Skydive Greene County, the oldest civilian skydiving center in the country, made the decision to delay the start of its 2020 season ahead of Governor DeWine's order to close non-essential businesses.
Skydive Greene County told News Center 7's Gabrielle Enright much of their business comes from tandem jumps, which requires a passenger to be attached to an instructor. The skydiving experience also requires customers to ride in an airplane which would not give them the required 6 feet of social distancing.
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"The health of our customers and employees was not a risk we were willing to take", said Kelly West, the daughter of Army veteran, jumpmaster and owner Jim West.
"We have been here to make people's dreams come true. It really was started to carry the skills that my Dad picked upin the Army and it was my dream for him to teach tens of thousands of people to fly. Somehow skydiving is on everyone's bucket list" said West.
Skydive Greene County said most of its employees are independent contractors who have been with the company for many years. As of now the business is hoping it can re-open and begin its 2020 in May.
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