Skydiving is an exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping sport that offers a unique sense of freedom and excitement as you freefall from a plane. Among the various types of skydives, one of the most extreme and awe-inspiring is the Halo jump. A Halo (High Altitude, Low Opening) jump is a specialized technique that involves jumping from an aircraft at an incredibly high altitude and then descending to a much lower altitude before deploying the parachute. This jump is often associated with military operations but has also become a part of civilian skydiving for experienced jumpers seeking an extreme experience.
If you’re familiar with tandem skydiving or have seen videos of people swooping down from the sky at high speeds, then you have an idea of the rush that comes with this sport. However, a Halo jump is a whole different level of skydiving. It pushes the limits of both skill and adrenaline, as it combines high-altitude jumps with precise parachute control and timing. In this article, we will explore what exactly a Halo jump is, how it’s performed, and why it’s such a unique and thrilling aspect of skydiving.
What Is A Halo Jump?
A Halo jump involves jumping from an aircraft at a very high altitude, typically above 20,000 feet (around 6,000 meters), which is far higher than typical skydives. This altitude is much higher than what you would experience in regular swooping skydiving or even tandem skydiving. The skydiver freefalls from this high altitude before deploying their parachute at a much lower altitude—usually below 2,500 feet (around 762 meters). The purpose of the low-altitude deployment is to reduce the amount of time spent under the canopy and ensure a safe and quick descent.
The High Altitude, Low Opening (HALO) jump gets its name because of this unique combination: jumping from a high altitude but opening the parachute at a lower altitude than usual. The jump can last anywhere from 45 seconds to over a minute, depending on the altitude, freefall speed, and specific conditions.
While tandem skydiving is popular for beginners because it involves jumping with an instructor, a Halo jump requires significant experience. It is typically only done by highly skilled skydivers, often those with a military background, or civilian jumpers seeking to push the limits of their skydiving experience.
History and Military Origins
The concept of a Halo jump was initially developed by military forces, particularly the United States Army Special Forces, as part of covert operations. These operations required soldiers to jump from high altitudes in order to avoid detection by enemy radar systems. The idea behind the high altitude and low opening is to minimize the time a skydiver spends in the air, making it harder for enemy forces to detect the jump and respond.
One of the primary advantages of a Halo jump in a military context is the ability to parachute into hostile territory while remaining undetected. By jumping from a very high altitude, soldiers could effectively “skip” over detection systems that would normally spot lower-altitude jumps. Once the jumpers deploy their parachutes, they can land quickly and proceed with their mission.
Today, while Halo jumps are still used by the military, they have become a part of the civilian skydiving community as well. Many experienced skydivers now seek out the challenge of performing a Halo jump for the adrenaline rush and the technical skill required.
Why Do People Do Halo Jumps?
Halo jumps are performed by a variety of skydiving enthusiasts, but the primary motivation for most people is the thrill and challenge that comes with it. Here are some reasons why people choose to do a Halo jump:
Adrenaline Rush: The extreme height, freefall, and low-altitude parachute deployment create an unmatched adrenaline rush. For those who seek the ultimate thrill in skydiving, a Halo jump is an unforgettable experience.
Skill Development: Halo jumps are one of the most difficult types of skydives, requiring expert-level skill in freefall and parachute control. Many experienced skydivers attempt Halo jumps to push their abilities further.
Military and Special Operations: For military personnel and special operations forces, Halo jumps are essential for stealthy operations. The ability to drop into hostile environments undetected is a valuable tactical skill.
How Does a Halo Jump Work?
A Halo jump is highly technical, and there are several critical steps involved in successfully completing the jump. These jumps are not for beginners, and even experienced skydivers must undergo specialized training before performing a Halo jump.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how a Halo jump works:
1. Preparation and Planning
The first step in a Halo jump is careful planning. A jumper must be trained in high-altitude skydiving, parachute deployment techniques, and emergency procedures. This type of jump requires high-level skill, and the jumper must be comfortable with freefall and parachute control.
Typically, before the jump, the skydiver will meet with a team of experts who will plan the jump’s altitude, route, and landing zone. Weather conditions, especially wind and visibility, are also crucial factors in determining when and how the jump will take place.
2. High Altitude Exit
During a Halo jump, the aircraft ascends to an altitude typically between 20,000 and 35,000 feet (around 6,000 to 10,500 meters). This is far higher than the typical tandem skydiving jump, which usually occurs around 10,000 to 15,000 feet. The skydiver is dressed in a jumpsuit, helmet, and oxygen mask, as the thin atmosphere at such high altitudes makes breathing difficult without supplemental oxygen.
Once the aircraft reaches the designated altitude, the jumper exits the plane. At this point, the jump is very similar to regular skydiving, but because of the extreme altitude, the jumper will experience a longer freefall than usual.
3. Freefall
The freefall phase of a Halo jump can last anywhere from 45 seconds to several minutes, depending on the altitude and freefall speed. Since the jumper is exiting the plane at such a high altitude, they will accelerate quickly towards terminal velocity. The feeling of freefall is intense, and the skydiver will likely experience wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour (193 km/h).
During the freefall, the skydiver must maintain control and position their body correctly to ensure they’re heading towards the designated landing area. Maintaining balance and positioning is crucial, as any mistakes can lead to dangerous spins or loss of control. This is why advanced skydiving experience is necessary for a successful Halo jump.
4. Parachute Deployment
One of the defining features of a Halo jump is the low-altitude deployment. While most skydiving jumps involve deploying the parachute at around 5,000 to 6,000 feet (1,500 to 1,800 meters), a Halo jump typically has the parachute deployed below 2,500 feet. This low deployment is designed to minimize the amount of time the jumper is exposed to the elements and to reduce the likelihood of detection in military operations.
The parachute is deployed manually, and once the canopy opens, the jumper transitions from freefall into a controlled descent. In this phase, the skydiver can adjust their descent speed and direction, ensuring a smooth and controlled landing.
5. Landing
After deploying the parachute, the skydiver will glide down to the ground, using the parachute to slow their descent. As with regular skydiving, they must navigate any obstacles and adjust their speed to make a safe and precise landing. In many cases, the landing area is carefully chosen, often in open fields or designated drop zones.
Since the parachute opens at a lower altitude than typical skydiving, the jumper has less time to adjust their flight path and make corrections. This requires advanced skills in parachute control and landing techniques.
Safety Considerations for Halo Jumps
While a Halo jump is an exhilarating experience, it also comes with significant risks due to the high altitude and low-altitude parachute deployment. Safety is paramount, and extreme caution is taken when preparing for such a jump.
Some key safety considerations include:
Oxygen Use: At high altitudes, the air pressure is so low that supplemental oxygen is needed to avoid hypoxia (lack of oxygen). Skydivers must be equipped with oxygen masks to breathe comfortably during the climb and the initial stages of the jump.
Training: Only highly trained skydivers should attempt a Halo jump. The jumper must be proficient in freefall, parachute control, and emergency procedures.
Equipment: The equipment used for Halo jumps is specialized and must be in perfect condition. This includes oxygen tanks, parachutes, helmets, and altimeters.
Weather: Weather conditions are critical to the safety of a Halo jump. Wind, visibility, and cloud cover must be monitored closely to ensure a safe jump.
Conclusion
A Halo jump in skydiving is a highly specialized, extreme form of skydiving that pushes both skill and adrenaline to the limit. Whether you’re an experienced skydiver seeking the next big thrill or a member of a military team performing a covert operation, the Halo jump offers a unique and exciting challenge. With the right equipment, training, and preparation, you can experience the thrill of high-altitude, low-opening jumps that will leave you with unforgettable memories.