Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Biggest skydiving formation-US skydivers sets world record    

  OTTAWA, IL, USA -- Jumping from an altitude of 5,500m, 108 daredevils linked up at 180mph (290km/h) while facing headfirst towards the ground and setting the world record for the biggest ever formation of people in headfirst freefall .

    Five planes were used by the divers, who jumped out at 18,000ft, to beat the previous best of 69. Photo: Norman Kent
   ( enlarge photo )


   The breathtaking world record attempt was achieved at the Skydive Chicago event in Ottawa, Illinois.

   The 108 international freeflyers were carefully selected over a year of qualifications from events around the world.

   First the skydivers had to get up there. Then, still above the cloud level, they began to clump together and hold hands in an insane, upside down version of hokey-cokey. Each skydiver then had only a second after breaking away before preparing for a safe touchdown at around 7,000ft.

   Jumping from 18,000ft, they had just 40 seconds to complete their formation before a parachute landing near Chicago, USA. Diver Luis Prinetto, 30, said: "We were screaming with joy before we got to the ground."    

   The stunning aerial photos were captured by expert photographer Norman Kent. The 52-year-old is frequently hired by film producers to manage high-altitude camerawork.

   The record bid has already been verified by Federation Aeronautique International , the official world body for air sports.

    The previous Guinness world record for the number of people taking part in a headfirst formation skydive was 69.

Related world records :
Skydiving from the highest peak-world record set by High and Wild

Longest Backwards Limbo Skating Under Bars - Abhishek Navale sets world record

Largest Diamond formation-world record set by 100 skydivers

Most tandem skydives in 24 hours-world record set by Chip Bowlin and Kristin Gould

Largest Freefalling Sky Dive Cross In The World

Longest indoor freefall-world record set by Bear Grylls

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

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