Toby
Cleared for Takeoff
And no, I did not jump out. I went for an observation ride and got to sit right seat in a Caravan. Nice airplane, kind of like a really big 172. We went up to 4,000 feet, disgorged a few passengers, went up to 10,000 feet, dumped out the rest, and dove -- and I mean DOVE -- back down to the ground. The VSI said 3000 feet per minute. Apparently, fuel costs too much to waste time on niceties like a comfortable descent. We were down in 2 or 3 minutes. The pilot offered me another ride with the second group. I would have gone, but my ears were hurting.
I'll say I was impressed with how carefully the guys got ready, checking everything they wore, fastening helmets. They also spent a lot of time afterwards repacking their chutes. There are all kinds of emergency backup systems in place -- two chutes, and my friend (who was on that flight, and who I was supposed to jump with, haha) carries two knives that can cut a cord that gets tangled. Managed risk again, much like flying. Skydiving always seemed a daredevil sport to me, but I was wrong.
Here are a few of the 55 pics I took inside the airplane, in case any of you are curious about what it's like. I also have a lot of photos of the scenery and the panel; just ask if you'd like to see them.
I'll say I was impressed with how carefully the guys got ready, checking everything they wore, fastening helmets. They also spent a lot of time afterwards repacking their chutes. There are all kinds of emergency backup systems in place -- two chutes, and my friend (who was on that flight, and who I was supposed to jump with, haha) carries two knives that can cut a cord that gets tangled. Managed risk again, much like flying. Skydiving always seemed a daredevil sport to me, but I was wrong.
Here are a few of the 55 pics I took inside the airplane, in case any of you are curious about what it's like. I also have a lot of photos of the scenery and the panel; just ask if you'd like to see them.
