Tell me about it. I have 586 jumps and held a D license. This is flat out awesome. Guy has some major league nads. If his suit fails, he dies. Anxious to see what happens when he breaks the sound barrier. He said today when he left the platform he had zero control. He’s going for world record set in the 60’s. Has my utmost respect. Stopped jumping 12 years ago when I went out from work. My body wont take the stresses anymore. I miss it. Just sold my 7 cell ram air canopy and reserve last year. :(
If you watch footage of Kittinger’s record jump he’s all over the place at first. There’s just not enough atmosphere at that altitude to get control.
I read years ago that Kittenger broke the sound barrier in the higher altitudes. The thinner the atmosphere, the lower the sound barrier. Kittenger deployed a small chute within the first 10 seconds to counteract the lack of control Felix was talking about. If you get in to a flat spin at that elevation you can’t stop it. The spin accelerates and pretty soon your blood is all in your extremities irrespective of the pressure suit...from that altitude anyway. I’d take his place in the next jump in a second given a chance. A guy can dream. :{)