Two guys in squirrel suits died a few days ago in Yosemite...very sad.

Ka'Plah!

That looks like a cool ride to me. I'll stay on the ground with an exoskeleton.

More encouraging than dieing at 85 is better than 30!
I actually like the Klingon proverb: "You only die once, you should enjoy it!". Dieing in bed is, as Ian Anderson says, "a warm fart at christmas"

You're only "too old" when you're dead. Otherwise, go for it.

Yep, an F104, but the date was 1947? They went into service in 1957.T-38's were from the 60's.

Funny the caption says T-38, but it is clearly an F104! Whatever happened to the 105/106 Delta Dagger/Darts?

Good point.

You've made me analytical on the subject. There are a likelihood and consequence to such risks. I was thinking the likelihood was simply lower, because of fitness and strength, but there is a mental element to it as well, and I might be better at that today. In so far as the "landing", I'm sure these guys use parachutes, so the consequences of a failure are not as high as they look, particularly for a young fit person...
Oh screw it, I'm in!

Actually older is better. If you die at 85, you lose a lot less than at 30.

B A D A S S ! ! !

Terrifying? Nothing but beautiful! After the guy in the flying squirrel suit strapped on a rocket and flew over the UK, this was inevitable.

Jet engines are much more efficient. Beautiful. I only wonder if I am too old to try it? At 30, I would have been all in.

Seeing this reminds me of the poem, "High Flight", I used to see on late night tv sign offs in the late 50s to early 60s, especially the one featuring the F104 Starfighter.

https://youtu.be/Qx3WueJWlb4

Spent a year in my youth (66/67) in the 1st Air Cav overseas and thought choppers were the closest thing to flying free... well now, even in my 60's, I think I WANT ONE OF THOSE THINGS! There, I feel better now.

Will do. :)

ed, go over to my survey post and tell us how you came to Rand

I was thinking vertical landing with limited jet power just to slow the final stop. Would love to see them land but can't find anything yet.

Believe he runs out of fuel or turns off the engine.
A powered landing would have to be vertical.

Thanks. I miss it a great deal. Words cannot describe the joy of strapping yourself into an old J-3 Piper Cub and flying low over the farmlands, or firing up a fire-breathing Pitts and beating yourself up at altitude.

I thought it was one of the coolest things ever. Makes me want to do it.

That sounds like a great childhood. The 'bent sapling part is straight out of old Tarzan movies!

Now: Go get the jetpack!

Jan

You're a Dad with his priorities in good order! Kudos! :) It's not easy but the rewards are well worth it.

KKKKKKKOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLL! That is worth the expanding the Bucket

Oh Boy, I would love to do that!

Yes.

Nice. I used to be an aerobatic pilot. When my son became disabled I quit and now spend my energies trying to help him. But, about half of my flight time is strapped tightly in, with parachute, tumbling though the sky. I sure miss it. The most fun you can have with your pants on...

At an air show I went to last year one of these jet-wing guys performed. It was interesting. Not my cup of tea. But, unique, for sure.