25k jump, no chute

**WillBrink** · 06-14-18, 07:27

Originally Posted by FromMyColdDeadHand

The funny thing is, does 25k matter? Really? 50 feet requires less skill, but just as dead.

I don't believe you have hit terminal velocity at 50ft and plunging toward a target that you can't even see must be far scarier and of course more difficult.

**FromMyColdDeadHand** · 06-14-18, 08:26

I liked the original by Alan Magee who shot down Germans, jumped from a burning plane and landed with out a net.

**Skyyr** · 06-14-18, 09:31

Originally Posted by WillBrink

I don't believe you have hit terminal velocity at 50ft and plunging toward a target that you can't even see must be far scarier and of course more difficult.

Terminal velocity is as much of an advantage as a disadvantage. At terminal velocity, his glide ratio was likely ~1:2 or maybe even ~1:1 (compared to ~1:5-1:10 during a fall from, say, an altitude of 300ft, which would be just as deadly). Heck, his speed even allowed him to maneuver and roll on his back before impact. You can't do that at 100ft or even 200ft of altitude, but as the other poster said, you're just as dead. He probably had more advantage being at terminal velocity than say being at 50% of it at a much lower altitude.

You see a lot of this in the aviation world, with simpletons being impressed with a lack of understanding of the basic physics of flight ("watch this amazing pilot land a plane with no engine power whatsoever!!!").

Doesn't mean the guy didn't do something impressive, but there comes a point where it's a lot of hype.

**FromMyColdDeadHand** · 06-14-18, 10:53

I saw a video of a wingsuit guy without a chute land amphibian style on the water.

I wonder if his roll at the end moved him towards or away from the center.

If there isn't there should be a new saying "Hold my Red Bull."

**Straight Shooter** · 06-14-18, 11:14

While this was truly awesome- I personally find it to borderline, if not outright morally irresponsible...see the wife & child? Its all good he made it- had he not..think of that boy seeing his dad's body splat all over the ground. TERRIBLE idea in my opinion.

**26 Inf** · 06-14-18, 11:30

Originally Posted by Straight Shooter

While this was truly awesome- I personally find it to borderline, if not outright morally irresponsible...see the wife & child? Its all good he made it- had he not..think of that boy seeing his dad's body splat all over the ground. TERRIBLE idea in my opinion.

That perspective is probably correct. I hadn't looked at it that way. Although his family could be like The Flying Wallendas where growing up the kids come to accept that likelihood.

Also I'm assuming those safeties were with him to 3,000 feet before breakaway. If he wasn't lined up correctly at that point, I'm sure they had a plan.

**3 AE** · 06-15-18, 11:54

I don't care what anybody says. He doesn't have brass balls. They're made of tungsten!

**TAZ** · 06-15-18, 15:04

Fine line between brave and stupid. I think this falls into the stupid category. If it paves the way towards some nifty high rise escape doohickey then it’s not stupid. Just to say you did it - stupid.