Each member of our staff meets a high standard of qualifications and abilities that exceed those set by United States Parachute Association and the Federal Aviation Administration. Our instructors & coaches have cumulatively over 7,000 skydives and over 100 years of experience.
(click on a name to see their photo and information)
NickName: Einstein
First Jump: August of 1986 under a T10 with a belly reserve
Jumps: 1,700+ total skydives: 800+ as instructor
License: D23527
Ratings: Safety & Training Advisor, Strong Tandem Instructor, FAA Senior Rigger, USPA Coach
"Real Job": Machinist in Topeka
Email:
Bill Says: "It'll be alright..."
NickName: Charlie
First Jump: SL in 1984
Jumps: 1,500+ total skydives: 300+ as instructor
License: D11556
Ratings: Strong Tandem Instructor, USPA Coach, POPS 5367, Freak Brothers 2667, 4 stack 3375, night 4 stack 617, CCS 815, CCR 1509
"Real Job": Printer/Pressman
Charlie Says: "Make a SKYDIVE and you will LOVE it! A sport that you will never get tired of and always a new challenge. You'll start jumping for the thrill and stay because of the people."
Staff Member of the Month:
Charlie is featured in the current edition of Lawrence Magazine!
NickName: Jermy
First Jump: Tandem at Skydive Kansas April 2005
Jumps: 1,000
License: D28980
Ratings: Accelerated Freefall Instructor, Strong Tandem Instructor, USPA Coach, Freefall Photographer
"Real Job": Coach for the University of Kansas Crew Team
Jeremy Says: "Just kidding... or am I?"
NickName: Chris
Hours: 1,000+
Ratings: Commercial, Instrument, Multi-Engine, CFI
Endorsements: High performance
"Real Job": Server Team Manager for Westar Energy
Chris Says: "Are you comfortable?!"
(Manifest)
NickName: SusieQ
First Jump: Tandem at Skydive Kansas March 2008
Jumps: 10 ish and counting..
License: gettin' there
"Real Job": zookeeper
Susan Says: "Don't take life too seriously--no one gets out alive!"
(Manifest)
NickName: Mr. Royal
First Jump: Tandem at Skydive Kansas June 2007
Jumps: 70
License: B31770
"Real Job": Music Teacher
Matt Says: "..."
NickName: Pac-Man
First Jump: Tandem at Skydive Kansas, November 3, 2007
Jumps: 1
Job: Packer
Pack Jobs: 1,400+
"Real Job": Meterologist (and yes, we put him in charge of weather, too)
Doug Says: " "
NickName: Em
First Jump: Tandem at ACDZ, July 2006
Jumps: 200+
License: C36986
Ratings: USPA Coach
"Real Job": architectural engineer
Emily Says: "Is that a Quote?"
NickName: The Fridge
First Jump: Maybe out of the back of a Skyvan in Arizona when it dies
Job: Okay, the Refrigerator is not really staff either, but she does work hard and earns the respect of all who visit. She currently holds bottled water and candy bars, while on the outside shows off bumper stickers from all over the U.S. and the world!
The Fridge Says: "Gimme more stickers!"
NickName: Golf Cart
First Jump: Maybe out of the back of a Skyvan in Arizona when it dies
Hobby: Collecting Stickers
Job: Okay, the Golf Cart is not really staff, but it's a great asset... There is no excuse for landing safe, not close!
Golf Cart Says: "RRRRRRRRRRRR!"
NickName:
Hours: 1,000+
Ratings: Commercial for single and multi-engine, Instrument
Endorsements: High performance
"Real Job": military lawyer
Russell Says:
NickName: Jelly Belly
First Jump: Tandem in Mom's belly at T minus 9 months,
Jumps: 12 jumps, all before she was born in December of 1998.
Job: Bicyclist golf cart racer
"About me ": At age 7 months, Janelle took the toggles of a mock canopy as if she already knew what to do.
By age 2, Janelle could arch, track, "throw out" her P.C. and more importantly can run full speed across the hangar without stepping on a single line.
At age 5, she was telling everyone "Jumpers AWAY!" over the PA! At age 7, Janelle was busy helping pack by cocking sliders and pilot chutes and setting brakes on canopies. At age 8, she drove the golf cart to pick up skydivers with her friend Alexis (and an adult), or they prefer to race the cart with their bikes. Now at age 9, she types jumpers' names into Manifest in between playing Webkinz games on the computer.
NickName: Flying Monkey
First Jump: Tandem in Mom's belly at T minus 9 months,
Jumps: 48 jumps, all before he was born in February of 2002.
Job: Kindergartner
"About me ": Janelle my big sis likes to take care of me...
But as we get older, I tell her what to do!
At age 3, I had a brief stint as a Movie Star: Elton John. But I'm focusing on other pursuits now.
NickName: "Crappa"
Hours: 6,000+
Ratings: Commercial, Instrument, CFI, CFII
Endorsements: High performance
"Real Job": Retired County Sheriff, now flying pipeline, powerline and even scarier: flight instruction!
Kermit Says: "Sure I'll fill in for a month or two for ya..." (several years ago now)
NickName: Dr. Larry Pinkston, FG
First Jump: Tandem at Skydive Kansas June 14, 2003
Jumps: 250+
License: C36052 (Advanced)
Ratings: USPA Coach
"Real Job": Cowboy
Email:
Larry Says: " "
NickName: COMBINE
First Jump: Tandem at Skydive Kansas in the Fall of 1995. He was one of the first group of students to earn his A license at the DZ.
Jumps: 800+
License: D24354
Ratings: USPA Coach, PRO rating, Freefall Photographer
"Real Job": Engineering Technician, KDOT
Rick Says: "I'm like a Superhero, with no powers or motivation."
NickName: Captain
First Jump: Static Line in 1990
Jumps: around 400
Hours: 800 flight hours
License: D14335
Ratings: Commercial single engine land
"Real Job": Captain in the Fire Department
Ron Says:"It's jumpable!"
NickName: Hef
Hours: 500 flight hours
Ratings: Commercial single engine land, High Performance, Instrument
"Real Job": Recycling Management Specialist
Nef Says:"Don't eat my Lunchables!"
NickName: Doc
First Jump: Static Line in 1981 in Yoder, KS
Second Jump: Tandem in 2004
Jumps: 500+
License: C35929 (Advanced)
Ratings: USPA Coach & self proclaimed "quite possibly the worst freeflyer on the planet"
"Real Job": Chiropractor
Email:
Troy Says: "It's a gift, I don't try to explain it."
NickName: Turk
First Jump: Tandem at Skydive Kansas in the Spring of 2000
Jumps: 800+
License: D26436
Ratings: USPA Coach, Freefall Photographer
"Real Job": "Rubber guy" at GoodYear in Topeka
Turk Says: "I'm the most BLESSED person in the world 'x 'x 'x "
NickName: Brandon
First Jump: Tandem at Skydive Kansas, June 2007
Jumps: 1 (I think we scared him off)
Ratings: A&P airplane mechanic... Okay, Brandon isn't really STAFF. He actually works for Coffey County Airport, but what he does for us is so essential to our business and his philosophy about precision and safety aligns with ours... we think of him as part of us!
Brandon Says:
Jen Sharp, Janitor/Owner
NickName: Head Jumpin' Bean
First Jump: Static Line in 1989
Jumps: 2,300+ total skydives: 600+ on camera, 1,300+ as instructor
License: D17516
Ratings: Accelerated Freefall Instructor since 1997, Strong Tandem
Instructor, Coach Certification Course Director, Safety & Training Advisor since 2003;
PRO rating; FAA Senior Rigger since 1995, Master Rigger since 2009 and has packed 1,000 reserves
"Real Job":
www.JenSharp.com Web
design/computer programmer, working from home while also being a mom and Keynote Motivational & Leadership Speaker
Email:
Jen Says: "There's your bus!"
Bill Hubbell, S&TA
NickName: EinsteinFirst Jump: August of 1986 under a T10 with a belly reserve
Jumps: 1,700+ total skydives: 800+ as instructor
License: D23527
Ratings: Safety & Training Advisor, Strong Tandem Instructor, FAA Senior Rigger, USPA Coach
"Real Job": Machinist in Topeka
Email:
Bill Says: "It'll be alright..."
Charlie Dyck
NickName: CharlieFirst Jump: SL in 1984
Jumps: 1,500+ total skydives: 300+ as instructor
License: D11556
Ratings: Strong Tandem Instructor, USPA Coach, POPS 5367, Freak Brothers 2667, 4 stack 3375, night 4 stack 617, CCS 815, CCR 1509
"Real Job": Printer/Pressman
Charlie Says: "Make a SKYDIVE and you will LOVE it! A sport that you will never get tired of and always a new challenge. You'll start jumping for the thrill and stay because of the people."
Staff Member of the Month:
Charlie is featured in the current edition of Lawrence Magazine!
Jeremy Struemph
NickName: JermyFirst Jump: Tandem at Skydive Kansas April 2005
Jumps: 1,000
License: D28980
Ratings: Accelerated Freefall Instructor, Strong Tandem Instructor, USPA Coach, Freefall Photographer
"Real Job": Coach for the University of Kansas Crew Team
Jeremy Says: "Just kidding... or am I?"
CHECK THIS OUT: Jeremy is the State Record Holder for most jumps in one day!
Chris Hubbell
NickName: ChrisHours: 1,000+
Ratings: Commercial, Instrument, Multi-Engine, CFI
Endorsements: High performance
"Real Job": Server Team Manager for Westar Energy
Chris Says: "Are you comfortable?!"
Susan Russell
(Manifest)NickName: SusieQ
First Jump: Tandem at Skydive Kansas March 2008
Jumps: 10 ish and counting..
License: gettin' there
"Real Job": zookeeper
Susan Says: "Don't take life too seriously--no one gets out alive!"
Matt Royal
(Manifest)NickName: Mr. Royal
First Jump: Tandem at Skydive Kansas June 2007
Jumps: 70
License: B31770
"Real Job": Music Teacher
Matt Says: "..."
Doug Watson
NickName: Pac-ManFirst Jump: Tandem at Skydive Kansas, November 3, 2007
Jumps: 1
Job: Packer
Pack Jobs: 1,400+
"Real Job": Meterologist (and yes, we put him in charge of weather, too)
Doug Says: " "
Emily Reimer
NickName: Em First Jump: Tandem at ACDZ, July 2006
Jumps: 200+
License: C36986
Ratings: USPA Coach
"Real Job": architectural engineer
Emily Says: "Is that a Quote?"
The Refrigerator
NickName: The FridgeFirst Jump: Maybe out of the back of a Skyvan in Arizona when it dies
Job: Okay, the Refrigerator is not really staff either, but she does work hard and earns the respect of all who visit. She currently holds bottled water and candy bars, while on the outside shows off bumper stickers from all over the U.S. and the world!
The Fridge Says: "Gimme more stickers!"
The Golf Cart
NickName: Golf CartFirst Jump: Maybe out of the back of a Skyvan in Arizona when it dies
Hobby: Collecting Stickers
Job: Okay, the Golf Cart is not really staff, but it's a great asset... There is no excuse for landing safe, not close!
Golf Cart Says: "RRRRRRRRRRRR!"
Russell Jackson
NickName:Hours: 1,000+
Ratings: Commercial for single and multi-engine, Instrument
Endorsements: High performance
"Real Job": military lawyer
Russell Says:
Janelle Sharp
NickName: Jelly Belly First Jump: Tandem in Mom's belly at T minus 9 months,
Jumps: 12 jumps, all before she was born in December of 1998.
Job: Bicyclist golf cart racer
"About me ": At age 7 months, Janelle took the toggles of a mock canopy as if she already knew what to do.
By age 2, Janelle could arch, track, "throw out" her P.C. and more importantly can run full speed across the hangar without stepping on a single line.
At age 5, she was telling everyone "Jumpers AWAY!" over the PA! At age 7, Janelle was busy helping pack by cocking sliders and pilot chutes and setting brakes on canopies. At age 8, she drove the golf cart to pick up skydivers with her friend Alexis (and an adult), or they prefer to race the cart with their bikes. Now at age 9, she types jumpers' names into Manifest in between playing Webkinz games on the computer.
John Sharp
NickName: Flying Monkey First Jump: Tandem in Mom's belly at T minus 9 months,
Jumps: 48 jumps, all before he was born in February of 2002.
Job: Kindergartner
"About me ": Janelle my big sis likes to take care of me...
But as we get older, I tell her what to do!
At age 3, I had a brief stint as a Movie Star: Elton John. But I'm focusing on other pursuits now.
Kermit Crane
NickName: "Crappa" Hours: 6,000+
Ratings: Commercial, Instrument, CFI, CFII
Endorsements: High performance
"Real Job": Retired County Sheriff, now flying pipeline, powerline and even scarier: flight instruction!
Kermit Says: "Sure I'll fill in for a month or two for ya..." (several years ago now)
Larry Pinkston
NickName: Dr. Larry Pinkston, FGFirst Jump: Tandem at Skydive Kansas June 14, 2003
Jumps: 250+
License: C36052 (Advanced)
Ratings: USPA Coach
"Real Job": Cowboy
Email:
Larry Says: " "
Rick Gardner
NickName: COMBINEFirst Jump: Tandem at Skydive Kansas in the Fall of 1995. He was one of the first group of students to earn his A license at the DZ.
Jumps: 800+
License: D24354
Ratings: USPA Coach, PRO rating, Freefall Photographer
"Real Job": Engineering Technician, KDOT
Rick Says: "I'm like a Superhero, with no powers or motivation."
Ron Peters
NickName: CaptainFirst Jump: Static Line in 1990
Jumps: around 400
Hours: 800 flight hours
License: D14335
Ratings: Commercial single engine land
"Real Job": Captain in the Fire Department
Ron Says:"It's jumpable!"
Nef Torres
NickName: HefHours: 500 flight hours
Ratings: Commercial single engine land, High Performance, Instrument
"Real Job": Recycling Management Specialist
Nef Says:"Don't eat my Lunchables!"
Troy Barnt
NickName: Doc First Jump: Static Line in 1981 in Yoder, KS
Second Jump: Tandem in 2004
Jumps: 500+
License: C35929 (Advanced)
Ratings: USPA Coach & self proclaimed "quite possibly the worst freeflyer on the planet"
"Real Job": Chiropractor
Email:
Troy Says: "It's a gift, I don't try to explain it."
Turk Chapman
NickName: TurkFirst Jump: Tandem at Skydive Kansas in the Spring of 2000
Jumps: 800+
License: D26436
Ratings: USPA Coach, Freefall Photographer
"Real Job": "Rubber guy" at GoodYear in Topeka
Turk Says: "I'm the most BLESSED person in the world 'x 'x 'x "
Brandon Neff
NickName: BrandonFirst Jump: Tandem at Skydive Kansas, June 2007
Jumps: 1 (I think we scared him off)
Ratings: A&P airplane mechanic... Okay, Brandon isn't really STAFF. He actually works for Coffey County Airport, but what he does for us is so essential to our business and his philosophy about precision and safety aligns with ours... we think of him as part of us!
Brandon Says:
