Car from a Plane: The Legendary Jump for 'You Bet'

It was 1999 when Reinout Oerlemans, then affiliated with RTL4, approached us with an unusual request. For his program 'Wedden Dat' (You Bet), he was looking for a spectacular wager. As a professional skydiving team, we were known for our expertise in demonstration jumps and were asked to brainstorm a stunt that pushed the boundaries of what was possible. The idea emerged to launch a car from a flying cargo plane. Hiring a parachute demonstration for an event is one thing, but dropping a vehicle from the sky was an entirely different scale.

The preparations were intense. In the desert of Casa Grande, Arizona, we faced complex calculations and strict safety protocols. It wasn't just about releasing the car; two skydivers had to exit the car while it was still airborne. After twenty seconds of freefall, they left the vehicle, after which the car continued its uncontrolled descent. The team opened their parachutes at nine hundred meters and landed safely, while the car burrowed into the sand. Booking a demonstration skydive with such complexity requires years of experience and flawless execution.

The wager hinged on the precision of the impact. Could the car land on a predetermined target? Despite all efforts and calculations, a 'bullseye' proved to be a bridge too far. The car did not land exactly on the spot, but it was in the vicinity. Bob Draijer, one of our experienced jumpers, still managed to land near the car wreckage. A feat of precision landing amidst the debris, which underscored the professionalism of our team. Hiring such a parachute demonstration for an airshow or a corporate skydiving event demands utmost concentration and coordination. It was an unforgettable experience that affirmed ParaDemo's ability to deliver exceptional skydive event organization.

Can you use any location for a demonstration? No, not every location is suitable. We need sufficient space for landing and must take into account air traffic control and local regulations. We always discuss this prior to booking a parachute demonstration.

What makes ParaDemo unique in demonstration skydiving? Our years of experience, focus on safety, and the ability to perform complex and customized demonstrations, such as the car stunt, set us apart. Every project is approached with the utmost care and professionalism.

Is a tandem jump from a helicopter also possible for a corporate outing? Absolutely. A helicopter tandem jump offers a unique experience and is a popular option for, for example, a corporate skydiving event. Contact us for possibilities and a customized quote.