Story
On Sunday 2nd May, I will be jumping out of a plane over Memphis, Tennessee.
Perhaps there is nothing particularly remarkable about that.
But this is not a “regular” skydive, because the plane will be cruising at 30,000 feet.
Yep, nearly 6 miles (or 9 kilometres) in the sky… That’s where the atmosphere becomes the stratosphere, and is normally only the realm of jet aircraft.
The technique is known as a “HALO” (“High Altitude, Low Opening”), and is usually only used by the military (civilian skydives usually take place at 12,000 feet).
The Memphis operation is the highest civilian skydiving operation in the world. While it’s difficult to be precise, it seems that fewer people tackle this each year than have a crack at Mount Everest.
I have done over 50 jumps in the past, but I’ll need to be “on my game” for this little caper. So I’ll be practicing some “regular” skydiving in California first.
Then I’ll need to go through a fitness assessment, and after that come two days of training from ex-US Special Forces commandos.
I’ll be kitted out with high-tech gear – a ballistic helmet, a specialist parachute assembly, a high altitude altimeter, and of course oxygen apparatus; because without that, unconsciousness will be 20 seconds away...
I’ll also be wearing specialist clothing, given the temperature will be -40 degrees, and possibly double that considering the windchill at terminal velocity.
On jump day, the flight will take around 20 minutes to reach altitude. After exiting at 30,000 feet, I’ll be reaching terminal velocity and will then be freefalling for up to three minutes.
Freefall speeds at “normal” altitudes of 12,000 feet are around 200 km/hour; because of the lower air density at extreme altitudes, freefall speed could reach 300-350 km/hour. The world record holder (at 102,000 feet!) broke the speed of sound…!
After the freefall, the parachute is welcomed to the party at about 3,000 feet, and then comes a slightly more peaceful journey back to earth.
Phew… I’ve got an adrenaline spike just writing all that!
But though this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the purpose of this isn’t just for fun.
The concept developed as a fundraising exercise for Marwell Wildlife, the conservation charity. Marwell is a special charity to me, because a very good friend of mine is doing exceptional work in Kenya for them.
Marwell is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and other natural resources, and is at the forefront of conservation work around the world, working in partnership with communities, agencies and other NGOs. Projects extend from the reintroduction of desert antelopes in the Sahara through to community based projects in Northern Kenya, and habitat restoration in the south of England.
Fundamentally, Marwell relies on the generous support of sponsors to finance their conservation work, to help them secure a better future for endangered wildlife for generations to come.
So, please do give generously!
Every penny you give, in addition to the taxman’s contribution through Giftaid, goes directly to Marwell. If anyone would like any more information on Marwell’s activities (or indeed on the HALO jump), please let me know.
I’m hoping to be video equipped, so footage will be posted on Youtube. I’ll also be setting up a Facebook group (“Rowan's HALO skydive from 30,000' - Sunday 2nd May 2010”). Any advice for a motivational pre-jump iPod playlist gratefully received…!
After the jump, as a postscript to the main event, the idea is to hightail it down to the Florida Keys and join a small yacht sailing back to Europe via Bermuda and the Azores. If that all works out, see you some time in June, depending on the wind…
So, get sponsoring…or I’ll be taking you with me…!