11-21-2006, 09:18 AM
While I never wear a PFD, I don't want to discuss that. I do however want to correct your assumtion about air travel. While you might be an expert on the ground, I might know a little something about the air.
First: It's not only possible to jump from 42,000 feet, it's done many times each year. It's called a HALO (high altitude low opening) or HAHO (high altitude high opening) jump. I've done both many times.
Second: All commercial aircraft are limited to a 42,000 foot ceiling. It's called an ALTRAV (airliner travel route) and all aircraft are required to travel in it. There are exceptions for military aircraft working within an approved military range or MOA (military operating area). Private aircraft flying via VFR (visual flight rules) can be exempt as well depending on their flight plan.
Third: Speed of the aircraft has nothing to do with the ability to jump out of it. Basic physics lesson, a body in motion tends to stay in motion (Mr. Cole thaught me that in high school) it just hurts more to do it at high speed.
Forth: The reason they don't give parachutes to civilians is the flight crew can't even get the morons to stay in their seats before they get to the gate. How would they ever teach them to use a parachute in 5 seconds or less?
By the way, thanks for being a cop. It's a profession I could never do. I do really like you guys.
IFG
When a free people trade liberty for security, they shall have, nor deserve either.
--Thomas Jefferson
First: It's not only possible to jump from 42,000 feet, it's done many times each year. It's called a HALO (high altitude low opening) or HAHO (high altitude high opening) jump. I've done both many times.
Second: All commercial aircraft are limited to a 42,000 foot ceiling. It's called an ALTRAV (airliner travel route) and all aircraft are required to travel in it. There are exceptions for military aircraft working within an approved military range or MOA (military operating area). Private aircraft flying via VFR (visual flight rules) can be exempt as well depending on their flight plan.
Third: Speed of the aircraft has nothing to do with the ability to jump out of it. Basic physics lesson, a body in motion tends to stay in motion (Mr. Cole thaught me that in high school) it just hurts more to do it at high speed.
Forth: The reason they don't give parachutes to civilians is the flight crew can't even get the morons to stay in their seats before they get to the gate. How would they ever teach them to use a parachute in 5 seconds or less?
By the way, thanks for being a cop. It's a profession I could never do. I do really like you guys.
IFG
When a free people trade liberty for security, they shall have, nor deserve either.
--Thomas Jefferson