Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Retractable Gear
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 15; Flight Crew Total 770; Flight Crew Type 450
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Airport; Airspace Structure; Human Factors; Procedure
I was ready for takeoff from an airport with continuous [parachute] jump activity. The AWOS recording cautioned all pilots to fly the full pattern and no midfield crossovers. I had asked the jump school/FBO if there were any specific takeoff procedures and they said; 'No; our jumpers know to avoid approach and departure ends of the runway.'Two jump planes departed and I taxied to the run-up area. After my run-up I heard 'Jumpers Away'; and I'm not sure if it was 13;000 ft or 18;000 ft; or one of each. I'm not a jumper; and have no idea how long from Jumpers Away to airport traffic area so I called on the CTAF and asked if there was time for me to take off. I couldn't see anyone when I looked up; although of course my view was not clear.  One of the jump plane pilots said yes. I immediately commenced takeoff roll. Just as I was about to rotate I saw jumpers on either side of the runway perhaps 800 ft above me and 1000 ft to the side of me. There were none directly ahead so I departed but I was a little shaken. In retrospect I realized the jump plane pilots don't have a great view of how close the jumpers are to the field; and the safest course of action for everyone would have been if I had waited. They did not seem to be concerned about my departure but it seemed to me like it was too close for safety.
The pilot of a single engine airplane was aware of parachute activity near the airfield; but was surprised on takeoff roll when he observed parachutists above and on either side of the runway.