World Record Attempt - Golden Knights Alumni

World Record Attempt Succeeds April 14, 2010 Photos Courtesy of Sean Capogreco, USAPT - Media Relations

		At 7:49am, on April 14, 2010 SSG Ben Borger exited a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft that was flying at an altitude of 32,000 feet and captured the Guiness World Record for farthest distance traveled while in free fall, 11.5 miles. During his flight of 6 minutes, 35 seconds, Borger wore a special winged suit that has been compared to a flying squirrel or called the "Bird Man" suit. The wings of the suit inflate and fill with air similar to a parachute; therefore, it catches more air and lets the sky diver stay aloft longer in free fall. Activities such as these help the US Army develop better equipment and tactical resources. During this flight, SSG Borger also tested a new parachute harness which holds oxygen equipment. (Click the Images to Enlarge)
Specialized training, intense planning and great team work helped SSG Borger accomplish this feat. Integral to his success were Air Force CPT Bryan Bailey and the experienced flight crew. They had the skills and training to perform such a specialized jump. They even had a back-up plane which was hastily pressed into service. It takes perserverance, skill and the efforts of many people to be successful. Even civilians pitch in. When complications in the sky forced SSG Borger to land in a farmer's field far from cell phone coverage, he gathered his gear and hiked 4 miles to Dustin Spradlin who he had seen while still air borne. Mr Spradlin helped Borger to connect with the rest of his team. Congratulations, SSG Borger & Golden Knights, on a well-executed and successful mission.

	To learn more about SSG Ben Borger, click the image at left.		To perform jumps from very high altitudes, jumpers must wear special gear, including special helmuts and oxygen masks. Low oxygen and extreme cold, perhaps as low as -50 degrees, are some of the conditions they have to overcome. Some of SSG Borger's gear is shown at left and includes: a wing suit, special gloves & helmet, oxygen mask, and GoPro cameras so he can record the event.


		Attempting to break World Records in sky diving is not something you can do alone. You need a team to help you succeed. This team included members from both the Golden Knights and Altus Air Force Base.
Center above: SSG Borger discusses the upcoming jump with flight surgeon, LTC Randy McCalip & MSG Laub Photos at left and right show teammate and jumpmaster SFC Arlyn Slade assisting SSG Ben Borger to dress in his wing suit and gear.


Because SSG Borger is jumping from such a high altitude, he must adjust his blood gases to prevent hypoxia,which would be life threatening without this precaution. To prepare for the jump, he breathes from his special oxygen gear for at least one hour prior to launch. Each crew member who flew with SSG Borger also prepared for the flight with "pre-breathing".

		Stand By... Go!