3 ms·

I've always wondered what I'd do. I imagined ripping off some clothes (pants in particular, if I still had them) and creating just enough of a "parachute" or fl

by hendler 17y ago

I've always wondered what I'd do. I imagined ripping off some clothes (pants in particular, if I still had them) and creating just enough of a "parachute" or flying squirrel effect that I'd be able to slow down to about 60mph and hit the ground at 45 degrees instead of 90 degrees. Inspired by, e.g. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/bigphotos/21240738.html http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/bigphotos/21240738.h...

electromagnetic 17y ago
Agreed, I imagine I'd remove my pants and attach them around my waist with my belt, tying the ankles shut. Similarly I'd tie off the wrists of my shit (I always wear a long-sleeved t-shirt when I fly, I'm naturally warm so a jacket makes me hot and a regular t-shirt makes me cold) and hold that. As another poster said, falling like you're hugging the top of a giant ball can reduce your terminal velocity by an extra 5MPH, but it's unstable. However with your pants acting like a drogue, you might be able to stay stable enough to use it's effect. I'd agree with you however, gaining lateral velocity instead of vertical is perhaps key because 'tuck and roll' could probably save your life. It's also worth remembering that the human body can survive more g-force through their back than their front, so the 'tuck and roll' landing increases your odds. Although carrying a backpack full of foam would be preferable if you wanted to try the 'tuck and roll' landing.
- vl 17y ago
  well, if you are going to carry a backpack full of foam just get a parachute instead.
  - electromagnetic 17y ago
    Foam is easier to explain to security than a bag full of high-tension wires and masses of canvas, which all could be damaged by debris and be rendered useless where as foam still works. Plus, where's the fun?
    - mct 17y ago
      http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1147.shtm http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1...
- saturnine 17y ago
  Once removed it doesn't seem likely you'd be able to hold onto your garments in a 120MPH wind. Then again, you just survived the breakup of an airplane traveling 500MPH, so maybe somebody is really fond of you.

by hendler 17y ago

electromagnetic 17y ago

Agreed, I imagine I'd remove my pants and attach them around my waist with my belt, tying the ankles shut. Similarly I'd tie off the wrists of my shit (I always wear a long-sleeved t-shirt when I fly, I'm naturally warm so a jacket makes me hot and a regular t-shirt makes me cold) and hold that. As another poster said, falling like you're hugging the top of a giant ball can reduce your terminal velocity by an extra 5MPH, but it's unstable. However with your pants acting like a drogue, you might be able to stay stable enough to use it's effect. I'd agree with you however, gaining lateral velocity instead of vertical is perhaps key because 'tuck and roll' could probably save your life. It's also worth remembering that the human body can survive more g-force through their back than their front, so the 'tuck and roll' landing increases your odds. Although carrying a backpack full of foam would be preferable if you wanted to try the 'tuck and roll' landing.

vl 17y ago
well, if you are going to carry a backpack full of foam just get a parachute instead.
- electromagnetic 17y ago
  Foam is easier to explain to security than a bag full of high-tension wires and masses of canvas, which all could be damaged by debris and be rendered useless where as foam still works. Plus, where's the fun?
  - mct 17y ago
    http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1147.shtm http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1...
saturnine 17y ago
Once removed it doesn't seem likely you'd be able to hold onto your garments in a 120MPH wind. Then again, you just survived the breakup of an airplane traveling 500MPH, so maybe somebody is really fond of you.