Sky-divers make a new world record formation

It took the group 13 attempts to beat the previous record formation built by 138 skydivers in 2012


Web Desk August 01, 2015
PHOTO: DAILY MAIL

OTTAWA: A world record was broken on Friday when 164 skydivers built the largest ever vertical formation travelling at the speed of 240 mph over central Illinois.

PHOTO: DAILYMAIL

It took the group 13 attempts to beat the previous record formation built by 138 skydivers in 2012.

PHOTO: DAILYMAIL

The formation, which looked like a huge flower, hovered above the drop zone in Ottawa before the flyers descended with their parachutes; as euphoric onlookers observed.

Seven aircraft were flown in a defined formation to ensure that the jumpers de-planed simultaneously from 19,700 feet.

PHOTO: DAILYMAIL

Skydiving videographers recorded the jump from above, below and alongside the formation enabling the judges on the ground to determine that each flyer was in the right slot and had their hands in the correct positions.

PHOTO: DAILYMAIL

Skydiving carries the risk of hypoxia; a condition caused by lack of oxygen due to the altitude which can causes unconsciousness and even death. Crashes at the speed on which the flyers are travelling are also lethal.

Read: Taking the plunge: Pakistani journalist takes leap of faith

Despite the difficulty in achieving the record, flyers came to participate from as far as France, Britain, Dubai and Australia.

PHOTO: DAILYMAIL

The article originally appeared on Dailymail

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ