Paraplegic skydiving! Suggestions please!!

[gabby 0]

Hi there. I am introducing myself on behalf of my boyfriend, Peter, who does not have internet access.

Peter had a skydiving accident a year ago and is now a L1 paraplegic, which means that he is basically paralysed from the waist down, but has some (very little) muscle control in his glutes and hip flexes. Last weekend he did a tandem jump because he can't bear to stay out of the sky!

He really wants to progress to a point where he can fly solo, but we don't know if this has been achieved before and are battling to figure out the logistics. We don't know of anyone in South Africa who has done this.

I am asking for any help and input from anyone who has had any similar experience or has any ideas. I was quite inspired by Alistair's story and think that may be a starting point for us.

Looking forward to hearing from anyone!
Thanx
Gabby and Peter

[Cajones 0]

A good starting point might be Jim Crouch at the USPA ([email protected]). He's the director of Safety & Training.

The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

[riggerrob 562]

At least one Californian survived the Perris crash with similar injuries. He eventually returned to skydiving, though mostly sit-flies.

[billvon 2,471]

>I am asking for any help and input from anyone who has had any
> similar experience or has any ideas.

Talk to Dan Fairchild of Byron. He's a paraplegic that jumps occasionally - even does RW with fair success. It can be done, but the jumper is taking a far greater risk than an ordinary jumper, so they have to accept that.

[loughery 0]

try this link for Peices of 8

http://www.flyingeyes.com/pieces_of_eight.htm

TOT

TOT
www.SkydiveMoncton.com

To my wife: 'If you ask me to stop skydiving, you are asking me to move out!'

[CrazyIvan 0]

...and the clicky version:

http://www.flyingeyes.com/pieces_of_eight.htm

__________________________________________
Blue Skies and May the Force be with you.