michaelmullins

As I have said on numerous occasions we use a diluter/demand/pressure regulator, A-14, which is good to at least 45,000'. We never set them on diluter, they are always on 100%, and they have pressure breathing settings for 41K, 43K, 45K, and above 45K. They will automatically start pressure breathing if you do not select the pressure breathing. At around 30K, we put them on 45K and they put out a lot of oxygen, in excess of 12 LPM, which is far more than you can use. The system does not technically set flow rates, the flow rates are the result of how much pressure is coming out the diameter of the hose. The pressure is way more than sufficient, it is uncomfortable until you get used to it, it is akin to being waterboarded with oxygen.

Actually there is no cost for FAA paperwork to do the actual jumps. The procedure for a specific jump approval is just tedious and time consuming but, other than the time invested, there is no cost. There was a large, one-time, cost for the approval for flight with door removed, flight testing, and the interior configuration. The term for the airspace involved is actually RVSM, which is Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums, which requires very special digital altimeters, special auto-pilot, and other equipment for flights above 28,000'. As the aircraft is used for nothing but these jumps, and would not be practical for normal jump operations, the cost of operation must be absorbed by a limited number of customers who can afford such jumps. There are many things that are not available to the average person, or skydiver, due to cost and that is why everyone does not own a Ferrari, go to the ISS, and live in mansions. But, there are some that can and do. A private citizen went to the ISS, cost him 28.5 million. An 18 year old went up in Bezos rocket for the 15 minute flight, cost 2.8 million. Virgin Galactic ride to the edge of space sold out 800 slots for $250,000 each, now the ride costs $450,000. Very special things take very special money. Michael Mullins

We have recorded data on oxygen saturation on actual jumps from 41,000' and 15,000', both in the aircraft and in freefall. The jumpers from 41K have a higher oxygen saturation with their supplemental oxygen than the jumpers from 15K without supplemental oxygen. To my knowledge, we are the only ones to record such data. Actual data and experience trumps theory and speculation. We will continue to record such data. Our systems, both onboard and freefall, provide much more oxygen than is required by the generally accepted formula of 1 LPM per 10,000', and we check all the systems with a flowmeter prior to each jump. Mike Mullins West Tennessee Skydiving

The pilot was not impaired, the pilot was monitored constantly by a pulse oximeter, and the same pilot has flown test and actual jump flights to 41,000' on many occasions while having to operate the aircraft within a 5 mile radius and maintain exact altitudes in this RVSM environment. This pilot has likely more time at 41,000' unpressurized than anyone on the planet, could be wrong. Also, oxygen saturation at 41K on 100%, pressure breathing oxygen is actually higher that oxygen saturation on a normal jump from 15,000', which we have documented.

Citation X regularly flies at 51,000'

Sorry but you don't know what you don't know and you should not proceed with this. Such a jump can be made by someone that is highly experienced, knows the FAA and USPA rules, with a pilot that has jump experience. It does not appear that any of these things apply in this case.

If you had a USPA license, you still have a USPA license. There are no currency requirements for licensed jumpers and, technically, to be a current license holder you need only renew your USPA membership, which you can do online. Having said that, it is very unlikely that any DZ would allow you to jump without some currency training and that could consist of everything from a full ground school, or, to just spending an hour or two with an instructor who can evaluate your skills and knowledge, all depends on the DZ.

We have filled the avialable slot to 41,000' on 16 Oct 2021, sorry if you missed the chance.

West Tennessee Skydiving has one slot available for a 41,000' HALO Oxygen Jump on Saturday 16 October with a weather date of Sunday 17 October. This jump is being offered at the discounted group rate of $11,000. For a description, see: https://www.skydivekingair.com/index.php?p=2800

Nope, only 36 and 41

We have attached our information and pricing sheet for the 41,000' jumps for both licensed and tandem skydivers. Before you flame me about the price, I would suggest that you go purchase an aircraft for 41,000' jumps, maintain it to RVSM standards, purchase the associated oxygen equipment, and hire a pilot with the knowledge and experience to do this (such as me). When you have done that, then you will be qualified to comment on the price. HALO Oxygen Jump text for website, Cheyenne.docx

We already have.

Actually, no. Military jumpers rarely go higher than 25,000'. For the US Military it takes a General Officer's signature for jumps higher than 25,000', so I have been told by some knowledgeable military contacts. There is no market for military jumps from this aircraft. This aircraft is to be used to make 41,000' jumps by those who can afford such jumps and wish to set records that will most likely stand forever.