Gear & Industry Spotlight | Aug 01, 2018
Documentary To Feature Blind Skydiver

USPA Staff

Who said the words “skydiving” and “blind” couldn’t be uttered in the same sentence? Certainly not John Fleming. Well known in the skydiving community, Fleming made 1,938 solo skydives, 1,200 or more after he lost his sight. Although Fleming’s closest buddies urged him to quit jumping when his sight deteriorated, he refused to give up the sport. It’s believed that Fleming was the first blind person to implement methods for jumping solo safely. He turned his passion for skydiving into a platform for encouraging people with disabilities to pursue their dreams despite barriers.

In June 2016, John passed away after a second battle with lung cancer. Now his wife, Darian, has put together a team, Flying Blind Productions, to bring Fleming’s story to the big screen. She is looking for photos or video footage of her husband, who attended boogies all over the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere in the United States, including Montana and Florida. She is also looking for footage of anyone guiding him down by radio. Those with footage may send an email to producers@blindjohnmovie.com or call Darian Slayton Fleming at (503) 522-3272. Those who are interested in more information or partnership opportunities may visit the Blind John Movie page on Facebook or visit blindjohnmovie.com.

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Frank

4/2/2019 4:55 AM

In 1986 I was a pilot for the Albany skydiving center. In those days we were operating out of a small strip called Knox just outside of Duanesberg NY.

I remember taking a blind man out for a skydive. It was his first jump and it was a static line drop. He jumped alone. I remember his guide dog waiting for him at the drop zone.

Regards

Frank

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