Russ Gunby had a varied career in skydiving. He was the executive director and president of the Parachute Club of America. He was an innovator and author of the first book devoted to the instruction and training of skydivers when he published The Basic Handbook of Sport Parachuting in 1960. While in print, it is estimated that over 100,000 copies of this little handbook were sold. Russ was responsible for the very first set of basic safety regulations of the PCA/USPA. Russ also started the Area Safety Officer program and the conference area concept for representatives serving on the PCA Board of Directors. This is still in vogue today. He passed away in 1982.
