What is a HALO Jump? A Comprehensive Guide to HALO Jumping

HALO (High Altitude, Low Opening) jumping is a military parachuting technique used by special operations forces and some civilian skydivers. It involves jumping out of an airplane at a very high altitude, generally between 25,000 and 35,000 feet. The free-falling for an extended time and opening the parachute at a low altitude. This technique was developed primarily for military infiltration, allowing paratroopers to enter hostile territory undetected. The high-altitude jump permits aircraft to avoid detection by enemy radar and air defenses, while the low opening minimizes the time the parachute is visible from the ground.

You’re about to delve into a topic that stirs the hearts of thrill-seekers and sparks curiosity in those who prefer their feet firmly planted on the ground. This is the world of HALO jumping, where courage meets calculated risk, and the sky becomes a playground for a select few. So, what is a halo jump?

Unraveling the Mystery: What is a HALO Jump?

In a nutshell, HALO stands for High Altitude Low Opening. It’s a specialized type of skydiving where individuals or teams jump from extreme altitudes, typically ranging from 15,000 to 35,000 feet, and delay opening their parachutes until they’re much closer to the ground.

This extended free-fall time is what sets HALO jumps apart from your average skydiving experience. But, it isn’t just about chasing a longer freefall – a HALO jump’s true purpose is often rooted in military strategy. For civilian skydivers, it offers the thrill of extreme altitude jumps.

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Distinguishing HAHO Jumps from HALO Jumps

When contrasting HAHO jumps with HALO jumps, both involve exiting an aircraft at significant altitudes, but their execution and purpose significantly differ.

High Altitude, High Opening (HAHO) Jumps

Parachute Deployment: In a HAHO jump, parachutes are deployed shortly after leaving the aircraft. This immediate release allows the jumper to glide across great distances.
Travel Distance: With this technique, jumpers can cover up to 30 miles, effectively reaching targets far from the drop zone.
Stealth Factor: HAHO jumps are designed to avoid detection. By opening the parachute early, the descent is slower and quieter, minimizing visibility and the chance of being picked up by radar or surveillance systems.

High Altitude, Low Opening (HALO) Jumps

Parachute Deployment: Jumpers in a HALO jump delay parachute deployment until they’re much closer to their target. This results in a long free fall.
Speed and Surprise: The extended freefall means jumpers reach high speeds, making HALO jumps ideal for situations that require quick and undetectable insertion.
Altitude Concealment: Lower parachute deployment ensures that the aircraft’s altitude remains unexposed to ground-based detection technologies.

In essence, while both jumps serve stealth and strategic operational purposes, HAHO jumps prioritize distance and stealth, while HALO jumps focus on speed and surprise.

A Military Maneuver Adopted by Daredevils

While the idea of plummeting through the sky from dizzying heights might seem like pure thrill-seeking, HALO jumps are firmly planted in military strategy. Developed during the Korean War, HALO jumping provided a method for soldiers to infiltrate enemy territory stealthily, minimizing their chances of detection by radar and ground forces.

Think about it – skydivers exit the plane somewhere between 10,000 and 14,000 feet on a typical skydive. HALO jumps allow insertion from high altitudes exceeding this. Over time, a tactical military procedure transitioned into an adventure sport, attracting civilian daredevils who yearned to taste this adrenaline-pumping experience.

Now, dedicated companies like Skydive High offer these incredible experiences. They boast, “Halo jumpers can expect to experience more than two full minutes of freefall.”

Did Tom Cruise Actually Perform a HALO Jump?

Absolutely, Tom Cruise did perform a HALO jump for a movie. During the filming of Mission: Impossible – Fallout, the actor took his commitment to stunts to a new level by executing a HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) jump. This extreme jump involves leaping from a high altitude and deploying the parachute at a low height.

Remarkably, Cruise completed an extraordinary 106 HALO jumps to nail the breathtaking scene set over Paris. His dedication to performing his own stunts is well-known, and this instance was no exception, showcasing his willingness to push limits for authenticity.

Navigating the Challenges of Altitude and Oxygen

Taking a leap of faith from 10,000 feet is one thing. Launching yourself from an altitude that rivals Mount Everest is a different ballgame, bringing challenges, including supplemental oxygen and specialized equipment.

Breathing at the Edge of the Stratosphere

Up in those rarefied heights, oxygen becomes scarce. For civilian HALO jumps that typically exit between 10,000 – 14,000 feet at WNY Skydiving, oxygen is not always needed. However, anytime a jump goes above 15,000 feet, supplementary oxygen becomes crucial for safety, both during the ascent and for a significant portion of the freefall.

HALO jumpers rely on specialized breathing equipment and protocols to prevent hypoxia, a condition caused by insufficient oxygen reaching the body’s tissues. Hypoxia can cause brain fog and physical impairment – a terrifying potential when you’re about to leap from a plane. Proper training and meticulous adherence to safety procedures are paramount.

Gearing Up for the Ultimate Plunge

A successful HALO jump demands a specific gear set alongside functioning bailout oxygen. This equipment extends beyond the standard parachute and jumpsuit. Specialized altimeters designed for higher altitudes, protective clothing against frigid temperatures found at extreme heights, and reliable communication devices to ensure coordination between jumpers are all essential.

The cost of all this specialized gear can easily range from $750 to over $3,000, highlighting the financial commitment involved in pursuing this exhilarating activity.

**HALO Jumping Not For The Faint At Heart**

Safety Essentials and Requirements

To embark on a HALO adventure, every jumper must meet specific safety prerequisites. First and foremost, participants must be at least 18 years old and in good physical health. This ensures that they have the stamina and resilience needed for the extreme conditions encountered during the jump.

Supplemental oxygen is vital for any jump commencing above 15,000 feet, with skydivers needing to start breathing it in at 8,000 feet to counteract the risks of high-altitude hypoxia.

USPA Licensing and Experience

The United States Parachute Association (USPA) outlines clear licensing and experience requirements for HALO jumps at various altitudes:

15,000 to 20,000 feet:
- Must possess at least a USPA B license.
- Must have completed a minimum of 100 jumps.
20,000 to 40,000 feet:
- Participants are required to hold a USPA C license.
- Must have completed at least one jump from 15,000 feet using the same operational bailout oxygen system.
40,000+ feet:
- Must hold a USPA D license.
- Must have completed at least TWO jumps from below 35,000 feet using the same operational bailout oxygen system.

Your HALO tandem instructor will have met all these stringent requirements, ensuring you’re in expert hands. If health concerns exist, consulting a physician before attempting a high-altitude skydive is advised.

Training Beyond the Conventional

Rigorous training is non-negotiable if you’re considering crossing a HALO jump off your bucket list. You won’t just be jumping out of a perfect airplane; you’ll be stepping into the realm of specialized military operations.

Aspiring HALO jumpers undergo rigorous physical conditioning, extensive parachute training, and detailed instruction on high-altitude procedures. This training is crucial for handling the pressure systems and bailout bottles they will encounter, ensuring their safety throughout the jump.

What Can Participants Expect During a HALO Tandem Jump?

Embarking on a HALO (High Altitude, Low Opening) tandem jump is the adventure of a lifetime, offering an unparalleled skydiving experience from the extraordinary height of 18,000 feet. Here’s what awaits thrill-seekers:

Experience the Freefall

Extended Freefall Time: Unlike standard skydives, a HALO jump provides a thrilling 90-second freefall. This means you’ll plunge through the sky at incredible speeds, giving you ample time to savor the adrenaline rush.

Pre-Jump Preparations

Training Session: Before taking off, you’ll participate in a brief training session. This covers essential instructions, safety protocols, and what to expect throughout your jump.
Suit Up: You’ll be equipped with a specially designed jumpsuit and harness. Your tandem instructor, to whom you will be securely attached, will ensure everything is correctly fitted and secure.

Enroute to Altitude

Supplemental Oxygen: As you soar to such great heights, you’ll require supplemental oxygen. This ensures you remain comfortable and clear-headed during the ascent.
Soak in the Views: As you climb, take a moment to absorb the breathtaking views offered at this altitude, a perspective few ever witness.

The Jump

Leap into Adventure: Once at altitude, the moment arrives to exit the aircraft. With your instructor, you’ll step into the void, immediately feeling the exhilarating sensation of freefall.
Ride the Thrill: The initial plunge is all about speed and sensation, heart-racing and senses heightened as the world rushes towards you.

Parachute Deployment and Descent

Controlled Glide: As the parachute opens, the pace slows, transitioning from sheer speed to a serene glide. This part of the jump allows you to appreciate the sprawling vistas below.
Smooth Landing: With guidance from your instructor, you’ll drift downwards for a gentle landing, concluding your skydiving adventure.

Embarking on a HALO tandem jump is not just a dive—it’s a profound journey through the skies, one that promises excitement, unmatched views, and memories that last a lifetime.

Understanding USPA Requirements for HALO Jumps Across Various Altitudes

Planning a HALO jump and curious about what’s required? The United States Parachute Association (USPA) sets specific guidelines based on jump altitude tiers to ensure safety and preparedness.

Basic Requirements for All Skydivers

Age and Health: You must be at least 18 years old and in good physical condition.
Oxygen Supply: Supplemental oxygen is mandatory above 15,000 feet, starting from 8,000 feet, ensuring adequate oxygen during freefall.

Altitude-Specific Requirements

Jumps from 15,000 to 20,000 Feet
- Certification: A USPA B license is mandatory.
- Experience: A background of at least 100 previous jumps is required.
Jumps from 20,000 to 40,000 Feet
- Certification: Participants must carry a USPA C license.
- Experience: You should have completed at least one jump from 15,000 feet, utilizing the same oxygen system intended for higher altitudes.
Jumps Above 40,000 Feet
- Certification: A USPA D license is essential.
- Experience: At least two successful jumps from below 35,000 feet with the same oxygen setup are necessary.

By fulfilling these criteria, skydivers can ensure they meet the safety standards established for HALO jumps, providing a thrilling yet secure experience.

Pushing the Limits: Record-Breaking Heights

Throughout the history of HALO jumping, individuals have constantly sought to push the boundaries of what’s possible, creating intermediate-altitude jumps and extreme-altitude jumps. This has resulted in jaw-dropping feats of human endurance and courage, achieving records at breathtaking heights.

The world watched in awe as daredevil Alan Eustace plummeted from the stratosphere, etching his name in the record books. His jump, reaching a staggering 135,898 feet in 2014, is a powerful testament to the relentless pursuit of exceeding human limitations in HALO jumping.