gslade@medicinehatnews.com
The hot humid air added to the sense of anticipation as an airplane circled high above the Medicine Hat Stampede and Exhibition grounds on Thursday afternoon.
What at first looked like tiny black specks in the sky, suddenly burst into focus at 6000 ft above the ground as parachutes opened to reveal Canadian flags.
Two members of the SkyHawks, the Canadian Forces Parachute Team, trailed a rainbow of coloured smoke. They turned in a corkscrew spiral, dropping at 60 kilometres per hour, with the smoke sketching out the perfect manoeuvre.
“Before the canopy opens we’re dropping at 120 mph and afterwards at 1000 ft a minute,” said Sgt. Travis Hegland.
The SkyHawks were engaged by the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede to add some pizzazz to the official opening of the city’s foremost summer festival.
Mission accomplished.
A formation jump of three members allowed for a complete 180 degree canopy of Canadian flags, beautifully clear against the blue sky.
Most of the jumpers carefully steered their way to a seemingly comfortable landing. Some even landed on their feet at the in field to the delight of the large crowd in the grandstand.
“It was spectacular and they are highly skilled,” said Brett Lynde who was watching the SkyHawks’ demonstration for the first time. “A lot of practise goes in to putting on a show like this.”
In preparation for the parachute jumps a wind streamer had been dropped from the airplane to gauge the wind direction and how it would affect their jumps. Adding to the challenge of landing at the in field jumpers had to take into account the position of the grandstand. It would alter any possible wind direction in the in field just as they were preparing to land.
The intense training and plenty of practise mad the SkyHawks a pleasure to watch.
“We start practicing manoeuvres from the very beginning of our training,” said Hegland who has completed 800 jumps.
Even after that many jumps he says there is still an adrenaline rush each and every time.
“If that stopped I would quit jumping,” said Hegland. “It helps to keep you safe.