Development of Criteria for Parachute Landing Areas on Airports

Airport sponsors who accept federal funding are obligated to make the aircraft facility available to all aeronautical activities, including parachuting and skydiving. Due to the lack of guidance concerning parachute landing areas (PLA) for airports that are able to accommodate nontraditional aeronautical activities (such as skydiving), research was conducted to determine the recommended size and location of PLAs on airports and provide guidance material.
To do this, transition data were collected from airports currently supporting parachute operations, and international and military standards were examined. Site visits were conducted and subject matter experts were consulted.
It was determined that the experience of the parachutist and type of parachute used should be considered in developing the size of the PLA. It was also determined that the edge of the PLA should be located no closer than 40 feet from a hazard. In addition, the report includes recommendations for operational procedures and practices.

DOT/FAA/AR-11/30
Author: Lauren Vitagliano, Donald W. Gallagher, and Holly Cyrus