Citation Excel (C560XL)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure
While being vectored for the visual approach into EWB; we came very close to tandem parachute jumpers under canopy. We were on a vector of 090 from PVD Approach; at 3;000 FT. The Controller informed us of parachute operations in effect at the UUU airport. The non flying pilot happened to have the WAC chart book out following our progress up the coast as it was a nice VFR day. He noticed we were headed for the Newport State airport. So we asked the Controller about the progress of the jump operations. ATC then gave us a turn to 060. After completing the turn; and less than a minute later; ATC came back and said jump operations were several minutes earlier and probably concluded. Then another Controller came on the frequency and said cleared direct to BONDI (one of the fixes on the approach). So we turned back to 090; heading to BONDI. Just a few seconds after the turn; the SIC yelled; and I instantly looked where he was looking; and saw a tandem chute with two people in black suits; looking at us; at 12 o'clock and about 1;000-1;500 FT and slightly above our altitude. I quickly disconnected the autopilot and banked hard left missing the jumpers. We informed ATC about our surprise on the vector and all he said was that we were cleared direct to the airport. We landed uneventfully.I do not know of anything we could have done to prevent this from happening. I am thankful that my partner was so heads up about our location; reference to a non controlled airport with jump operations; and asking ATC about that operation even if ATC's timing was way off. Plus seeing the jumpers when he did; the credit goes to him; for the good outcome.
[Narrative #2 contained no additional information.]
A Fractional jet flight crew observed parachute jumpers near UUU and took evasive action to avoid a collision while on vectors to a visual approach at EWB.