Just in case you fall out of a plane without your 'chute

Post by saturnine » Sat, Jan 30, 2010, 4:43 AM UTC

electromagnetic wrote: post #29

hendler wrote: post #20

I've always wondered what I'd do. I imagined ripping off some clothes (pants in particular, if I still had them) and creating just enough of a "parachute" or flying squirrel effect that I'd be able to slow down to about 60mph and hit the ground at 45 degrees instead of 90 degrees. Inspired by, e.g. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/bigphotos/21240738.h...

Agreed, I imagine I'd remove my pants and attach them around my waist with my belt, tying the ankles shut. Similarly I'd tie off the wrists of my shit (I always wear a long-sleeved t-shirt when I fly, I'm naturally warm so a jacket makes me hot and a regular t-shirt makes me cold) and hold that. As another poster said, falling like you're hugging the top of a giant ball can reduce your terminal velocity by an extra 5…

Post by mct » Sat, Jan 30, 2010, 10:41 AM UTC

electromagnetic wrote: post #32

vl wrote: post #30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

well, if you are going to carry a backpack full of foam just get a parachute instead.

Foam is easier to explain to security than a bag full of high-tension wires and masses of canvas, which all could be damaged by debris and be rendered useless where as foam still works. Plus, where's the fun?

Post by cromulent » Sat, Jan 30, 2010, 9:35 PM UTC

mattmaroon wrote: post #11

nobody_nowhere wrote: post #9

The mantra I've heard among BASE jumpers is "if the chute fails, go in head first" -- e.g., if the shit's going to go down, finish it quick instead of ending up a mangled vegetable.

If someone's hobby is throwing themselves off of high cliffs and buildings, I think that would prevent me from ever accepting their advice about anything.