The skies above Illinois became the backdrop for an aerial spectacle led by 174 skydivers. Among them were the owners of a skydiving simulation center located just across the border in Belgium.
They say patience is a virtue. For skydivers Magali and Steve, it was also a necessity. The couple travelled to Chicago to take part in a free fall world record attempt, but the weather ultimately had the final say in whether their efforts would soar or stall.
"This time, the answer was no, as the original plan had called for a jump at 200m to form a flower-shaped display in the sky, requiring the coordination of nine aircraft, and a clear, cloudless backdrop", Magali explained, who jointly runs Luxfly with her husband Steve, a few kilometres from Sterpenich, along the motorway linking Arlon to Luxembourg,
Falling at 350 km/h
Seven attempts have taken place prior to Thursday morning's successful display at a height of approximately 5791m.
"There were 174 people. We landed around 9.30am, and at 11.45am, the judges confirmed that we had broken the world record. We tried again the next day with 189 people, but it was not recorded". The previous record was set in 2015 and brought together 164 skydivers.
"It was an extraordinary experience. Once you jump out of the window, you have to zone in on your placement in the configuration in the air. Once your'e all set, you feel a rush of energy wash over you. After all, you are free falling at 350 km/h within 60 seconds. At 7.000 feet, the first wave of skydivers need to let go to open their parachutes, followed by three more waves. The last wave is at 4.500 feet. It's a real achievement, one for the history books. We are also really proud to be the only participants from the region, flying alongside some of the best skydivers in the world", Magali continued.
Skydivers from all over the world took part in this record breaking attempt, all the way from Australia, Germany, to Ukraine.
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This attempt took place in LaSalle County, Ottawa, where the Skydive Chicago air base is located. The location was picked based on its ability to provide the necessary infrastructure that can serve, "the almost 200 people taking part", Magali specifies.
"It takes a huge amount of prep work. An experienced parachuter figures out the technical details. Every one needs to be precisely aligned and symmetrical. Every single person has a designated spot according to their height, weight, and level of experience. Steve and I were lucky enough to be a part of the backbone of the display. We also have a specific seat in the plane", Magali recounted. This was not the first time Magali took part in a display of this size, with her participation in a 100-person formation in California. Given her experience, she believes that last week's record will stand for several years to come.
The necessity of simulations
To get to a place where you can even attempt such a feat, you need hours and hours of training. "Our skydiving simulator was invaluable in this case as its extremely time-consuming to practice in real life plus you can't just rely on the weather working in your favour. The simulator allows us to work through every position, to manage any turbulence, and admittedly, giving us more time than we have in full-scale exercises."
Magali wasn't always drawn to creating displays in the air, finding her true happiness in wind tunnels. That is, until the adrenaline rush of skydiving hit her. Along with the risks that goes with it.
Steve and Magali will be back to their normal lives from tomorrow onwards, before a new thrilling challenge may come their way.
