xsession - extreme sports

The Highest Parachute Measured By An Altimeter Watch

Joseph Kittinger set the record for the highest parachute jump in 1960.He was investigating high altitude escape as part of his involvement in the Aerospace Medical Research Laboratories of the United States Air Force (USAF).The jump took place at 102.800 ft the highest parachute jump ever attempted.

With staggering speeds of around 714 mph and freezing temperatures of -94 degrees Kittinger free fell for 4 ½ minutes.During that jump he took the record for highest parachute jump. longest freefall and fastest speed every reached by man.Kittinger opened his chute at 18.000 ft and descended safely to earth.
Parachuting in that context was about advancement in terms of tactical training. deployment and escape techniques.The USAF conducted investigations into high altitude escapes so that their pilots and others would be better equipped in the event of a high altitude evacuation.High altitude skydiving for fun is more about pushing the boundaries than it is about discovery.This kind of jumping is not for the faint hearted.

Extreme adventure sports junkies and professional skydivers now pursue this military style jumping. For the average adventure tourist a standard parachute jump is enough to get your heart racing and fulfill your need for extreme experience.Free falling for a matter of seconds awakens every sense and stands your nerves on edge. This is the ultimate rush of fear coupled with exhilaration.For those professionals that wish to take the sport to new heights the objective is a longer free fall time.It is all about the free fall when its comes to high altitude jumping.

In recent years HALO skydiving has emerged as a popular choice for high altitude jumping.High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) jumps are a military concept.These kinds of jumps are used in the airborne forces for infiltration.This high altitude military type jump is performed by civilians often in tandem as an adventure skydiving activity.In this way HALO jumping is performed at roughly 30.000 ft with the jumper and instructor harnessed together. This is considered a reasonably high altitude for jumping. Many skydiving centers offer high altitude jumps ranging from around 15.000 ft to 18.000 ft.For the more extreme you have HALO jumping centers emerging across the country.

The record for the highest parachute jump is still held by Joseph Kittinger more than 40 years later.Other attempts to break the record have fallen short of his remarkable height.While professional thrill seekers continue to break new ground in the world of high altitude jumping it will take something special to break the record for the highest parachute jump.

About the Author
Andrew Caxton is the consultant of http://www.skydiving-parachuting-guide.com A free online magazine that offers articles on equipment and gear for single and tandem skydiving jumps, more at altimeter watches