UK POPS Bigway Formation Camp 2026

Update 4 June 2026

To All POPS UK Members,

As many are aware, it was originally intended that we ran a POPS Record Attempt as a concurrent activity to our SOS UK Record Attempt 2025 but due to the lack of availability of a third aircraft, we had a combined POPS/SOS formation alongside the SOS UK Record.

This Year, we are offering POPS Members (and eligible candidate members), with a minimum of 100 jumps and who can consistently dock on a 4-way, the opportunity to join us on this POPS Big Way Camp.

This will be a challenging, low-pressure environment where you will have the chance to fly many different slots, jump from right and left trail airplanes, track off in teams and fly your canopy with larger groups. We also welcome our more experienced Big Way enthusiasts to hone their skills with the intent of joining us for the POPS UK Record Attempt later this year. The previous record, a 36 Way Formation, was established in 2006.

To that end, and having recently had commitment from an Aircraft Supplier and SkyHigh (Shotton Colliery, Peterlee) I can now confirm that:

Summit Aviation have confirmed that they will provide a Skyvan for the duration of the Event.

The POPS Big Way Camp shall take place from Mon 13 - Fri 17 July at SkyHigh. We are working to bring the Skyvan to the DZ for Fri 09 Jul, potentially allowing us the use of the aircraft over the weekend

POPS Membership is Mandatory (with the exception below).

The outline plan is to meet at SkyHigh at 08:15 on Mon 13 July for kit & documents check, SkyHigh Club Membership/Waiver signed (it would be helpful if this can be done in advance of, where possible, the event) jumpsuits on, gear and brain switched on and ready.

We are excited to announce that the legends who are Larry Henderson and Scott Latinis shall be the Principal Load Organisers.

The Registration Fee is £245.00 with a £50.00 Non-Refundable Deposit.

Registration is mandatory.

I fully appreciate that this is a significant investment; please note that it is the Event that is bringing in the aircraft, not the DZ. That has a cost. There has also been cost increases outside of our control.

For POPS members on previous UK records you may be asking what do you get for your £245.00 Registration Fee? 

You get:

World class Load Organisers in Larry and Scott who will shape and plan our attempts to be the most successful they can we be - we want this to be a step change and prepare for the POPS UK Record Attempt later this year

Jumping with a committed group that are 100% there to progress

The opportunity to earn a Load Organiser’s reference for other, larger events

Support our application for other funds to help with the overall cost given that each jumper has shown their commitment to the Plan

T-Shirt/Jersey (Design & Size Guide to Follow)

Two Communal Meals (menus to follow; for those with us last year, think Fish & Chips and Mushy Peas/Curry Sauce) included in the Registration Fee. Other food choices will be made available at SkyHigh’s Café. Please inform us of any dietary requirements in your Registration

The Registration Fee is to primarily offset aircraft rental/positioning, Pilots/LO’s rates/expenses and slots, as well as Camera Fliers’ pack jobs, fuel charges and other costs; I remain confident that funding shall be available to cover part of those costs (and I am currently in discussion for funding), however, whilst we would not wish to exceed prices, we reserve the right to do so.

We will be looking at 4 - 6 jumps per day over that period and therefore budget for 20 jumps. Jump Ticket Pricing shall be scaled for Single and Multi-Plane Configuration from £37.00 to £42.00. Exit Altitude shall be 16,500Ft - 18,500 Ft with Oxygen. Please note that should there be additional costs, such as Fuel Surcharges, these will impact the Ticket Price. Regrettably, we live in challenging times and that has had an impact.

Please do not put any funds on the SkyHigh Account. We will finalise ticketing/manifesting with SkyHigh and communicate this to the Team.

We currently have two aircraft. One Skyvan and SkyHigh’s Caravan, giving us a total configuration of 36 with 2 Video Slots. We are currently in discussion concerning a third aircraft. Should we build the 36-way formation (thus equalling the 2006 POPS UK Record) and the aircraft is confirmed, then we will attempt a larger formation.

A registration form is attached and is self-explanatory using the following link: https://form.jotform.com/250151854573356

For those who have already registered, I would be grateful for final payment as there are costs that require to be met.

I will be at the DZ from Fri 10 Jul

We are investing in ad hoc build up weekends from now up to and including 10 - 11 Jul at various DZs and I would ask for support from the Wider Team to promote the event and get fellow POPS into the air. For LBW, the POC is Clive Vardakis. For those Veterans, Serving Personnel (Regular, Reserve) there is Exercise Big Sky and the POC is Richard Hill. There are other events, so let us know!

With regards to Exercise Big Sky, this is a Military Exercise open to Regular and Reserve Service Personnel from all three Services. Exercise Big Sky is also open to Veterans; all of whom are likely to be POPS Members (Point 1 applies). The non-eligble Service Personnel participating will be integrated within the Overall Grouping. They will not however be eligible to be selected for any POPS UK Record Attempt.

I have extended the Registration Period to 20 June. This shall allow us to update the dive plans, allocate slots.

Obviously, things change; if any changes occur, then please, in the first instance inform me either by email (POPS-SOSEvents@outlook.com) or WhatsApp/telephone (+447748 534914)

I have already spoken with British Skydiving “The Mag” to socialise the event.

Please cascade out to other eligible or potential POPS members or non-members for candidate membership

I would also appreciate any support or contacts that you may have with any potential sponsorship that we could approach with requests for support. This would help reduce the overall Registration Fee or cover any additional costs that we are likely to incur that have not been already taken into consideration.

There is a bunk house (sleeps 4) at the DZ - booked to the Event, please reach out if you require accommodation!

I can't think of anything right now but am sure I will ..........................

Lastly, unfortunately there have been two withdrawals; I will be contacting those individuals separately.

Jersey Design and Sizing Guide are attached, I would be grateful for your confirmation of Jersey Size (if not already held/given).

I fully appreciate also that this has taken time to get to print as it were. I am looking forward to seeing you all and working towards a safe, progressive camp that will be the foundation for larger things to come.

We now have 32 Registered (however, now 3 have had to unfortunately withdraw, I will reach out to those separately). The more we have, the more efficient we are cost wise, the more we can learn from each other and the more we have, we increase the potential for the 3rd aircraft to be brought in.

For those who have already paid the Registration in full, my thanks; likewise for those who have paid their deposit; it is now time for full payment so please action to my Revolut.

The Revolut Account details are:

Bank: Revolut (@michaenqaa if you have one)

Name: Michael Nisbet

Sort: 04-00-75

Account: 64840581

With YOUR name as the reference

Your support is very much appreciated!

Kind regards,

Mike