Jumping out of a plane at 20,000 feet wearing a suit inspired
by a flying squirrel and reaching speeds of up to 250kmh may
be hard for people to understand.
But for Queenstown skydiving instructor Colin Aitchison, it
is the stuff dreams are made of.
Mr Aitchison (29), an NZone skydiving instructor, will
compete in the Southern Summer Jam at Methven next month,
when he aims to set four New Zealand records in one jump.
In his sights are the highest New Zealand skydive and the
highest wingsuit flight, both at 20,000 feet (the highest he
can go without a personal oxygen system); the longest free
fall duration (he hopes to fall for at least four minutes
before deploying his parachute); and travelling at least
12km, which would be the longest distance covered in free
fall.
Mr Aitchison said he fell in love with jumping from planes
after an ex-girlfriend bought him a skydive for his 24th
birthday.
''Pretty much as soon as I jumped out of the plane I was like
`If I can get paid to do this, I'll be doing all right'.''
Originally from Christchurch, Mr Aitchison attended the New
Zealand Skydiving School in Methven, gaining his diploma in
commercial skydiving, and has notched up more than 4000
jumps.
He has been jumping with a wingsuit - an aerodynamic
all-in-one suit, with special ''wings'' - for about four
years.
''From when I first started skydiving, it was something that
interested me. It's kind of the next evolution.''
His preparations had included gym sessions where he has
focused on gaining arm strength.
Once in the wingsuit, Mr Aitchison holds on to rods sewn into
the wings and has to keep his arms extended for the duration
of the flight.
''But when you get the wind resistance, it's basically
wanting to rip your arms off.''
The record attempts would be verified by the New Zealand
Parachute Federation with the assistance of GPS, which Mr
Aitchison would wear while undertaking the flight.
And he already has plans to better the attempt next year.
''Next year, it's 30,000 feet.''
His records bid is set for March 7 to 10, depending on the
weather.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.