NDP skydiving displays can challenge even the best of parachutists, say former commandos

NDP skydiving displays can challenge even the best of parachutists, say former commandos

Parachutists getting in crosswinds need to immediately slow down, avoid changing direction and brace for landing by adopting the particular “feet knee locking mechanism tight” position, he or she said, adding they should break their particular fall by moving.

“You are unable to change path because it’s too low. But it all occurs in a split second. Discover very little time (to react), ” this individual stated.

However , Mr Tan acknowledged that display parachutists often have to land in small places, like centre stage at The Float. Mister Leow said they have jumped into the pool at the former Big Splash, the Chinese language Garden and other smaller stadiums as part of skydiving displays.

“The distance of landing is so short, so that they are trying their best in order to land within that will distance. So I believe a lot of factors have to be adjusted accordingly, inch Mr Tan said.

“It’s distinctive from like an airfield where the drop zone is really huge. So you can manoeuvre (and land further away), just that you should walk longer. inch

The Ministry of Defence stated in a Facebook submit in 2019 the fact that Red Lions have to land close to the centre of the stage so that everyone can get an excellent view regardless of where they will sit.

“Landing at the Padang is not any easy feat, inch the ministry stated of that year’s NDP display. “The problems include the sudden wind rush when the Crimson Lions enter the designated drop zone as well as the need to steer far from nearby trees plus buildings. ”

Furthermore, Mr Tan said the Reddish colored Lions are using sports activity chutes that are smaller than conventional military chutes. While these sport chutes tend to be more manoeuvrable, they are also more susceptible to strong winds, he said.

The heat from the asphalt in the landing zone – significantly warmer than the air over – could also increase and create currents, leading to turbulent conditions on low altitudes, Mister Tan said.

“EVERY JUMP IS REALLY A NEW JUMP”

It is difficult to realize these complexities when seeing the Reddish colored Lions pull off prosperous jumps year after year, plus Mr Tan said this is also precisely why the SAF places a lot of emphasis on teaching its parachutists plus ensuring their abilities are up to date.

“Sometimes you just make your best, and hope nothing will surface, inch he said.

“I think most people there (in the particular Red Lions) are experienced enough to know what is going on, but just that s*** happens. These are external factors that will nobody can forecast. ”

In a 2009 essay within the Red Lions,   Mr Lam Shiu Tong, who was the main commando officer from 2006 to last year, said the parachutists often jump within “seldom favourable” conditions with strong wind gusts and urban hurdles.

“Once the Red Lion opens his canopy, he can have to follow the ‘stack’ sequence and initial his own parachute to land within 10m of the landing strip, ” he had written.

“In this case, the difference between a good landing and a broken limb may be metres or inches away. Everything at this time is purely influenced by the parachutist’s evaluation and decision-making skills. No help can be provided at this point! inch

Mr Leow said he has attended world skydiving meets and seen skilled parachutists with more than six, 000 jumps botch their landings and break their hip and legs.

“There is a risk, ” he or she added. “It can never be the same leap; every jump is a new jump. ”