This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Skydiver Luke Aikins Makes Jump Without A Parachute

US Skydiver Makes 7.6 Metre Jump Without A Parachute
SIMI VALLEY, CA - JULY 30: Skydiver Luke Aikins lands safely after jumping 25,000 feet from an airplane without a parachute or wing suit as part of 'Stride Gum Presets Heaven Sent' on July 30, 2016 in Simi Valley, California. (Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images for Stride Gum)
Mark Davis via Getty Images
SIMI VALLEY, CA - JULY 30: Skydiver Luke Aikins lands safely after jumping 25,000 feet from an airplane without a parachute or wing suit as part of 'Stride Gum Presets Heaven Sent' on July 30, 2016 in Simi Valley, California. (Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images for Stride Gum)

A daredevil skydiver on Saturday became the first to jump from a height of 25,000 feet (7,620 meters) without a parachute, landing in a net in southern California, a spokesman said.

Luke Aikins, 42, who has 18,000 jumps under his belt, completed the jump in Simi Valley, landing in a net measuring 100 feet by 100 feet (30 meters by 30 meters) in a feat broadcast on Fox.

“Aikins’ leap represents the culmination of a 26-year career that will set a personal and world record for the highest jump without a parachute or wing suit,” his spokesman Justin Aclin said in an email.

Lights were set along the side of the net to serve as a guide for Aikins to aim himself as he hurtled toward it.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” Aikins told an interviewer on the Fox broadcast, before boarding a propeller plane to perform the jump.

Skydiver Luke Aikins celebrates with son Logan after jumping 25,000 feet from an airplane without a parachute or wing suit on July 30, 2016 in Simi Valley, California.
Mark Davis via Getty Images
Skydiver Luke Aikins celebrates with son Logan after jumping 25,000 feet from an airplane without a parachute or wing suit on July 30, 2016 in Simi Valley, California.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis; Editing by Kim Coghill)

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.