I arrived at the airport. Unfortunately, I was on the other side of the airstrip. I was on the side with the hangers. The adventure school, Freefall Adventures, was on the other. Since the road crossing was very long, someone suggested that I cross across the airstrip, but watch out for incoming or outgoing planes !!

As is now evident, I did cross the airstrip. Then I was made to watch a 15 minute video that basically was a prep to be sure that you understand the dangers of skydiving and the content of the disclaimers you sign. After that I signed a form, in about 25 places, saying that I will not sue the school, instructor, parachute company, plane company, etc. etc. if anything, ahem, goes wrong. Basically I give away all my legal rights. Sure, no problem. A F-1 student does not have much rights anyway.

Then I use the restroom facilities. I can feel the tingling now. I meet my instructor, Giorgio Armani, Italian. Looks like late 30's early 40's. That's reassuring. He tells me, "What we are going to do is very simple", sure about as simple as jumping off a plane, ha. Offers me a jumpsuit but suggest that I not wear it since it is not too cold. Attaches a harness, very tight and makes me jump off a 3 feet high platform. I land safely with my knees bent, so he is impressed (heeeee). Next he tells me the whole deal. "We will fly to 13,000 ft, then freefall to 5,000 ft and then open the parachute", Asks me if I want to open the parachute, sure I say, no problemo. Then I meet my cameraman, Jeff, we do a quick interview, then go to the waiting area, "For skydivers only". The plane arrives. It looks like a big matchbox with vertically installed ceiling fans on both sides. Looking at the plane, I am prepared to freefall before we reach the planned altitude. He asks me to climb aboard, "Try not to walk into the propellors", aircraft-humor, but sounds very funny. The interior of the aircraft was about as impressive as the exterior. Also probably the first aircraft I flew in that did not have seats. Why waste space ? So about 8 people crammed in, sitting in two rows one behind the other. My instructor behind me and the cameraman in front of me. I have a little altimeter on my wrist and watch it move as the plane rises. Also, nobody remembered to shut the door and it didn't seem to bother anybody, we are going to jump out anyway, aren't we ?

At about 10,000 ft, he gives me final instructions. Tells me that he is attaching my harness to his, probably the most reassuring clicks I ever heard. Then shows me where the parachute handle is. Says, "Cross you arms, once you are out, look up at the aircraft then open you arms and arch back, Enjoy". Everybody else starts fidgeting, the pilot says something about a small jump window and no second pass. At about 12,500 ft, the little green light comes on. The guy nearest to the door is gone and others are leaving. Once everybody is gone, we inch forward and I can see New Jersey below, it is beautful. He asks me to sit on the edge of the door with my feet dangling outside. Are you kidding ? But I do it. This was the only moment that I felt a _bit_ uncomfortable. Who wouldn't while sitting at 13,000 ft on the edge of the door of an aircraft with your feet outside.

With a little rocking movement, he takes a deep breath, says, " One, two, go" and then ......... The biggest rush of adrenlin for 60 seconds and you see the land under you and actually fell like you are flying rather than falling. The cameraman had jumped out a few moments ago and suddenly appeared from nowhere just a few feet below me. It was just great. There is a lot of noise, I am falling at 120 miles/hour. My feeling are better captured on the video.

Suddenly the parachute opens and I am pulled up, when I look at altimeter, it says 4000ft. I remember having told the instructor that I will open the chute at 5000ft, guess I forgot !! He got it for me. Suddenly the noise is gone and there is silence everywhere. He points out philly, I notice that almost every home in the area has a swimming pool. He shows me how to steer the parachure. I am now enjoying the view. I see the plane that we jumped off about to land and my cameraman has already landed. I see the small landing patch with a X on it. It is next to the airstrip. Our landing is perfect. No one falls. Jeff is there to capture the landing. Its over.

Now I know why birds sing.