Our sister company, ARNE Aviation, owns and operates all of the aircraft that we utilize at Skydive Suffolk. ARNE Aviation is a WOSB certified FAA Part 135 Cargo Company with HAZMAT carriage authority and provides aircraft for skydiving and cargo needs nationwide. We are proud to have these five aircraft as part of the Skydive Suffolk team!
Learn about each plane below!
Two Short Brothers SD330
Jumpers: 30
Type: Fixed Wing Multi Engine Turbo-prop
These planes were purchased from the US Forest Service in 2020, then modified for skydiving operations. The Sherpas are a British twin-turboprop aircraft manufactured by Short Brothers of Belfast, Northern Ireland and are commonly used for Cargo transport and skydiving. Skydive Suffolk runs the two Sherpas primarily for military training operations and large events.
The capabilities of the Sherpas include:
- Twin 1,200 SHP Pratt and Whitney PT6A-45 engines
- Max cruise speed 170 kts
- 3,750 lbs of parachutist and cargo with 3,000lbs of fuel (4 jump runs)
- 5,200 lbs of parachutist and cargo with 1,500 lbs of fuel (1 jump run)’
- Static-line configured
- Side door
- Capable of installing rollers for bundles
Two Cessna Grand Caravans 208B (Supervan)
Jumpers: 17
Type: Fixed Wing Single Engine Turbo-Prop
Engine Modifications: 1 Texas Turbine, 1 Aerotwin
ARNE Aviation purchased its first Supervan in 2016 and the second in 2018 . The Cessna 208B Grand Caravans are an American single-engine turboprop commonly used for regional airlines, utility and skydiving.
The first prototype was flown on December 9th, 1982 and has been a workhorse for general and commercial aviation ever since. Our Caravans have been upgraded with the most powerful engines available.
The standard engine provides 675 horsepower. Our engine puts out almost 1,000 horsepower making it one of the fastest rides up to 13,500 feet. These airplanes are two of 2,002 caravans produced.
The capabilities of the Caravan include:
- 900 SHP Honeywell International TPE331-12JR engine
- Max cruise speed 165 kts
- 3,200 lbs of parachutist and cargo with 950 lbs of fuel (4 jump runs)
- 3,650 lbs of parachutist and cargo with 400 lbs of fuel (1 jump run)
Pacific Aerospace PAC 750 XSTOL
Jumpers: 14
Manufacture date: 2004
Type: Fixed Wing Single Engine Turbo-prop
Skydive Suffolk bought the plane in 2005. The PAC 750 XL, made in New Zealand, had its maiden flight in 2001. Certified in 2004, the PAC was a hit in the skydiving industry for its high payload and lightweight design. Designed to takeoff and land in very short fields with heavy loads, the PAC is a true workhorse. Our PAC 750 was the first PAC ever delivered to the United States.
The capabilities of the PAC 750 include:
- 750 SHP Pratt and Whitney PT6A-34 engine
- Max cruise speed 150 kts
- 3,000 lbs of parachutist and cargo with 700 lbs of fuel (4 jump runs)
- 3,300 lbs of parachutist and cargo with 400 lbs of fuel (1 jump run)
