Looking for info on Ft. Bragg tunnel

[MWGemini 0]

I know that Ft. Bragg has a wind tunnel for SWC/HALO school/Golden Knight use, but I didn't think to try to use it when I was stationed there. Does anyone know what the requirements are to get time in there? I am no longer active duty, so I'm sure whatever small chance I HAD is now long gone, but it can't hurt to ask.

Also, I've seen on the SkyVenture site that they are planning to build a 14ft/161mph tunnel near Ft. Bragg. Does anyone have any information on this? When is it expected to be open, and are prices going to be roughly equivalent to SkyVenture Orlando? Also, information on the exact location (if known) would be useful, as I now live in Raleigh.

Thanks,

Mike

[usskydiver 0]

Mike,
Not really my "lane" but here's what I understand to be the truth. The tunnel is being built .80 miles from Raeford DZ. I assume you've been here. It will be 14'. Pricing has not been set. Stay tuned and be prepared to move closer.

Tim T.
Team Paraclete

[Bodyflight.Net 0]

Hi Gemini...

When John (hubbie) went to fly at Ft. Bragg (he's non military) it was difficult to say the least. BUT, he and his buddy were able to pull some strings and get some time, only minutes, in there. So, I'd say the chances are better than slim for you if they let a civillian in the tunnel, so try anyway! He says it was an awesome time and always refers to it as one of the better tunnels out there.

Good luck... maybe our Mod could give you better advice on getting in.....

Blue Skies & Fast Tunnels,

[Ron 10]

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I know that Ft. Bragg has a wind tunnel for SWC/HALO school/Golden Knight use, but I didn't think to try to use it when I was stationed there. Does anyone know what the requirements are to get time in there? I am no longer active duty, so I'm sure whatever small chance I HAD is now long gone, but it can't hurt to ask.

I was in the Bragg tunnel when I was active duty.
I helped train some GB's for the challenge course, was a member of the 82d's freefall team, worked with some Navy guys in there, spent time in there with the GK's, and used to sneak in on my lunch break when I could.

I also have spent some time in there after my ETS working with the SOCOM folks.

All in all, I have around 30-40 hours in that tunnel, I have no idea how much flight time out of that.

Unless you have a skill the Military can use, are a celebrity, have business with the Gov, or have friends....Your chance at getting Bragg time is small.

But don't give up, it is by far the best tunnel.

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

The only civilians getting into the Bragg tunnel are the GS employees that work at the HALO committee, the two GS employees that run the thing, and the occasional civilian VIP that USAJFKSWC cares to allow a demo. Pro golfers, football players, senators, TV personalities, etc, were and still are a fairly common thing. A tour of and particularly a flight in the tunnel are things most requested by visiting dignitaries.

The Skyventure tunnel is being constructed because there is simply not enough time available in the Bragg tunnel even for active duty units. Any unit, regardless of branch of service can request time in the Bragg tunnel, so the roster is generally full. A typical "refresher" day for an MFF team is one entire day of tunnel time per quarter. Some units running train-ups will get multiple days, up to a week. It's during these scheduled train-ups when "other" military guys who are friends of guys on those teams can score some tunnel time. It's very piecemeal and there is positively no guarantee that you will get on the roster. If you are not on the roster, you are not getting in the tunnel.

The "availability atmosphere" changes according to who is currently in charge of the unit who "owns" the tunnel (currently the 2nd Bn, 1st Special Warfare Training Group S3, my old shop) and who the operator is. MSG (ret.) Randy Mathews currently actually runs the tunnel. Randy is a former Golden Knight and former airpark manager/chief pilot of Raeford Aviation.

For a substantial amount of time we used to get two hours per month for training our first jump course students at the GBSPC. We would take them in there in the middle of the week following their first weekend of SL progression jumps. This really, really helped with our completion rate. We used the time not only to get our students sorted out before their longer freefall delays, but also to prep our younger instructors for the AFFIC and to hone our own skills. It was perfect while it lasted.

Anway, the Skyventure tunnel is going up right down the road from Raeford and ought to be visible from the landing area. Tim D'Annunzio's company, Paraclete Armor/Aero will own it outright as far as I am told. It will (hopefully) be up late next year.

Chuck

[MWGemini 0]

That is exactly the info I was looking for, thanks. I guess I'll just have to wait for the Skyventure tunnel to get built.

Thanks,

Mike

[Avion 0]

You can at least see the Ft. Bragg tunnel for a few minutes if you watch "Cutaway"

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[Avion 0]

SkymonkeyONE have you ever operated the Orlando tunnel?

[GQ_jumper 4]

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The only civilians getting into the Bragg tunnel are the GS employees that work at the HALO committee, the two GS employees that run the thing, and the occasional civilian VIP that USAJFKSWC cares to allow a demo. ***

Very true when i went through the course they took time out of the students training time to let the son of some senator fly in there. i'm going to keep my opinion on this issue to myself, seeing as how i'm sure a few people that know me and work in high places are on this site, but i'm sure you can all guess what it is!!

History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.
--Dwight D. Eisenhower

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