I built a free go/no-go tool that checks the forecast against USPA + FAR rules per license tier, using each DZ's own criteria — not one-size-fits-all numbers
I'm a passionate jumper who got tired of cross-referencing multiple apps just to figure out whether it was worth heading to the DZ — especially as a student. So I built the tool I wanted to exist: goodtojump.com
It takes live forecast data and turns it into a per-tier go/no-go call for your specific dropzone — Likely or Unlikely, color-coded by severity, with the reason stated plainly.
What it checks:
- Surface wind vs tier caps (student 12 kt / A 16 kt / B+ 22 kt, or the DZ's own override)
- Gust spread vs the 9 kt cap
- Cloud ceiling vs exit altitude + 1,000 ft (FAR 105), tier-aware — a low deck grounds AFF but not an experienced hop-n-pop
- Active and incoming precip
- Canopy shear, surface to opening altitude
What makes it different from just reading a forecast:
Most weather tools hand you numbers and leave the go/no-go judgment to you. This one runs the numbers against the actual rules automatically — and, more importantly, it's per-DZ. Operators can set their own wind caps, directional rules (e.g. no jumps, east wind over X knots), and tandem-only flags, so the verdict reflects that DZ's quirks rather than a generic threshold.
About 160 US dropzones are loaded; around 21 have verified custom criteria so far, and the rest run on BSR defaults until an owner dials them in.
The data:
The Weather Company enterprise forecast models (GFS + MPAS) — the same class of data behind aviation and broadcast weather. (Model-based forecast data, not METAR/TAF.)
DZ operators:
You can claim your DZ, set your own caps and directional rules, post an official flying/on-hold status on your DZ page, and use the full-screen wall-display mode for the manifest TV.
Honest limits:
This is a pre-drive decision aid, not a substitute for the manifest desk, DZSO, S&TA, or your own eyes on the windsock when you arrive. Verify on the ground.
Free, no ads.
Happy to hear what's wrong with your DZ's criteria — if the call looks off for your home DZ, that's probably a criteria gap worth fixing. Roast it.
(Mods — happy to pull this if it doesn't fit. Free, non-commercial project.)