On April 18th, 2025, the hangar at DZONE Boise wasn’t just a place of business; it was a place of celebration, reflection, and community. We held our annual USPA Safety Day, and while the event is always a cornerstone of our season, this year felt different. We had a massive turnout—one of our biggest yet—as jumpers from all over the region gathered to sharpen their skills, review emergency procedures, and prepare for a safe 2025 season.
However, the highlight of the day was honoring one of the most respected figures in our sport: Ray Armani.
A Milestone Measured in Seconds and Mastery
When we talk about Ray’s 11,000 Jump Wings, it’s easy to get lost in the sheer volume of the number. But in skydiving, we measure our lives in seconds. Let’s look at the real math behind a career this storied:
If you estimate one minute of freefall and roughly six minutes under canopy for every exit, Ray has spent approximately 77,000 minutes actively flying. That translates to 1,283 hours—or more than 53 full days—living in the air.
Think about that. That is over 1,200 hours of high-stakes decision-making, thousands of times checking his gear, and 11,000 successful landings. It is a level of mastery that few in the global skydiving community ever reach. At DZONE, we see Ray’s expertise every day, but seeing him reach this “five-figure” milestone was a moment of immense pride for our entire team.
The Heart of a Mentor: The Chelsea H. Judy Safety Award
While the 11,000 jumps represent Ray’s longevity, the Chelsea H. Judy Safety Award represents his character. This award is presented to individuals who go above and beyond to foster a culture of safety, mentorship, and genuine care within the skydiving community.
Ray’s journey is one of incredible resilience. From his beginnings in Iran to becoming a cornerstone of the Idaho skydiving scene, he has carried a “safety-first” mindset that influences everyone he touches. He doesn’t just jump; he ensures that the culture of the dropzone remains one of vigilance and mutual respect. Whether he is talking to a nervous first-timer or a seasoned pro, Ray’s presence makes the sky a safer place to be.
A Family Affair (and a Traditional Surprise)
The most touching part of the day wasn’t the plaques or the speeches—it was the people who were there to share it. Ray’s family was front and center, reminding us all that while skydiving is an individual sport in the air, it is a family sport on the ground.
In true skydiving fashion, we couldn’t let Ray get away with too much dignity. To celebrate the milestone, his young daughter did the honors of delivering the traditional skydiving “congratulations”: a whipped cream pie directly to the face. It’s a long-standing tradition in our sport. No matter how many thousands of jumps you have or how many awards you win, a pie to the face keeps you humble and reminds you that you’re part of a community that loves to laugh. Seeing Bella lead the celebration was the “cherry on top” of a truly emotional day.
DZONE Boise: The Only Way is Up (To 15,000 Feet!)
Safety Day was also the perfect stage for us to look toward the future. At DZONE, we are constantly looking for ways to give our jumpers more—more safety, more community, and more altitude.
During the event, we were thrilled to announce a major upgrade for our 2026 season. We know our jumpers want more time in the air to work on their skills, which is why we are providing extra altitude to our jumpers for no additional fee.
Starting in 2026, DZONE Boise is going to 14,000 feet on every single jump. Even better? When temperatures on the ground are below 80°F, we are taking you all the way to 15,000 feet. This makes DZONE Boise the highest skydive in Idaho — and it’s included at no extra cost. DZONE Boise is currently the only dropzone in the state with the specialized aircraft capable of reaching these heights consistently.
This means more freefall, more canopy time, and an experience you simply cannot find anywhere else in the region!
See the Story on KIVI TV
The news of Ray’s incredible achievement and our community’s growth reached far beyond the hangar. ABC Affiliate Local News Reporter Steve Dent stopped by to capture the spirit of the day and Ray’s inspiring story.
Check out the full news feature and interview with Ray on KIVI TV here.
To many more, Ray!
Ray, thank you for choosing DZONE as your home and for being the mentor we all need. Whether you’re a student or a veteran, if you see Ray at the hangar (and he’s finished cleaning the whipped cream off his face), be sure to give him a high-five.
Blue skies, Ray! We are honored to share the air with you.