually nothing more than a middle man or
> skydiving reservation agency which costs you money. Be leary of their
> many misrepresentations!
>
> To help you determine if a website represents an actual skydiving
> center:
>
> Does the website provide a business address for the drop zone?
> Does the website include specific information about their jumpmasters
> or the name of their Chief Instructor?
> Does the website include specific information about their facilities
> such as which airport, lounges or type of runways?
> Does the website claim to be a National Skydiving Association (NSA)
> participating skydiving center? The NSA is fictional.
> The only regulatory agency for sport skydiving in the USA is the United
> States Parachute Association (USPA). The USPA is a membership
> organization that maintains and regulates a group member listing of
> drop zones which abide by the association's Basic Safety Regulations.
>
> Still not sure if their legit, call the 800 number and ask where they
> are located. If they cannot answer immediately without asking where you
> are calling from, then you have reached the middle man!
>
> You might be asking "why not go through one of these agencies?"
>
> Deceptive business practices: They employ a templated website which
> offers the same facts and pictures across the country, but claim to
> represent a local drop zone.
> Location and distance: The agent will only book you with a
> participating skydiving center, sometimes several states away!
> Bogus fees: Airport Fee, Homeland Security Fee, Poor Weather /
> Re-Schedule Fee are all tacked on after you have already paid over the
> internet and arrive for your appointment. You may initially only pay
> $165 over the internet. However after you arrive and add up the fees,
> your bill can quickly exceed $250 for the jump alone. The Homeland
> Security Fee is especially troublesome, since it preys on our fears of
> terrorism and your belief that you are contributing to National
> Security.
> Low budget operations: Usually, the skydiving center in the area who is
> participating with these booking agencies is so small and low budget
> that they are unable to market for themselves. And if they can't afford
> marketing, how can they afford good instructors, quality gear, or have
> properly maintained aircraft?
> Making a skydive is an experience you will remember and cherish for
> life. It is important that this experience be performed by a competent,
> professional center associated with the United States Parachute
> Association. Choosing to make a reservation with an agency which makes
> claims of, but has no control over, safety, instructors and equipment
> quality is literally throwing caution into the wind. Do your research
> before you jump. Your safety and enjoyment depend on it.
>
> This web page has been brought to you by a concerned community of USPA
> certified skydiving centers serving the Maryland, Virginia,
> Pennsylvania and Delaware
>

From:	WRS
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	Tue, 4 Jan 2005 06:51:10 +0800

This is kinda preaching to the converted. 1800 skyride is NOT pitched at
licensed jumps, but at tandem jumps and one time AFF jumpers.
wrote in message
news:1104774165.470128.285450@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> Beware the middleman!
>
> In the recent months many websites have popped up offering skydiving
> gift certificates and attempting to book reservations for skydiving.
>
> They appear to be representing a skydiving center in your local area
> and make claims that they have the highest skydiving safety record, use
> the best equipment, have been serving the local area for a long time,
> offer the least expensive skydive, and have the closest jumping
> location to metropolitan areas.
>
> However, these websites are actually nothing more than a middle man or
> skydiving reservation agency which costs you money. Be leary of their
> many misrepresentations!
>
> To help you determine if a website represents an actual skydiving
> center:
>
> Does the website provide a business address for the drop zone?
> Does the website include specific information about their jumpmasters
> or the name of their Chief Instructor?
> Does the website include specific information about their facilities
> such as which airport, lounges or type of runways?
> Does the website claim to be a National Skydiving Association (NSA)
> participating skydiving center? The NSA is fictional.
> The only regulatory agency for sport skydiving in the USA is the United
> States Parachute Association (USPA). The USPA is a membership
> organization that maintains and regulates a group member listing of
> drop zones which abide by the association's Basic Safety Regulations.
>
> Still not sure if their legit, call the 800 number and ask where they
> are located. If they cannot answer immediately without asking where you
> are calling from, then you have reached the middle man!
>
> You might be asking "why not go through one of these agencies?"
>
> Deceptive business practices: They employ a templated website which
> offers the same facts and pictures across the country, but claim to
> represent a local drop zone.
> Location and distance: The agent will only book you with a
> participating skydiving center, sometimes several states away!
> Bogus fees: Airport Fee, Homeland Security Fee, Poor Weather /
> Re-Schedule Fee are all tacked on after you have already paid over the
> internet and arrive for your appointment. You may initially only pay
> $165 over the internet. However after you arrive and add up the fees,
> your bill can quickly exceed $250 for the jump alone. The Homeland
> Security Fee is especially troublesome, since it preys on our fears of
> terrorism and your belief that you are contributing to National
> Security.
> Low budget operations: Usually, the skydiving center in the area who is
> participating with these booking agencies is so small and low budget
> that they are unable to market for themselves. And if they can't afford
> marketing, how can they afford good instructors, quality gear, or have
> properly maintained aircraft?
> Making a skydive is an experience you will remember and cherish for
> life. It is important that this experience be performed by a competent,
> professional center associated with the United States Parachute
> Association. Choosing to make a reservation with an agency which makes
> claims of, but has no control over, safety, instructors and equipment
> quality is literally throwing caution into the wind. Do your research
> before you jump. Your safety and enjoyment depend on it.
>
> This web page has been brought to you by a concerned community of USPA
> certified skydiving centers serving the Maryland, Virginia,
> Pennsylvania and Delaware areas
>

From:	Skydive Greene County
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	Tue, 04 Jan 2005 01:16:47 GMT

No shit Sherlock!!

Educate yourself before posting.

"WRS" wrote in message
news:41d9cc61_1@news.iprimus.com.au...
> This is kinda preaching to the converted. 1800 skyride is NOT pitched at
> licensed jumps, but at tandem jumps and one time AFF jumpers.
> wrote in message
> news:1104774165.470128.285450@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>> Beware the middleman!
>>
>> In the recent months many websites have popped up offering skydiving
>> gift certificates and attempting to book reservations for skydiving.
>>
>> They appear to be representing a skydiving center in your local area
>> and make claims that they have the highest skydiving safety record, use
>> the best equipment, have been serving the local area for a long time,
>> offer the least expensive skydive, and have the closest jumping
>> location to metropolitan areas.
>>
>> However, these websites are actually nothing more than a middle man or
>> skydiving reservation agency which costs you money. Be leary of their
>> many misrepresentations!
>>
>> To help you determine if a website represents an actual skydiving
>> center:
>>
>> Does the website provide a business address for the drop zone?
>> Does the website include specific information about their jumpmasters
>> or the name of their Chief Instructor?
>> Does the website include specific information about their facilities
>> such as which airport, lounges or type of runways?
>> Does the website claim to be a National Skydiving Association (NSA)
>> participating skydiving center? The NSA is fictional.
>> The only regulatory agency for sport skydiving in the USA is the United
>> States Parachute Association (USPA). The USPA is a membership
>> organization that maintains and regulates a group member listing of
>> drop zones which abide by the association's Basic Safety Regulations.
>>
>> Still not sure if their legit, call the 800 number and ask where they
>> are located. If they cannot answer immediately without asking where you
>> are calling from, then you have reached the middle man!
>>
>> You might be asking "why not go through one of these agencies?"
>>
>> Deceptive business practices: They employ a templated website which
>> offers the same facts and pictures across the country, but claim to
>> represent a local drop zone.
>> Location and distance: The agent will only book you with a
>> participating skydiving center, sometimes several states away!
>> Bogus fees: Airport Fee, Homeland Security Fee, Poor Weather /
>> Re-Schedule Fee are all tacked on after you have already paid over the
>> internet and arrive for your appointment. You may initially only pay
>> $165 over the internet. However after you arrive and add up the fees,
>> your bill can quickly exceed $250 for the jump alone. The Homeland
>> Security Fee is especially troublesome, since it preys on our fears of
>> terrorism and your belief that you are contributing to National
>> Security.
>> Low budget operations: Usually, the skydiving center in the area who is
>> participating with these booking agencies is so small and low budget
>> that they are unable to market for themselves. And if they can't afford
>> marketing, how can they afford good instructors, quality gear, or have
>> properly maintained aircraft?
>> Making a skydive is an experience you will remember and cherish for
>> life. It is important that this experience be performed by a competent,
>> professional center associated with the United States Parachute
>> Association. Choosing to make a reservation with an agency which makes
>> claims of, but has no control over, safety, instructors and equipment
>> quality is literally throwing caution into the wind. Do your research
>> before you jump. Your safety and enjoyment depend on it.
>>
>> This web page has been brought to you by a concerned community of USPA
>> certified skydiving centers serving the Maryland, Virginia,
>> Pennsylvania and Delaware areas
>>
>
>

From:	Mike Spurgeon
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	Tue, 04 Jan 2005 00:49:34 GMT

WRS wrote:
> This is kinda preaching to the converted. 1800 skyride is NOT pitched at
> licensed jumps, but at tandem jumps and one time AFF jumpers.

It's more like preaching to the uneducated. If you don't
understand the problem, it seems like you fit the definition.

From:	Tom B
Subject:	Re: Beware the middleman: Do they mean 1800-skyride?
Date:	Tue, 04 Jan 2005 01:47:44 GMT

"Mike Spurgeon" wrote in message
news:41D9E81B.9050602@spurgeon.net...
> WRS wrote:
>> This is kinda preaching to the converted. 1800 skyride is NOT pitched at
>> licensed jumps, but at tandem jumps and one time AFF jumpers.
>
> It's more like preaching to the uneducated. If you don't understand the
> problem, it seems like you fit the definition.

Understanding the situation is somewhat different than having a solution for
it. The authorities will not let you shoot him or take other direct action
that would fix the problem, and I don't see any legal path to block it. The
only free market response seems to be duplicating what he is doing. It looks
to me as if the only real change is that the pain felt by DZ's in the
southeast for several years has now been spread nationally, and maybe
further for all I know. It seems even harder to deal with than the southern
DZ's false advertising, as you can't tear down their road signs as one of
our group used to do.

I know I would not want to be a DZO explaining why one person's jump cost so
much when the one in front of them paid much less. If a bunch of DZO's
stopped honoring them as a group, all in a region, it might help, but it
would be one of the few organized actions that ever occurred in the sport,
and unless everyone in an area did it, it would fail.

Tom B