You’ve probably seen the video below, sensationally entitled ‘Death’ circulating the internet.
The owner of the video commented “I put this up as a reminder that shit can go wrong. So give yourself a little bit more altitude next time, even if you think you got it. ” We give him credit for publishing his own bad judgement, to help others learn from his mistakes.
I put this up as a reminder that shit can go wrong. So give yourself a little bit more altitude next time, even if you think you got it.
Skydive Mag felt compelled to run this safety article, because pulling low is a personal misdemeanour compared to the crime of endangering others. Wingsuit flying is undoubtedly the leading edge of our sport, and its ambassador. The World Wingsuit League, the Base Race, Jeb Corliss, Scotty-Bob Morgan and more have captured the hearts of the people, and swept the world in a frenzy of excitement. We should support these professionals with their high safety standards.
Commentary by Jhonathan Florez
Safety Protocol
A wingsuiter should never open directly above or in the area where other skydivers are setting up for landing. In case of a cutaway he will be falling into canopies directly below him and in case of a malfunction he could fly into someone.
The USPA dictates, Minimum opening altitudes to be
- All students and A-license holders — 3,000 feet AGL
- B-, C-and D-license holders — 2,500 feet AGL
These are guidelines but in all reality, with the added complications that wingsuit provides, people should open at least a thousand feet higher than they normally would, in order to deal effectively with any malfunctions or complications.
Unplanned flybys are extremely dangerous and a complete disregard for other people’s safety and their own right to decide what is safe for them and what they are cool with.
