Skydiving press clip by AOPA

[pilotdave 0]

On AOPA's members only website (with picture):

Quote

Dec. 23 — Here's an odd question: How many parachutists need to connect in a freefall to show up on air traffic control radar? Although there apparently haven't been many studies on this, 70 will work just fine. The world's first 70-canopy formation flew over Lake Wales, Florida, on November 29 during an event that drew parachutists — or "meat missiles" in controller jargon — from around the world who specialize in building formations. From top to bottom, the formation was said to be larger than a Boeing 747 standing on its tail. Of the 70 jumpers, at least 15 were AOPA members. More photos are available on the Web site.

Dave

[RoadRash 0]

Tee hee...cool!!! I just got my AOPA membership in the mail too!!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Fly the friendly skies...^_^...})ii({...^_~...

[AggieDave 6]

That is just freak'n cool! Thank you for posting that. I've often wondered about that myself, although this doesn't truely answer the question, it does make for an interesting point.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[pilotdave 0]

I think the correct answer depends on what radar you're talking about. If you were jumping close to Washington, DC, I guarantee someone would see an individual skydiver in freefall. Normal airport radar, I dunno.
Dave

[JYorkster 0]

I've seen one tandem pair show up on radar whlie they were under canopy. Granted, this was a military radar with a little different specs than and FAA radar, but they are basically the same.

Usually, the canopies are just lower than effective FAA radar coverage. CRW happens to be the most common exception.

Rock

[Lee03 0]

AOPA member for three years running here

--------
To put your life in danger from time to time ... breeds a saneness in dealing with day-to-day trivialities.

--Nevil Shute, Slide Rule