Wingsuit Flying: Using Science to Minimize the Risk

A former fighter pilot turned wingsuit BASE jumper, Richard Web, 42, works as an airplane pilot and lives in Moab, Utah, where he and his wingsuit partner Matthew Fleischman map out the ideal route for their wingsuit BASE jumps. Webb, who has a degree in aeronautical engineering, approached wingsuit BASE jumping like an engineer. Using laser range finders, GPS devices, and an inclinometer, he and Fleischmann developed a model of data collection that helped them calculate whether flying from a particular exit point was mathematically survivable. With a co-operation with National Geographic, Webb released a video, showing how it works, finding the best, and hopefully safest, routes for his and his buddy's jumps. Way to go Richard!