Quincy Big-Way

For some reason, I thought that the 56-way built on Friday was a record for the WFFC. I have now been informed that it is not. It seems that the end-of-day big ways every year have had a person or two out, or some problem almost every time for quite a while. It was very nice to complete one with such a fine-flying formation. I think that Marcus, Mike, and Lemonhead deserve a lot of credit for sticking with the organizing of the load. I know I had a great time.

kevin keenan

In a way it is a record, for a walk up skydive. It was also the largest completed formation of WFFC 2K.

Other groups have done bigger. There was a 60-way sequential a few years ago with Ponce and Co. I think the 144 world record was done when Nelson was running the show.

What made the 56 way so sweet for me is that it wasn't done as some skygod 3 day assault but as a once a day give-it-a-shot by weekend skydivers.

Some of these people had around 300 jumps. Others like myself have been in 100+ ways. A few popped in on their way to the 300 way in Chicago. Quite a number of Siver Falcon applications were being filled out that evening.

There was something magic about that dive. In the dirt dive you could feel the confidence through the grips that this IS the one that will complete. In the plane there was virtually no talking, total focus but not uptight. The exit was as smooth as pouring sugar from a bowl. When the last grip was taken all of the tension was gone. Just light 3 finger grips. I had enough time to look around to double-check for any out or low. Looked behind me to find Norm Kent firing off still after still. Time had slowed to a crawl.

After years of trying, we finally did it. Next year, the elusive 60 way.

Hank Ellis

Actually....the very first WFFC 14 years ago.....set the world record for that time with a 120 way done out of the C130. Then, two years later on August 8th, 1988, the 144 way 12x12 diamond was built using 6 aircraft. So, yes, I would say that there were a few other skydives done at Quincy larger than 56.

Rand

#>For some reason, I thought that the 56-way built on Friday was a record #>for the WFFC. I have now been informed that it is not. #>It seems that the end-of-day big ways every year have had a person or #>two out, or some problem almost every time for quite a while. It was #>very nice to complete one with such a fine-flying formation. I think #>that Marcus, Mike, and Lemonhead deserve a lot of credit for sticking #>with the organizing of the load. I know I had a great time. #> #>kevin keenan

Kevin, Correct me if I,m wrong but I thought the formation was a 64 way. I was on it Wendsday when it built with only one out. Marcus told me that was officialy 63????? Thursday I was on it with one out and two loops not closed???? I had to leave Friday afternoon and missed Friday night. I would like to have stills of Wed, & Thurs. formation if anybody can hook me up with the camera guys. I am more than willing to pay for them.

Blues

One out is an incomplete formation. Period. Doesn't matter if it's a 3 way or 300 way, it's incomplete and unsuccessful. The 56 way fully completed and is a success.

On the subject of blots at Quincy I break them down to the Nelson era and the Kirlin era. During the Nelson era there was the 120 world record and possibly the 144 record (someone refresh my memory please). The Kirlin era never has done a completed blot larger than 60 or so. Largest attempt was a 100 way several years ago. One attempt - zoo load.

The size of the formation isn't all that important, who was on it is.

Hank Ellis Hank Ellis The Chuting Gallery Purveyor and Maintainer of Fine Aerodynamic Decelerators

It was all really great from the ground, as well.

The exit looked super sweet and we could see everyone getting in; with just two left, I said 'Come on, guys, get in there...', then for the only time in the three years I've watched the sunset big way there rose a whoop and a holler from everywhere

Does anyone have a picture posted yet?

Does anyone have a picture posted?

Hey! You're sending chills down my spine. Those jumps were _by far_ the largest formations I'd been on and it was SO COOL when the 56 way built. Thanks for the dives! And hey do I need everyone's names for the Silver Falcon award?

Wooohooo! Cheryl ('Loopy'

Before you buy.

The record is a 144-way built on August 8, 1988 ( a world record that held till 1992).

Norm Kent was one of the photographers on our jump... I remember that he snapped a few flash photos from below after it built. I'm told that there will be copies for sale on his web site after a few weeks: http://www.normankent.com/

The other photographer was Neil Honkala, who put together a great video of the prep and jump (which I just looked at again!) You can order a copy from him at:

Neil Honkala ACTIV Productions P. O. Box 3483 Lantana, FL 33465

After so many years of trying, it was great to finally have everyone there. There was none of the tension or level problems that have plagued the previous jumps. It was smooth from the beginning!

Blue Skies! - Chris.