Here’s a reply to the complainers. The airplane in question is used by Okanagan Skydive. But please, while you are complaining about it and not the motorcycles, speedboats and jet skis, think about what this plane contributes to your little town.
This airplane is owned by a local business, has its required commercial maintenance done by local mechanics and provides jobs for at least three local pilots. I can assure you that everything has been done to make this plane quieter, at great expense to the owner.
Okanagan Skydive provides jobs for many local people and is owned by a local couple (seeing a theme here?). This company provides a service to people that is absolutely amazing to watch.
The employees love their jobs. They make their clients so incredibly happy with an experience they will remember for a lifetime. For many, it is a bucket list item to check off. People come from many miles away to jump at this little dropzone.
Last year, we had friends from England, Wales, Denmark, Austria, Germany, and Ontario all try a jump (read, spend their money) here. Recently we had friends from California come up specifically to jump over our beautiful lakes.
I urge you to go down and observe the laughter and fun and love that occurs at this annoying place of business, and maybe you’ll become a little more welcoming for the ways it helps our economy and appreciate the joy and smiles it brings to people’s faces.
I lived near the airport for almost 20 years and watching the skydivers was exciting. I got used to the drone of the planes and found the steadiness of it comforting.
I knew what time it was every morning when the jet took off. The only time it all stopped and was eerily silent, was on 9/11.
M. Goode
Vernon
