Luke Aikins: The Daredevil Skydiver Who Jumped Without a Parachute

TLDRLuke Aikins, a third-generation skydiver, made history in 2016 when he jumped from 25,000 feet without a parachute and landed safely in a net. This incredible feat required meticulous planning, intense training, and precise execution. Aikins' jump was broadcast live on TV and set a new world record. His remarkable skills, experience, and courage made this jump possible.

Key insights

🪂Luke Aikins made history by jumping from 25,000 feet without a parachute and landing safely in a net.

🌍The jump took place on July 30, 2016, and was broadcast live on TV, captivating viewers worldwide.

🎯Precision and accuracy were crucial for Aikins' success, as he had to hit a specialized 100x100-foot net during his free fall.

Luke Aikins spent two years preparing for the jump, including 1.5 years of planning and six months of intense training.

💪Aikins is a highly experienced skydiver and base jumper, having deployed a parachute over 18,000 times in his career.

Q&A

What were the risks associated with Luke Aikins' jump?

The main risk was the potential for a fatal impact if Aikins missed the net during his free fall. The absence of a parachute meant that he had no backup plan for slowing his descent.

Was Luke Aikins the first person to attempt such a jump?

Yes, Luke Aikins was the first person to jump from such a high altitude without a parachute and survive. This feat had never been attempted before.

How did Luke Aikins prepare for the jump?

Aikins spent two years preparing for the jump, including extensive planning and six months of intense training. He also had the support of a dedicated team.

What safety measures were in place during the jump?

Although Aikins didn't have a parachute, he wore an oxygen mask for the first 10,000 feet and used GPS to align his fall with the net. Compressed air cylinders connected to the net helped slow his descent.

Did Luke Aikins set any records with this jump?

Yes, Luke Aikins set a new world record for the highest jump without a parachute. His remarkable achievement will likely remain unbeaten for a long time.

Timestamped Summary

00:05In July 2016, skydiver Luke Aikins made history by jumping from 25,000 feet without a parachute.

00:13He landed safely in a net on the ground, setting a new world record.

00:38Hitting the target accurately was crucial for his safety during the jump.

02:26Aikins reached a terminal velocity of 120 miles per hour during his free fall.

02:52Four compressed air cylinders connected to the net helped decelerate Aikins and ensure a soft landing.