Small Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 75; Flight Crew Total 3141; Flight Crew Type 263
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Airspace Structure
This is the second report I have submitted recently regarding unsafe parachute operations out of Pinal Airpark (MZJ). I called Tucson Approach on my cell phone from the aircraft approximately 15 minutes before my departure to check on flow control into [intended destination] and get a departure frequency and squawk code. The controller advised me that although there was flow into the destination area there was no flow into [my intended destination] and gave me a squawk code and departure frequency. I advised the controller that I would depart VFR and pick up my IFR in the air. The controller advised me of glider activity to my northwest and otherwise gave me no other traffic advisories. I departed Marana VFR from Runway 30; flight instructing the aircraft owner. After he completed the takeoff/climb checklist and a CTAF report; I switched frequencies to Tucson Approach. I heard the controller issuing me an immediate heading to fly for parachute activity over Pinal Airpark. I turned; was given another vector to fly; and then picked up my IFR clearance uneventfully. The controller mentioned that she had tried several times earlier to reach us. I checked my DUATS briefing that was saved on my iPad and saw 4 PJE NOTAMS; none for MZJ. I asked the controller if there was a NOTAM and she said that Albuquerque Center might have something but that they (Tucson Approach) did not and that 'I'm not really sure why they do it that way.' If I had not called before my flight to get a squawk code the controller would have had no idea who I was. The only thing I can think of to do differently in the future is to monitor Tucson Approach in my #2 radio when departing Marana instead of monitoring Guard and to continue always calling for a squawk code before departing Marana VFR. However; this does nothing to change the fact that parachute operations with no NOTAM (at least that was in the briefing I received) over an airport that is less than 10 nm along the extended centerline of a busy nontowered airport with large amounts of corporate jet traffic is an accident waiting to happen. I recommend seriously evaluating the safety of continuing to have a jump zone at MZJ.
Corporate jet Captain reported on departure from AVQ they were given an immediate turn for parachute activity at MZJ on check in with U90 Controller. This was not listed in NOTAMS or mentioned when the pilot called to obtain a departure frequency and squawk code.