Ronnie (on the left) with a couple of friends after jumping into the Norwalk Oyster Festival in Connecticut

Age: 48

Height and Weight: 6’2”; 180lbs

Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand

Martial Status: Married

Occupation: IAF Instructor, Tandemaster and Project Manager

Education: Electro Mechanical Engineer, Project Management Professional

Container: Talon & Javalin

Main Canopy: Velocity 111 & Lightening 160

Reserve Canopy: Parachutes Australia Air-force 140, Performance Designs Reserve 142

AAD: Cypres

First Jump: 17 December 1981, Taonui Airfeild, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Licenses and Ratings: AFF Instructor, Relative Workshop Tandem Instructor/Examiner, USPA Tandem Course Director

Total Jumps: 4100+
Tandem 1800
RW 1000
CRW 550
Camera 400
AFF/IAF 200
Freefly 50
Demos 50
BASE 1

Total Cutaways: 13

Life Philosophy: What goes round comes round

Jump Philosophy: Prepare, Execute, De-brief and Learn (and have fun)

What is your most memorable jump?
Our team easily making the second point on the worlds largest sequential skydive: a two point 121 way in Z-Hills in April 2004. Fifteen jumpers were called up from the bench for that last dive and performed: a huge feeling in every way (including the hangover the next day).

What do you like least about the sport?
Egos that are a safety concern for other skydivers. Oh – and winters in New York.

Best skydiving moment?
When I help a student having performance problems “get it”. It is amazing to witness in freefall that instant in their eyes of understanding and joy.

Why do you jump?
For the pure, un-adulterated joy of it...

Explain Ronnie Hughan in five words or less:
Driven, hardworking, dedicated, fun loving, curious