Allllll right. It's time to point the PD Spotlight into the far corners of PD, where the Engineering Department does it's thang. Engineering Manager Kappie is the wise leader of the nerds brilliant minds making up the department responsible for supplying us with new and cool toys to play with!
How long have you been at PD?
For 6 glorious years.
How the hell did you end up at PD? Err, we mean…. What brought you here?
I am an electronic engineer and started working in South Africa, tinkering with electronic gadgets. I was part of a team that designed and developed a guided parachute delivery system, utilizing ram air parachutes with GPS navigation. After that I spent 18 months in working in New Jersey [shiver!] for a company specializing in cargo systems that worked with Performance Designs. Whilst there, Performance Designs asked me to join the company.
Any hidden talents, pet peeves or passions?
I am an Opera singer…ha ha. (JK) I am into cycling and motorcycles, anything on 2 wheels. And my pet peeve is excuses. [Really Kappie, how come you never come riding with Marketing then??]
What is most rewarding about your job? (apart from working with the lovely people in Marketing)
Seeing a new product succeed in the market.
What are you main responsibilities at PD?
The Engineering Department, Research & Development, Test Jumping Operation, Document Control, Scheduling and Planning.
What is the toughest part of your job?
Juggling all of the aspects of my job in order to give each section in my department the time that it deserves.
Have you made a skydive? If yes, give us the details!
123 jumps! My favorite discipline is to do is RW with safe people.
Is it true that the test jumpers jump out of black helicopters in secret locations at night?
Yes on moonless nights mostly, wearing night vision goggles.
Which canopy are you the most proud of on the market?
The Optimum Reserve.
How many top secret projects are you working on now?
Quick, look! Over there, shiny! Next question please.
What is your favorite canopy now that you have jumped?
The Sabre2, I’m somewhat of a badass swooper on it.
Which of your bikes would you keep if you were forced to choose only one?
Just kill me!! Don’t take any – I can’t bear the thought!
What would you be doing if you were not at PD?
I’d be in a job where I would be solving problems. [PD is proud to offer Kappie plenty of opportunities to use his problem solving skills, we aim to please]
