Drop zone
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In parachuting, a drop zone is a location where a parachutist is expected to land. In many cases, especially with planes, the drop zone is a rectangular area, with its length in the same direction as the aircraft's movement. The size of a drop zone depends on the weather, as well as the aircraft's velocity.
In sports skydiving a drop zone is where jumpers go to takeoff in aircraft, jump and land flying their canopies. It is usually situated beside a small airport often sharing the facility with other general aviation activities. The skydiving operation typically has one or a few aircraft. There is always a landing area specifically for parachute landings. Drop zone staff include pilots, professional skydiving instructors and videographers.
History
During the Battle of Normandy (1944), a significant number of paratroopers did not land in their predicted drop zones.External links
- [Dropzone.com] - The single best source for skydiving information
- [USPA] The United States Parachute Association -- The governing body for sport skydiving in the U.S.
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