The Drop Zone Team

The Drop Zone (DZ) Team is an essential aspect of every single display by the RAF Falcons. The Team travels from DZ to DZ arriving at least 2 hours prior to each display.

The Team comprises of up to 4 specialists. The DZ Safety Officer DZSO, the Survival Equipment Fitter, the DZ Non-Commissioned Officer (DZ-NCO) and the Team Commentator.

Their job is to ensure the highest levels of safety and to ensure the smooth running of the displays from the ground.

THE DZSO

The DZ is controlled by the DZSO, Flight Lieutenant Jon Conner. It is his responsibility to calculate the position in relation to the DZ where the parachutists will exit from the aircraft.

With the assistance of the DZNCO the DZSO uses a Theodolite, weather balloon and a watch to time and track the height and speed gained by the weather balloon at 500ft intervals, up to a height of 3000ft.

Once the decision has been made to jump the DZSO will start to communicate directly to the Team Coach on the aircraft via his radio 20mins before the display begins passing on drop instructions.

The Team Survival Equipment Fitters

The Teams’ Survival Equipment Fitters (SE Fitts) for the 2010 season are Corporals James Dempsey and Jamie Crew.

This is their first year with the team. They are responsible for the maintenance of the parachutes and associated equipment.

They are highly skilled engineers and carry out repairs to any damaged equipment applicable to their role. This role is of paramount importance as the Teams’ confidence is built on their ability as parachute engineers.

Furthermore, they have a vital role on the DZ often acting as DZNCOs as well as the Survival Equipment Fitters.

The Team Commentator

Graham Liggins has voluntarily worked with the team for over a decade and continues to enhance the display and entertain the crowds. He will set the perfect scene, introducing the RAF Falcons and the DZ team.

He will describe the complete format of the display and once the display has begun he will be in full stride explaining every movement of the display until it is over.

Graham is an ex-serviceman and is a former member of the British Parachute Association. Graham’s commentary has accompanied the RAF Falcons display all over the United Kingdom and Europe and is a great asset to the Team.