Wingsuit flying (or wingsuiting ) is an extreme air sport where participants wear a specialized jumpsuit with fabric wings between the arms and legs, allowing them to glide through the air like a flying squirrel or bird. Pilots leap from cliffs, planes, or helicopters, reaching speeds of 100–200 mph (160–320 km/h) while controlling their flight path before deploying a parachute for landing.
How Wingsuit Flying Works
- The Wingsuit:
- Made of nylon or polyester with airfoil-shaped wings (arm wings and leg wings).
- Increases surface area to generate lift-to-drag ratio (L/D)—advanced suits can glide 2.5–3 meters forward for every 1 meter dropped.
- Launch:
- BASE Jumping: From cliffs or structures (e.g., mountains, skyscrapers).
- Skydiving: From planes at 10,000–15,000 ft (3,000–4,500 m).
- Flight & Control:
- Pilots steer by shifting body weight, adjusting arm/leg angles, and arching their torso.
- Proximity Flying: Experts skim close to terrain (e.g., mountain ridges) for added thrill.
- Landing:
- A parachute is deployed at 2,500–4,000 ft (750–1,200 m) for a safe descent.
Why is Wingsuit Flying So Popular?
1. Ultimate Adrenaline Rush
- Combines skydiving, BASE jumping, and human flight—one of the most extreme sports on Earth.
- Proximity flying (inches from cliffs) delivers unmatched intensity.
2. Sensation of True Human Flight
- Unlike parachuting, wingsuits allow minutes of freefall gliding (vs. seconds in regular skydiving).
- Pilots describe it as the closest humans can get to flying like a bird.
3. Media & Social Media Boom
- Viral videos (e.g., Jeb Corliss’ “Grinding The Crack”) and documentaries (The Art of Flight) showcase jaw-dropping footage.
- Featured in films (Point Break remake, Transformers 3).
4. Competitive Scene & Records
- World Wingsuit League (WWL) hosts races and acrobatic competitions.
- Records:
- Distance Flown: 18.26 miles (29.4 km) by Kyle Lobpries (2017).
- Speed: 246 mph (396 km/h) in a hybrid wingsuit-skyrocket dive.
5. Technological Advancements
- Modern suits (e.g., Phoenix-Fly, Squirrel) improve safety and glide ratios.
- Tracking parachutes and impact-resistant helmets reduce risks.
6. Elite Community & Lifestyle
- Icons like Uli Emanuele (RIP), Alexander Polli, and Roberta Mancino inspire newcomers.
- Requires 500+ skydives/BASE jumps before wingsuit training—creating an exclusive, skilled subculture.
7. Breathtaking Locations
- Famous wingsuit hubs:
- Lauterbrunnen (Switzerland) – The “Mecca of BASE jumping.”
- Kjerag (Norway) – Cliff jumps with fjord backdrops.
- Mount Tianmen (China) – “Heaven’s Gate” arch flights.
Wingsuit Flying vs. Other Air Sports
| Feature | Wingsuit Flying | Skydiving | Paragliding | Hang Gliding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 100–200+ mph | 120 mph | 20–50 mph | 30–90 mph |
| Flight Time | 2–5 min freefall | 60 sec freefall | 1–4 hours | Hours (with lift) |
| Risk Level | Extreme (high fatality rate) | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Skill Barrier | 500+ jumps required | Low (tandem friendly) | Beginner-friendly | Steeper learning curve |
The Dark Side: Risks & Controversy
- High Fatality Rate: ~1 death per 500 participants (mostly due to proximity flying errors).
- Legal Restrictions: Banned in some areas (e.g., parts of the Alps after fatal accidents).
- Ethical Debates: Critics argue it glorifies unnecessary risk.
Fun Facts
- The first modern wingsuit was invented in 1999 by Jari Kuosma (Finnish skydiver).
- “Wingsuit BASE jumping” is considered the most dangerous form of the sport.
- Squirrels and flying snakes inspired early wingsuit designs.
Conclusion
Wingsuit flying captivates the global sports market through its unparalleled adrenaline, cinematic visuals, and elite daredevil culture. While its extreme risks limit mass participation, the sport thrives as a symbol of human audacity and technological innovation in flight.