The Pioneers Behind the First Free Fall Wingsuit Flight: A Historical Overview

Wingsuit flying is a thrilling adventure sport that allows individuals to glide through the air on lightweight suits equipped with fabric or rigid wings. This exhilarating activity gained widespread attention when the first person to fly in free fall wearing a wingsuit was identified. This article explores the pioneers behind this sport and the early developments that paved the way for modern wingsuit flying.

Patrick de Gayardon: The First Free Fall Flight

Patrick de Gayardon is often credited as the first person to fly in free fall wearing a wingsuit. In 1997, he made a notable jump that marked the beginning of this extraordinary sport. His innovative wingsuit design and flying techniques significantly contributed to the sport's evolution.

However, it is important to note that wingsuits had been in development prior to de Gayardon's jump. Various prototypes were tested by other skydivers, including Clem Sohn, an American daredevil, and a French parachutist, Leo Valentin. These early pioneers laid the groundwork for the modern wingsuit.

Clem Sohn: An American Daredevil

Clem Sohn was one of the first individuals to gain fame for his successful jumps with a wingsuit. Despite his innovations, his brief career ended tragically in 1937 when his parachute failed to open.

Leo Valentin: The Ground-Breaking French Parachutist

Leo Valentin, a French parachutist, is often considered the most famous pioneer of wingsuiting. Prior to his winged adventures, Valentin served as an army parachute instructor. During World War II, he parachuted into France to support the Resistance, where he was eventually wounded in combat. After the war, he set several freefall records by discovering a stable fall position.

Valentin's dreams extended beyond the invention of a stable fall position. He experimented with various types of wings, both cloth and rigid, in an attempt to achieve horizontal flight. These experiments culminated in a potentially groundbreaking moment, where his last design of a rigid, quite elongated wingsuit claimed his life. During an airshow in Liverpool on 21st May 1956, one of the wings broke upon departing the aircraft, causing violent spinning that prevented him from opening his parachute.

Further Reading and Resources

For a more in-depth exploration of the pioneering of wingsuit flying, I recommend the book "Birdmen, Batmen and Skyflyers" by Michael Abrams. This comprehensive resource provides detailed insights into the early days of wingsuit flying and the individuals who significantly contributed to its development.

Lastly, if you prefer a more visual approach, there are numerous online resources and image galleries that chronicle the early days of wingsuit flying. These visual stories offer a captivating glimpse into the history and spirit of this extraordinary sport.