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BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE U.S. ARMY DEMONSTRATION PARACHUTE TEAM
THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS
The Golden Knights, the U.S.Army Demonstration Parachute Team, recently visited the Kansas City area for the KC Air Show. The Team is the world’s preeminent parachute team, performing in hundreds of exhibitions each year in the United States as well as internationally.
A solo Golden Knight jumper opened the Air Show – bringing the American Flag to a landing at show-center, perfectly timed with The Star Spangled Banner.
Travel And Photo Today Flies With The Golden Knights …….
I was most fortunate to join The Golden Knights for their Saturday performance. I was able to get a “behind the scene” view of the Team as they prepared for their performance and then joined them on their plane for the jump. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to convince them to give me a chute and let me jump with them. But in hindsight – perhaps that was for the best. Still, I had a great view and a wonderful opportunity to see these brave and talented soldiers in action.
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Pre-Jump Preparations..
The Golden Knights use a Bombardier C-147A / Dash 8-300-series as their jump plane.
Before their performance the Team checks and packs their chutes.
Next comes the dirt “Dirt Dive”, everyone gathering together to review and do a run-through of their routine.
Below is a view of theTeam walking through the “Dirt Dive” taken from the interior of the aircraft. It’s an interesting plane. Not much padding in the seats – but lots of leg room! There was no in-flight beverage service. Also, there was no heat, no air conditioning, no sound proofing – and they leave the jump door open throughout the entire flight. Let me say – it is windy and loud! And the temperature? Well, on the day of my visit it was around 88 degrees F on the ground. At jump altitude of 12,500 feet it was rough 36 degrees. It was cold – very cold!
The Flight …….
Eventually the team suits up and climbs aboard the plane.
Everyone does a buddy check on their gear.
The Team is comprised of professionals. At the same time they know how to have a bit of fun, performing various antics and even singing as the plane climbs to altitude.
As we approached jump altitude team members monitor position and wind over the drop zone at the airport far below. It was amazing how casually they sat and stood near the open door.
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The Jump ……….
And then it was jump time. Jumpers exited the aircraft in singles, pairs and groups. Some left in a casual manner – simply stepping out into the open sky. Others joked with each other, bumping fists and jumping in true “gung ho” fashion. Still others engaged in surprising antics as seen in the video below.
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Enjoy The Video Below Of My Time With The Golden Knights
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The aircraft actually felt a bit empty after all the soldiers had jumped.
Fortunately the pilot and co-pilot remained to bring us back to the airport. It was a fast return, with rapid decent with tight twisting turns keeping us over the airport.
Before the landing we made a final low-level, high-speed pass in front of the air show crowd. This was clearly not your typical commercial flight in so many ways.
The Golden Knights are a truly exceptional group of men and women – performing amazing feats in the U.S. and abroad – representing the U.S.Army and the best of America.
My sincere thanks to The Golden Knights for letting me join them during their performance in Kansas City
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……………… AND ENJOY THE ADVENTURE!
Another Article From The KC Air Show
THE RED TAIL SQUADRON – P-51 OF THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN
