RAFA Jumps is a wonderful experience for many members of the RAF community and we were delighted to receive this short story from Garry Lees after he took part in the event earlier this year.
"It was a cold, dark evening in January 2025, after the Christmas festivities had ended and I sat looking outside into the darkness of the sky above. Something stirred inside me, a yearning to do something different, something challenging, that would awaken my senses and give me that feeling of being 'alive'. The sky above me was calling, and it was that moment I decided to do a skydive.
"I have been involved with the RAF throughout my lifetime, from a young Air Cadet to a member of the RAuxAF and latterly as a uniformed instructor at the local Air Cadet Squadron. I felt a compelling need to give something back to the RAF family and so I decided I wanted to complete a skydive raising funds in support of the RAF Assocation.
"The RAFA Jumps day came around quickly, and the day was blessed with perfect weather. The sky was clear blue, not a cloud in sight. As I arrived at the airfield at Netheravon, I could see many flecks of colour descending towards the ground, some at a fast pace, others more serenely floating downwards. "This is going to be awesome," I thought, my excitement mounting.
"In preparation for the jump, a short video was played highlighting the necessary safety requirements. A participant asked, "What if my chute doesn't open?". The instructor asked how they arrived at the airfield and after being told "by car from London" proceeded to inform the group that they were more likely to have an accident arriving at the airfield than they were during the jump. The parachute system contains three parachutes and a sensor which automatically deploys the chute at a certain height, ensuring as safe a landing as possible, in the event the chute is not deployed manually. This offered reassurance to the anxious skydivers.
"The beautiful weather dictated shorts and T-shirt only and after the parachute fitting and practice in the rig on how to land correctly, it was time to go. The aircraft arrived and the group boarded in the dive pairs. My instructor was great, currently serving and an expert in his field. I had no concerns whatsoever.
"The aircraft climbed to 13,500ft and the side door opened. Experienced individuals were the first out, gone in a second. I shuffled forward with my instructor after checking that we were attached together and straps pulled tight. Sitting on the lip of the door, feet dangling over the side, the view was spectacular. Head back, legs tucked backwards and on the third nod, we went out the door.
"The initial feeling was one of euphoria, falling headfirst at phenomenal speed. Then the first small chute was deployed to slow the descent.
"This was the fun, playful part. Body horizontal, the cameraman was directly facing opposite, smiling. I was beaming back, thumbs up, giving the OK, heart signs and other gestures, reflecting my jubilation. Spinning around and taking in the view at 10,000 feet or so was truly breathtaking.
"In no time at all, the' 3-2-1' finger count signaled the end of freefall, as the main chute was deployed and I waved goodbye to the cameraman. The descent slowed further and now dangling beneath the canopy, I took the opportunity to admire the view from about 6,000 feet.
"After a couple of sharp turns left and right, the ground was closing in fast, and I adopted the seated landing position. Touchdown was perfect, following a glide approach to the designated landing area. Wow, just wow. That was awesome. I loved every second of the jump, from the moment I sat on the lip of the exit, falling headfirst out the door, freefalling, spinning and the spiraling descent under the canopy, it was fun, exhilarating and a must do again adventure. I recommend the RAFA skydive to any would be adventurer and thrill seeker. Just do it!
"I was fortunate enough to have the support of many people in raising £1,135 for RAFA. Roll on the next challenge in 2026!"
