|
-by Jim Walton
On Saturday, the
group arrived to the drop zone amid 40-degree temperatures and
winds gusting to 18 mph.
Dressing as warmly as possible, without affecting the
aerodynamics of the formation, the skydivers made two attempts
at a 70-way. Each
attempt nearly completed, with only two or four people out of
formation.
The age-old adage “third time’s the charm” held
true. Because of
difficulty with the first 9 jumpers of the formation, jumpers
had to hold back from joining.
But when they did, they did so quickly and smoothly.
The formation grew and grew.
Finally, at 5,000 feet above ground the word was yelled
up from the bottom of the formation: “COMPLETE!”
Remaining professional, no one celebrated.
Instead, they continued to fly their canopies until the
command came to disperse, “Starburst, Starburst … Okay …
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, BREAK!”
The world’s first 70-way Canopy Formation Flight flew
over Lake Wales, Florida on Saturday November 29th,
2003. The
formation spanned larger than a 747 standing on its tail and
could be seen for miles (and by Air Traffic Control radar).
The week was complete!
Three successful World Records (64, 65 and 70).
Congratulations to everyone in
the records, those who trained with them, the Drop Zone, the
City of Lake Wales, the organizers and all of the jumpers’
families who supported their efforts.
The World Record stands at 70! |
