Results: Wingsuit Flying

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scouthoward

03/05/2024

50

2233

Sports
From Icarus in Greek mythology to Leonardo da Vinci's machines – the idea of flying like a bird has always dominated some of humankind's wildest dreams. Today, thanks to the wingsuit, this dream has become a reality. www.redbull.com is the primary source for this survey.
1.
1.
Wingsuiting is the world's most extreme air sport, so it's not something that you can just 'have a go' at. 'New' pilots are hugely experienced skydivers who will have 200-500 jumps under their belts before they even think about putting on a wingsuit. Before today's survey, have you ever heard about wingsuiting or wingsuit flyers?
Yes
43%
953 votes
No
57%
1247 votes
2.
2.
The first recorded attempt at wingsuit flying took place in Paris in 1912. This was when Franz Reichelt, an Austrian-born tailor, jumped from the first floor of the Eiffel Tower using a parachute-like suit of his own design. It failed, with tragic results, and Reichelt fell 187ft to his death. Are you familiar with this first recorded attempt of wingsuiting?
Yes
13%
279 votes
No
87%
1921 votes
3.
3.
To practice wingsuit flying, two basic elements are essential: a wingsuit and a parachute. The wingsuit's purpose is to convert the vertical fall into a horizontal flight motion, while the parachute ensures a safe landing. Various designs exist, but all follow a set of principles. The suit is made of nylon (or another durable material) and has three wings: two between the arms and torso, and one between the legs. Have you or do you personally know someone who has wingsuited before?
Yes
7%
154 votes
No
93%
2046 votes
4.
4.
Wingsuiting involves four steps- 1) planning, 2) the jump/drop, 3) the flight, and 4) the landing. There are two types of jumps: 1)Airborne jumps: airplanes, hot air balloons, helicopters or paragliders are used to jump from. 2) BASE jumps: BASE stands for Buildings, Antennae, Spans (bridges) and Earth (e.g. cliffs) that are used to jump from. I can appreciate the skill and training involved, but I still think that this extreme sport is too dangerous for the average person. Would you agree?
Yes
68%
1496 votes
No
17%
372 votes
Undecided
15%
332 votes

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