Is Wingsuit Flying Dangerous? (Risks Involved)

‍Dive into our detailed analysis of if wingsuit flying is dangerous by exploring risks, safety precautions, and psychological considerations.

Wingsuit flying is one of the most dangerous air sports, considering its extreme nature and high fatality rate. This exhilarating sport involves a multitude of risks from equipment failure to human error, but with the right training, equipment, and respect for safety, the risk can be mitigated.

At FlightNotch, we are dedicated to providing accurate, in-depth information on all things airborne. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie considering your next adventure or just fascinated by extreme sports, we shed light on the true risks involved in wingsuit flying. Our focus is not just on danger, but on how to responsibly manage and mitigate these risks.

‍Wingsuit Flying Overview

Wingsuit flying, also known as wingsuiting or wingsuit diving, is an extreme sport where participants wear a specially designed jumpsuit with fabric stretched between the arms and legs to increase their surface area and while generating lift, resembling a human-shaped wing. This enables them to glide through the air at high speeds before deploying a parachute for landing.

The sport originated from skydiving and base jumping, but it adds an additional dimension of forward movement, offering a sense of flight that's closer to that of a bird than any other human activity. Wingsuit flying is considered one of the most thrilling, yet dangerous, activities due to the high speeds and close proximity flying to terrain during flights.

Wingsuit diving is so similar to BASE jumping, in fact, that you’ll often hear people refer to it as wingsuit BASE jumping. But there is, of course, the fact that wingsuit flying involves moving through the air at high speeds not only down, but also forward. While BASE jumping, you simply jump, pull your chute, and land. Wingsuit BASE jumping involves quite a bit more.

We have a complete guide on wingsuit flying for beginners if you’re new to the sport and want to learn wingsuit flying as much as you can before heading to your first jump!

The Attraction of Wingsuit Flying

As a wingsuit flyer, you'll wear a specially designed suit, sometimes referred to as a birdman suit or squirrel suit, that has strong fabric between the legs and under the arms. This unique design allows you to glide through the air, experiencing the pure exhilaration of controlled human flight.

There are various reasons why people find wingsuit flying so appealing, and one of the main factors is the incredible sensation of flying that it offers. Feeling the wind rush past you and the ground far below, you get to experience the world from a perspective few people in the world ever have the chance to enjoy.

Wingsuit flying is also often considered an extension of skydiving and BASE jumping, taking the adrenaline-pumping, free-falling thrill to an entirely new level. Soaring through the skies, you have an unparalleled sense of freedom and a remarkable connection with the natural world.

However, this extreme sport comes with its risks. It is essential to acknowledge that wingsuit flying can be dangerous, and there are various factors to consider, including human error, equipment failure, and changing weather conditions. Proper training, preparation, and a focus on safety are vital to reducing the risks and ensuring a positive experience.

Is Wingsuit Flying Dangerous? 4 Common Risks

Wingsuit BASE jumping is an exhilarating sport, but it comes with a set of inherent risks. As a wingsuit pilot, you need to be aware of these hazards and take every precaution to minimize them. In this section, we will discuss some of the risks and challenges you face when wingsuit flying.

Equipment Failure

Your life depends on your equipment functioning properly while in the air. A malfunctioning wingsuit or parachute can easily lead to serious injury, if not death. To reduce the risk of equipment failure, it is crucial to always inspect and maintain your gear carefully.

If you ever notice an issue with your gear during your pre-flight inspection, always err on the side of caution, going as far as to even call the jump off if necessary. Stay updated on recommended guidelines and safety measures related to wingsuit flying equipment.

Human Error and Miscalculations

Pilot error, such as incorrect body position or improper navigation, is often responsible for accidents in wingsuit flying. As wingsuit pilots, you need to be highly experienced and possess a strong skill set before heading out for your first jump.

To avoid human errors and miscalculations, try to gain ample experience through at least 200 skydiving jumps before advancing to wingsuit flying. Continuous training and practice will improve your flying skills, minimizing the potential for errors.

Weather Conditions

Adverse weather conditions are also a significant factor affecting the safety of wingsuit flying. Strong winds and turbulent air can make it difficult for you to control your flight, increasing the risk of accidents.

It is crucial to monitor the weather conditions before your jumps and always avoid flying in potentially dangerous environments. When you’re working with such narrow margins of safety, it’s never worth putting yourself at risk by flying in adverse weather conditions.

Mid-air Collisions

Mid-air collisions, either with other wingsuit pilots or obstacles in the air, are another concern in this sport. These can lead to severe injuries or even death. To mitigate this risk, be aware of your surroundings during your flight, maintain a safe distance from other pilots, and use appropriate flight paths as advised by experienced flyers.

By understanding and addressing these risks, you can make wingsuit flying a safer experience. Remember, prevention and preparation are the keys to managing the dangers inherent in this thrilling activity.

Precautions and Safety Equipment

Parachutes

When it comes to wingsuit BASE jumping, safety should always be a top priority. One essential piece of safety equipment is your parachute. Main and reserve parachutes play a critical role in ensuring a safe landing after your wingsuit flight. Make sure your parachutes are well-maintained, packed correctly, and inspected regularly.

It's also essential to familiarize yourself with the proper deployment procedures and practice them regularly to reduce the risk of any issues during your flight.

Backup Equipment

In addition to your main and reserve parachutes, it's important to have backup equipment on hand while wingsuit flying if you want the best chance to land safely. Some useful backup equipment that experienced wingsuit flyers use  includes:

• Audible altimeter: An audible altimeter is a device that sounds an alarm to notify you when you have reached a specific altitude. This can be helpful in alerting you when it's time to deploy your parachute.‍
• Camera: A camera can not only capture your thrilling experience, but it can also help you analyze your flight and fine-tune your skills.‍
• AAD (Automatic Activation Device): An Automatic Activation Device is a small piece of equipment that can automatically deploy your reserve parachute if the altitude gets too low and the speed is still too high, potentially saving your life in case of an emergency.

Having the appropriate safety equipment, licenses, and following strict regulations can significantly reduce the risks associated with wingsuit flying. Be aware of the importance of using trustworthy parachutes and ensure you have reliable backup equipment, like an audible altimeter, AAD, and camera. Remember, your safety is your responsibility, so always take the necessary precautions while enjoying this adrenaline-filled sport.

Risks Comparison: Wingsuit Flying vs. Other Extreme Sports

When considering the dangers associated with wingsuit flying, it's important to compare it to other extreme sports to gain a better understanding of the risks involved. Keep in mind that this comparison is meant to inform you, not to scare you away from pursuing these exhilarating activities.

Wingsuit flying is considered an extremely dangerous sport, with an estimated 1 in 500 jumps resulting in death. This high death rate is attributed to factors such as human error, equipment failure, weather conditions, and poor judgment. Now let's compare wingsuit flying to a few other extreme sports:

BASE Jumping

Similar to wingsuit flying, BASE jumping involves jumping from a fixed structure, like a building or a cliff, and using a parachute to slow down your descent. While both sports share some risks, wingsuit flying tends to be more dangerous due to the higher speeds achieved and the close proximity to obstacles as you soar forward through the air.

Skydiving

Although skydiving also involves jumping from a significant altitude and using a parachute, the risks associated with wingsuit flying are generally higher. In fact, wingsuit BASE jumpers face all of the same dangers of skydiving, but also significantly more that skydivers never have to deal with.

In wingsuit flying, athletes face additional challenges like flat spins, tail strikes, and burble, which can lead to unstable parachute deployments and other dangerous situations, as mentioned in this SkyAboveUs article.

Mountain climbing

This sport includes scaling steep and often dangerous terrains, with risks such as avalanches, falls, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. While both mountain climbing and wingsuit flying share some similar risks, the speed and proximity to objects make wingsuit flying more hazardous.

Big wave surfing

Surfers taking on massive waves face risks such as drowning, injuries from hitting the ocean floor or being held underwater by consecutive waves. However, the relatively lower speeds and controlled environments of big-wave surfing may lessen the severity of some accidents, making it somewhat safer than wingsuit flying.

Ultimately, wingsuit flying is among the most dangerous extreme sports, but it is important to consider each sport's unique set of risks. Whichever sport you choose to engage in, always prioritize safety, ensure proper training, and use suitable equipment.

A Balanced Look at Wingsuit Flying

As you've learned throughout this article, wingsuit flying is indeed a dangerous sport, with an estimated 1 in 500 jumps resulting in death. The most common risks associated with wingsuit flying include pilot error, equipment failure, weather conditions, and poor judgment.

Approaching the sport with caution and awareness can go a long way in ensuring your safety. Take the time to focus on proper training, invest in reliable equipment, and develop solid decision-making skills to minimize possible dangers. Wingsuit flights should be exciting, but it’s important to consider all the risks before every jump, even for experienced pilots.

Remember that even experienced wingsuit flyers still face risks, as evidenced by the record 38 wingsuit flying deaths in one year. This is not a sport to be taken lightly, but embracing a safety-first mindset and seeking guidance from experienced flyers can help you navigate the thrilling world of wingsuit flying as safely as possible.

So, don your nylon suit and go for your first wingsuit BASE jump, but make sure you have all the proper training and knowledge first!