In the adventure books of amateur radio, there are those rare operators who dare to push the boundaries, seeking to combine the thrill of skydiving with the excitement of radio communication. Welcome to the awe-inspiring world of Parachute Mobile, an extraordinary group of enthusiasts who defy gravity while operating radios and capturing breathtaking moments through slow scan TV (SSTV). Prepare to be captivated as I do my best to dive into the exhilarating realm of Parachute Mobile and explore their challenging missions, unique adaptive technology, and heart-pounding experiences.

Parachute Mobile is an innovative organization that combines the expertise of amateur radio operators with the adrenaline-fueled sport of skydiving. With a focus on safety and precision, their team of experienced skydivers takes to the skies, equipped with radios, antennas, APRS units, GoPro cameras, and a plethora of cutting-edge technology that allows them to communicate with fellow operators on the ground. It’s a truly remarkable endeavor that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of amateur radio. To visit their blog: https://parachutemobile.wordpress.com

One of the standout features of Parachute Mobile amazing efforts is their use of slow scan TV (SSTV), a fascinating technology that enables the transmission of images via radio waves. As the parachutists descend through the atmosphere, they send a slow scan image that is unique for each mission they do. The combination of skydiving, radio communication, and SSTV creates a truly immersive experience for both the participants and those tuning in from afar after their events to experience it seon their YouTube videos of each mission event.

The excitement and exhilaration experienced by the Parachute Mobile team is palpable. As they leap from planes and freefall towards the Earth, adrenaline courses through their veins. But amidst the rush of the descent, they remain focused on their mission: connecting with fellow amateur radio operators, capturing awe-inspiring images, and sharing their passion for both skydiving and radio communication. Parachute Mobile’s missions take them to various locations, adding an element of adventure to their endeavors. From coastal regions to mountainous landscapes, each jump offers a unique backdrop for their aerial escapades. As they descend, their radio transmissions echo across the airwaves, sparking excitement and curiosity in the amateur radio community.

According to their website, Parachute Mobile has completed over 400 jumps and made countless radio contacts since their inception. Their dedication to safety, technical proficiency, and the pursuit of new heights has garnered recognition and admiration from fellow enthusiasts worldwide. To quote their website, “Parachute Mobile is not just an adrenaline-filled adventure, but an opportunity to demonstrate the technical side of amateur radio and promote the positive aspects of this exciting hobby.” It’s this combination of adventure, technical prowess, and passion for amateur radio that sets Parachute Mobile apart and continues to inspire both seasoned operators and newcomers to the hobby.

So, the next time you gaze up at the sky and see a parachutist gracefully descending, take a moment to appreciate the awe-inspiring world of Parachute Mobile. They have merged the realms of skydiving and amateur radio, harnessing the power of technology to connect and share their breathtaking experiences with enthusiasts across the globe. It’s a testament to the boundless spirit of exploration and innovation that lies at the heart of amateur radio.

73,

N3DEZ

*Michael Wright, K6MFW is the skilled amateur radio operator that makes this SSTV magic work for the parachute mobile team. He is an absolute great guy, and is a colleague of mine from our days on the NASA Ames Amateur Radio Club (AARC) Station NA6MF (N = NASA, A = Ames, 6 = California, MF = Moffett Field). Today Mike is still active with AARC and is the station’s website curator so check them out as well!* https://hamradio.arc.nasa.gov/ And if you go to Mike’s QRZ page you will be there all day checking out the cool stuff he has done as he has it all well documented with links you can follow for further information. https://www.qrz.com/db/K6MFW

Year’s ago Mike had Parachute Mobile give us a talk where we got to see them making contact while jumping out of the plane and actually desending while making contacts. However, the videos I can find online today are only of the audio. (sorry about that!) If I can ever find the video I want to share I will add this to this post at a later date and update it accordingly. Until then please listen to this great audio capture as done by Overlanding4Fun: “Ham Radio Reaches New Heights- Experience the Thrilling Adventure of Parachute Mobile!” https://youtu.be/pQDa_KCCE5A

If you ever get a chance to go to one of the Parachute Mobile Missions I would strongly encourage making the trip if it is even remotely anywhere near you. Seeing it in person, how the team works together in a well oiled machine fashion, the excitement in the air, the anticipation, it is nothing short of exhilarating and is well worth attending and making a contact! Trust me, you will absolutely love it! Cheers!