[Joeaksa]

Originally posted by singpilot
It's called a HALO. High Altitude Low Open.

In one of my former careers, had several SEALS leave an ex-Navy hospital VC9 at high altitude via the rear airstair door. All I cared about was being able to get the door closed again so we could repressurize and warm up. We pilots were pressure breathing, and the jumpmaster had a full suit on. We were freezing our a$$es off with the heat cranked full smoking duct high.

I cannot imagine the guts it took to do that at night at flight levels, and wait until very low to pop the chute.

Not to forget the guys jumping out. Highest HALO I have done is in the mid-20's and its colder than hell at that altitude. You just keep telling yourself that its warmer lower and tuck into a tighter dive until the bingo altitude comes up and you pull.

Landing is interesting as well because you have no light. We would release a dayglo light stick on a 100 foot piece of shroud line and when it hit the ground you would start pulling up on the brakes. Its a crap shoot but usually works.

Have to laugh at Kevin's comment. Its always fun to be with someone after their first jump. Adrenaline is just pumping and they cannot stop talking or smiling. Very nice rush and why we do it I guess...

Joe A