This past week was busy around the DZ. We started off by doing some major maintenance to the left engine on the Otter. Some of you have noticed (and commented on) increased climb times over the past few weeks while we were trying to diagnose some changes we noticed in the cockpit. We were hoping that the problem was going to be a quick and easy one - no such luck. Thanks to Tom Pecharich and our colleagues at Heritage Turbines, we were able to get the parts changed with virtually no down-time. The Otter is now back to 100% - flying faster than ever. As always, safety is a priority to us.

On our way out to the Richmond Boogie on Friday, we spent the day the Indianapolis Motor Speedway driving a NASCAR with the Richard Petty Driving School. What a great experience. They have campuses set-up at almost every major track. If you get the chance, do it!

After the Richmond Boogie last September, I told Jaime I would be there for her again in 2006. As the event drew closer and after 2 bad weather weekends, we realized that we were going to be too busy for the Caravan here at CSC. I did everything I could think of to bring in additional aircraft to supplement the Caravan. I was put in a difficult position, but refused to bail on my commitment to Jaime and the attendees of the Richmond Boogie. We did the best we could, but it was at the expense of our operations at CSC this past Saturday. We ended up flying back from Richmond to pick-up what the Caravan simply couldn't do. I would like to thank everyone for their patience this past weekend and I hope you all can understand. The silver lining to all of this for us is that we now know just how much the CSC jumpers like our Super Otter!

We are looking forward to a great weekend ahead. Sunpath will be here with demo equipment during our 4-way scrambles meet. To register for the competition, please contact Alan Butt - anbutt1@sbcglobal.net. Remember, the scrambles competition is designed for jumpers of all levels - including people just off student status!

Saturday is DagoFest. If you liked RibFest, you will love this one. $10/person again for all the Italian food you can eat! Also, night jumps are Saturday night.

Next Wednesday starts the POPS Meet. With practice jumps Wednesday - Friday and the competition on Saturday and Sunday, we are hoping for a busy week. If you have not registered yet, please contact Manifest - customercare@skydivecsc.com. Pre-registration is just $20.

The Sporto Show starts September 22. He will be freefly load organizing and coaching all weekend. He hates when people don't come to his events. Trust me, you don't want to see this guy mad...

Congratulations:

• Lukasz Staskiewicz - staff member of the month
• Asia Krawczyk - staff member of the month
• Pat Walker - staff member of the month

Thanks:

• Jenelle Chapman - manifesting for us at the Richmond Boogie
• Matty Wright - load organizing at the Richmond Boogie
• Rook Nelson and Skydive Chicago for sending an Otter over on Friday
• Bob Dougherty for sending the Caravan up from Skydive Greensburg this weekend
• Jaime Praeter and the Stewart Family for understanding why I had to leave on Saturday afternoon
• to all of the CSC patrons who sent me nasty text messages and would not stop calling me on Saturday. How does everyone know my cell phone number?

October 1, 2006 is the Mexico RSVP deadline. If you want us to reserve your room, we need to know if you are going to join us for the best boogie in the World. Contact doug@skydivecsc.com to reserve your your room.

For anyone who is interested in helping us get the word out about CSC, we are still offering free window decals. You can use your own photo or use one of our stock pictures for your design. From inside the vehicle, you can't see a thing and they are easy to remove. For information and to schedule a time to have yours applied, contact doug@skydivecsc.com

Also, we have business cards available. Pass out your personalized CSC business cards and get $10 on your account for every referral - you don't even have to be here! The cards are good for $10 off their skydive. To order your cards today, contact doug@skydivecsc.com. 500 cards are only $25.

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Chicagoland Skydiving Center, CSC PROshop, and CSC ePROshop are a full-service skydiving facility with dealerships with most skydiving related companies. We will match or beat any deal out there, so please check with us before ordering anything! Please contact us for pricing and ordering information.