Meet Our Team

AFF INSTRUCTOR, TANDEM INSTRUCTOR/EXAMINER, COACH INSTRUCTOR/EXAMINER, RIGGER, PILOT

“Real life” occupation: Drop Zone Owner – WNYSkydiving

First jump: Cancun, Mexico. I thought this was going to be a one-time thing…

What drove Tim to keep going after that first jump: Chrysler Concorde, which I crashed into a mail truck on the way to my second jump. Some people would call that a sign not to continue. I got a rental car.

Describe Tim Allen in 5 words or less: tenacious, fun-loving dz dad

Why Tim says you should try skydiving for the first time: It’s the most fun you will have with your clothes on.

Part of owning a drop zone that people may not expect: Frogs live under the hangar door. Definitely didn’t expect that!

MANIFEST

“Real life” occupation: Manage WNYSkydiving

First jump: September 2009

What drove Brandi to keep going after that first jump: I had a lot of support from my instructors and coaches and they made it easy. Not getting my license wasn’t even on my radar as an option.

Describe Brandi Danielewicz in 5 words or less: Optimistic, devoted, strong-willed, passionate, sensitive

Why Brandi says you should try skydiving for the first time: Skydiving has something to offer everyone. I hear people all the time that come out to jump and are so scared and they are without question ALWAYS the ones that rave about the experience. Now not everyone is going to make a jump and far fewer will actually become skydivers…but I wish everyone would give themselves a chance to have that moment that can change everything. There are very few of those moments and those experiences out there.

AFF INSTRUCTOR, TANDEM INSTRUCTOR, WINGSUIT INSTRUCTOR, RIGGER

First jump: My first jump was a static line military jump on June 5, 1990 at Airborne school, Ft. Benning, GA. My first sport jump was May 25, 1992 at Son DZ at Ft. Campbell, KY.

“Real life” occupation: Director of Content Strategy and Assessment, University of Rochester

Brian’s words to live by: What could possibly go wrong?

Describe Brian Piper in 5 words or less: Father, husband, student of life.

The most badass thing Brian can do in the air: Four second canopy rotations are always great…when they’re smooth. But I think the ability to carve, head down around freefly or relative work formations to shoot video is probably one of my favorite skills.

As much as I love the feeling of stepping out of an aircraft, as much as I love flying, I have to say, what has kept me in the sport for so long is the people. The skydiving community is filled with such a diversity of people, from so many different backgrounds, all around the world, who all share a similar passion. I’ve met some of the most amazing people through skydiving and it really becomes like a second family.

No matter how long you’ve been in the sport, or how many jumps you’ve done, there are always new things to learn, new disciplines to try and new people to jump with. I love being able to be a student again and start from scratch. I also love being able to help new jumpers come into the sport. There’s nothing like taking someone up on their first tandem, taking them through AFF, watching their progression as a student and have the opportunity, at the right time, to keep introducing them to new aspects of the sport, from wingsuiting to CRW to instructing.

Skydiving helps me keep things in perspective — stepping out of the plane forces you to focus completely on what you’re doing in that moment, forgetting anything else on your mind. Skydiving also forces you to make smart, split second decisions with huge consequences. That translates to all other aspects of life.

My greatest life achievement is the family I’ve helped build. Having found a supportive partner and soul mate, who constantly encourages me to pursue my passions is the key to being positive. Raising our kids and trying to be a good example for them, so they can see the importance of making every moment count, is something I try to focus on every day.

As far as my best quality? With six kids…probably patience.

AFF INSTRUCTOR, TANDEM INSTRUCTOR

“Real life” occupation: x-ray technologist

When was your first jump? Static line jump on May 18, 1997

The most valuable lesson Chris has learned since that jump? Never become complacent. Treat every skydive for exactly what it is, you are about to jump out of an airplane.

Chris’s words to live by: Enjoy every day!

Why should Chris says someone should try skydiving for the first time: It is an experience like no other that will bring a new perspective to the sky and the ground they live on. However it is a decision that they do need to make for themselves.

The most badass thing Chris can do in the air: Being able to work with and take people that significantly outsize me on tandem jumps, people that would not necessarily be able to jump if it weren’t for jumping with a relatively light tandem instructor like myself.

When I saw that parachute open above me for the first time I was hooked. Skydiving has brought me tremendous joy, not only on the days I’m participating but also on others when I am reflecting on the past jumps and looking forward to my next ones. I will always cherish the phenomenal people that I have met in this sport, who tend to have a different outlook on life than most of society! It is also a great conversation starter on a job interview. I skydive because I love introducing people to the sport. My goal is to continue enjoying this the way I always have and to continue introducing other people to this great sport for as long as I am physically and mentally able to. It is the best outlet from daily life that I have found so far!

TANDEM INSTRUCTOR, WINGSUIT INSTRUCTOR

“Real life” occupation: Wine Importer (find unknown vineyards in other countries, put my label on their best wines, and sell them here)

When was your first jump? June 2006

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since that jump? If someone with more experience than you is giving advice, hear them out.

Words to live by: Only the mediocre are always at their best.

Future skydiving goals: Grow the WNY Wingsuit School

How has skydiving changed you in the rest of your life/changed your outlook on life/changed how you approach the rest of your life? Skydiving has shown me that, if you are willing to take the time, be patient, and open yourself up to constructive criticism, you will achieve awesome goals. Skydiving has a way of teaching discipline that is rarely seen elsewhere and I like to think I am a better person for it.

What drove you to keep going after that first jump? Skydiving was an addiction from the first jump; something I had to do again (and again). The need to jump never goes away, which is why I call it my drug of choice.

Explain Josh Preston in five words or less: Fun, Energetic, Allergic to Drama

What do you like most about the sport? Comradery. You could leave your home dropzone for years and be welcomed back with open arms.

I skydive because… It is the only thing I want to do, period. While others have found their solace in fishing, surfing, or running, I found mine in skydiving.

What do you consider your greatest life achievement – or- best quality? I was able to buy a house, marry my dream girl, travel to over 25 countries, and make my addiction that is skydiving pay for itself all before the age of 30.

What’s the most badass thing you can do in the air? Dodge flying glow sticks in the dark while following a 3-way wingsuit night jump…and teach others how to do it

Why should someone try skydiving for the first time? There is no other feeling in the world that compares to skydiving. It cannot be explained and is guaranteed to change your life.

TANDEM INSTRUCTOR

“Real life” occupation: Firefighter, with Buffalo Fire Dept

First jump: July 1997

The most valuable lesson Mike has learned since that jump: Perseverance pays off

Future skydiving goals: To never stop learning and improving my skills.

Why Mike says someone should try skydiving for the first time: Because it’s one of the few experiences that truly affects you for a lifetime.

What Mike considers his best quality: Tenacity.

The most badass thing Mike can do in the air: Take someone on their first skydive!!!

Skydiving has taught me to put the things in my life in perspective.  Little things don’t matter as much after a jump. I skydive because it’s fun, exhilarating and relaxing all at the same time. I kept going after that first jump because I wanted to learn more about the sport. I love everything about skydiving.