First Sky Dive
August 28, 2009

I have piloted single engine airplanes for more than 2100 hours. For some time I have wanted to see what it would be like to actually take off in an airplane, jump out and land without wheels. Following are the photos of my first jump which involved getting strapped to the belly of an instructor and jumping out of an airplane at 15,000 feet, free falling at speeds of about 120 mph, then once the parachute is opened, steering back to the airplane and gently landing.

Folding and packing the chute carefully is very important.

 

 

 

My instructor, Denis, explains the process.

 

 

Denis uses the wide angle camera to interview me before the takeoff.

 

Six pair of jumpers slide along two benches in the plane. Denis and I were the 5th set to jump.

 

The jumper pairs leave the plane about 10 seconds apart at 15,000 feet. We then "fly" without an opened chute for about 55 seconds. The speed of descent during free-fall is about 120 mph.

 

During the free fall and later descent I could Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the surrounding desert.

 

 

I could see Joyce along the fence and I waved to her.

 

 

The chute can be steered by pulling on handles on each side.

 

White Water Rafting in the Grand Canyon - August 26, 2009

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