Garry Denton Interview - Aircraft Engineer

A dropzone and National Championships is made up of more than just the CCI, canteen staff and bus drivers. There are all the back ground jobs which are absolutely essential for a DZ to run efficiently. Garry Denton is one of those people who quietly works away in the engineering hangar and even if you are aware that he exists, did you know he was a skydiver?

1. Most people think you're just the aircraft engineer, however you started off as skydiver. Can you tell us about that earlier era in your life?
Most people don't know I exist ;) But yes for my sins, I was a skydiver. My 1st static line jump in 1990 on an aeroconcical (rig number 4) at Doncaster Parachute Clib. I became an instructor in 1995 which I loved and even now miss that side of the sport even more than jumping. I did around 950 jumps in my time and my last was a demo out of a helicopter. Why did I stop? Well 2 thing I suppose. The aircraft side became a priority and I fell out of love with jumping. I just stopped getting the buzz.

2. How did you become the Skydive Hibaldstow engineer?
Initially I was given a job here, as a promoter for the parachuting business (which I wasn't the greatest at). So Steve sent me to the aircraft maintenance companies to help the engineers, cleaning and taking panels off. Basically all the mundane duties and was told I had an apptitude for it. Then over time, I took my engineering licenses and here I am a few years later.

3. The dropzone owns a significant fleet of Dornier and SMG aircraft, how do you prepare for the National Championships?
To be honest the preparation is minimal because the aircraft are permanently been maintained whether it be schedule or non-schedule work. But what I do make sure of is that we have certain parts and assemblies prepared and ready to go incase of any issues.

4. Lastly, how do you think your preparation would compare if you had to maintain a fleet of Cessna Caravans or Twin Otters as there are at other DZ's?
The type of aircraft isn't really an issue to be honest as if we were using any type we would put things in place to prepare for such a large event.....twin otters and caravans, do you know something I don't?