Business

New digs for Skydive Long Island

Skydive Long Island has moved from two small offices adjacent to the Calverton Executive Airpark and into a 23,000-square-foot hangar and office space next to the airfield.

The company is planning to officially open in the new facility on March 31.

Skydive Long Island owner Ray Maynard said Friday that he purchased the building and 16.3 surrounding acres within the Enterprise Park at Calverton (EPCAL) from Doug Dey for $1.7 million in February.

“When I moved in here 11 years ago, I said I wanted to buy that building, but I didn’t have the money,” he said.

Since that time, he said, his business has become so popular that most weekend jumps are sold out. He plans to host indoor training sessions in the new building, which will also house the company’s two turboprop airplanes, and he has plans in the works to purchase a third airplane.

Up until now, the planes were tied down on the tarmac, where they were exposed to the elements.

“It’s a major plus to keep them inside,” he said.

“The building is going to be a work in progress when we open,” he said. “We’re going to make it nice and comfy for our customers.”

He said the skydiving season usually begins in April and continues until just before Thanksgiving.

Mr. Maynard said he is the only person with a lease agreement to use the former Grumman airstrip, which is owned by Riverhead Town.

“It’s a really incredible place,” he said. “There should be more aviation here.”

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