Three students, a jump-master and a pilot entered the plane. Twenty-eight hundred feet later, Schuman hooked Jane's static line which would automatically pull the ripcord. He opened the door.
Wind rushed in with terrific force and I realized I would exit through that same door. Jane followed John's orders and I looked out the side window and saw her canopy open fully.
After a few minutes, John looked at me and I moved forward in the kneeling position. He attached my static line. I subdued any feelings of dread or panic as I looked out the door. John ordered me to get my feet out. I was in an odd position - sitting in the doorway of a plane, legs dangling 2800 feet above the ground.
The order to "get out" was given. With the plane's prop blast and the wind pressure, I was sure there would be no way for my body to move onto the wing strut. Placing my foot on the step, I pulled myself out. I tightly gripped the iron rod with both hands and assumed a rather unorthodox squatting position. I tried to pull myself up, but the wind was too strong.
John yelled the final order, "Go" - and I went. I simply let go and the plane and I flew our own separate ways. As I fell backwards, John jerked my static line. He short-lines Jane's, also, since we both were unstable exiting. Then I saw my canopy open. My fall toward earth was slowed with a slight jolt.
A beautifully rounded canopy filled with air above me. I was drifting toward earth through calm and quiet. I reached for the toggles controlling the canopy and experimented.
I pulled down the right toggle and the canopy turned a complete circle. I saw all the landmarks and knew my position from the airstrip.
Below tiny figures moved about. Where had all the people come from? But they weren't people, they were cattle! Not particularly wanting to make a feedlot landing, I quickly changed course.
I saw a field and decided it would make the easiest landing. As the green rushed toward me, I realized it was milo. But it was too late to change.
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