Contribution by Chris Bester
During the mid-1980s Safair was requested to provide two passenger Hercs to take part in the World Free Fall sky jumping competition in Quincy Illinois in the United States.
A detailed inspection by the US Federal Aviation Authority took place at the airport of entry into the USA to ensure compliance with all FAA rules. The aircraft passed the inspection with flying colours.
Each aircraft was loaded with 150 jumpers and additional D-rings had to be fitted to the floors of the aircraft to accommodate the extra parachutists.
A world record was set when 300 parachutists took part in the free-fall flights. Apparently, parachutists with a record of 100 jumps had to free-fall in the nude!
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