The experience of soaring through the sky, gliding on the breeze, and literally flying like a bird might seem like an unattainable dream. One sport makes this dream a reality – wingsuit flying. This adrenaline-pumping activity is both thrilling and dangerous, making adequate training an absolute necessity. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of wingsuit flying training.
What is Wingsuit Flying?
Before delving into the specifics of wingsuit training, it is essential to understand what this unique sport entails.
Defining Wingsuit Flying
Wingsuit flying involves leaping from a high point – usually an aircraft or cliff – wearing a specialized suit designed to increase surface area and create lift, enabling the person to soar through the sky at high speeds.
What Makes Wingsuit Flying Training Essential?
With the thrilling adventure that wingsuit flying offers comes a significant level of risk. This is not a sport to jump into without proper preparation or understanding of what’s involved.
Understanding The Risks
The risks include colliding with the landscape or other objects, equipment failure, and difficulties steering or controlling the wingsuit, among others. Proper training can mitigate these risks, and that’s where wingsuit flying training comes into the picture.
What Does Wingsuit Flying Training Involve?
Anyone considering wingsuit flying must go through rigorous training to ensure their safety. Here’s what the training process entails:
Step 1: Skydiving Experience
Before you can even think about putting on a wingsuit, you need to be an experienced skydiver. Many training programs require at least 200 logged jumps before you can start wingsuit training.
Step 2: Ground Training
Once you’ve amassed plenty of skydiving experience, you’ll begin ground training. This involves learning about the wingsuit’s functionality, how to control it, and how to handle emergency scenarios.
Step 3: First Jump Course (FJC)
The FJC is your first actual experience of wingsuit flying. Alongside an experienced instructor, you’ll complete a series of dives, each focusing on a different essential skill.
Step 4: Progressing Skills
After the FJC, you continue practicing and improving your skills. Gradually, you’ll move onto more complex maneuvers, higher jumps, and possibly even BASE jumping.
Where Can I Get Wingsuit Flying Training?
Wingsuit flying training is offered by specialized schools and instructors, many of which are associated with skydiving centers. It’s crucial to research and choose a reputable program that prioritizes safety and provides comprehensive training.
Conclusion: Is Wingsuit Flying Training Worth It?
Wingsuit flying can provide an adrenaline rush unlike any other. However, it’s also a high-risk activity that requires thorough training. The question of whether it’s worth it ultimately depends on your individual thrill-seeking appetite and commitment to safety. If you are intrigued by the idea of human flight and are willing to put in the time and effort to learn how to do it safely, then the rigorous process of wingsuit flying training might just be your next great adventure.
