It was one of those days at work for Mike Driedger. One of those days at the video store when there seemed to be a buzz in the air, but he didn’t understand why. Of course not. He would soon find out that everyone had read the boss’ e-mail... except him. more »

When you look at skydiving mishaps over time—exactly what this article does each year—some recurring lessons stand out. For example, the AAD (automatic activation device) and RSL (reserve static line) are proven life-saving technologies. But what really has stood out for the last two decades is that canopy selection and canopy operation are the most serious issues for skydiver safety today. Once again, canopy issues contributed to the majority of skydiving deaths in 2011. more »

photos by Jeff Nebelkopf

In April 2010, fundraising and outreach organization Raise the Sky organized Project XRW (which stands for “extreme relative work”) to bring together the most highly skilled athletes in canopy piloting and wingsuiting to explore the interaction between the disciplines. After experiencing a growth of knowledge and several safe projects in various locations, Project XRW kicked off an expansion phase in January against the backdrop of Skydive Sebastian’s unspoiled Florida coastline and cloudless sky. The founding team members invited select highly experienced wingsuit pilots to join the group in flying with PD Factory Team canopy pilots Ian Bobo, Jessica Edgeington and Jonathan Tagle under their Performance Designs Velocity 71 parachutes. more »

"It is only by strenuous and hazardous preparation that the aviator can fit himself to his vocation," an early aviation journalist observed. "He needs an extraordinary combination of active energy, courage, decision of purpose, a quick eye, clearness of judgment, the utmost presence of mind and great physical dexterity." more »