Swooping into Paradise
by Scott Roberts

Most Ecuadorians have not seen many parachutists let alone a one doing 60 mph a couple feet over the ground. On April 6th, 7th and 8th the locals had the opportunity to witness some of the world�s top canopy pilots on three of the country's favorite beaches. Isaiah McCauliffe and Scott Roberts (Team Fastrax Swoop) joined Jonathan Tagle and J.C. Colclasure (PD Factory Team) in a swoop event created by Karina Willerup of Exotic Sky Adventures.

The event began with a press conference held in the city of Guayaquil to promote the local energy drink, "220V". News of the swoop demo hit local TV and radio stations that afternoon. Three beautiful beaches along the coast of Ecuador in three days. The demo team was flown to each location in a private Twin Piper Seneca provided by the PR agency who organized the event.

In front of large crowds of curious spectators, the demo team performed 2-way and 3-way synchronized landings, criss cross landings and wing suit jumps. After the jumps, swoopers were mobbed by spectators looking for photo opportunities, free stickers, or pull-up cords. As the "220V" girls danced to Latin music the demo team flung logoed frisbees out into the crowd. It was clear the events left a lasting impression with the South American locals.

As the demo team boarded the plane home they all felt the satisfaction of a job well done, and a lingering sadness to leave the place that had welcomed them so warmly. Throughout the journey each had experienced an open, passionate, and welcoming friendliness of the Ecuadorian people, and none would soon forget their chance to swoop into paradise...

 

Check out the short video on YouTube.com

In late March, Discovery Channel's TV show, "Stunt Junkies", shot an episode featuring PD Factory Team members Jonathan Tagle and J.C. Colclasure at the Foresthill Bridge in Auburn, CA. The show is scheduled to air on May 21st.

Excellent weather conditions during the 3-day shoot provided a spectacular backdrop for a stunt that consisted of a combination Swoop and BASE jump. Tagle was to swoop a Velocity 79 down onto the bridge then up and over a 4.5 foot tall rail before initiating a cut-away sequence that would put him back into freefall, and then deploy a BASE canopy (Black Jack 240) for a landing in the canyon 730 feet below.

The tricky part was the cut-away sequence between the Swoop and BASE jump. A special cut-away harness had to be developed by Asylum Designs, makers of the Perigee Pro BASE container. Several practice jumps were made on the system, days before the actual stunt, to insure the transition would go smoothly. The "Black Jack" BASE canopy used for the stunt was design by Consolidated Rigging and manufactured by Performance Designs.

"When you are attempting something new there are many unknown variables that need to be identified in order to minimize the risks," said Tagle. "Doing a few practice swoops and BASE jumps during the first two days helped build the confidence needed to execute the stunt on game day."

Eli Thompson, host of the show and experienced skydiver and BASE jumper, and Perry Barndt, co-host and former Hollywood stunt man also helped analyze the possible dangers involved in such a stunt. "With safety first attitudes and this much experience to pool from we were confident the stunt would be successful," said Colclasure.

On stunt day it was "GO" time. As the production crew got into position, Tagle and Colclasure headed to the chopper one last time. Local officers stopped traffic on the bridge, as pilot Erik Vandagriff ascended to 4000 feet for the exit. With cameraman Colclasure following close behind, Tagle executed the stunt flawlessly. As the pair landed safely on target, the cut-away main canopy drifted near the dirt path behind them.

Tune in to Discovery Channel's "Stunt Junkies" on May 21st to catch this episode. This is one you won't want to miss. For more info go to: www.discovery.com/stuntjunkies

March 9th, J.C. Colclasure of the PD Factory Team traveled to Dallas for a unique opportunity to expose skydiving to teens nationwide! Partners, "Just Say Yes", Justin & Emily Lookadoo (good friends and fellow skydivers) and "Vidano Productions" came together to produce a 3-screen video scheduled for release in September that will be seen nationwide in schools. For 4 grueling days the crew descended upon Skydive Dallas and worked from sun up to dawn. Despite all the hard work, all involved feel passionate about the project and honored to be a part of it.

"Just Say Yes", leaders in teen advocacy, attempt to warn teens of relational dangers such as STDs, HIV and teen pregnancy by paralleling it to the risks of skydiving. Both present dangers but both can be done safely with good decision-making skills, slow progression and proper mentorship. J.C. not only filmed all the skydiving sequences but performed a stunt for the opening sequence. He landed in the back of Justin's 1971 K-5 Blazer as it sped down the runway. A first for J.C.! Guess in this case it means a case of root beer.

Follow the PD Factory Team as they continue the dream of flight.

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