Namibian jumps new record

HISTORY was made last weekend when Chris Loetter, founder of Namibian paragliding, became the first Namibian ever to jump from a hot-air balloon with his paraglider.

It is also the first time in Namibian aviation history that such a flight took place over Namibian soil. This risky manoeuvre takes place at a height of approximately 1 500 meters above ground level.The paraglider lets his wing hang open outside the balloon basket, while he climbs onto the edge of the basket.From there he then projects himself with a forward jump over his wing to make a forward roll in mid air.After a free fall of a few seconds the paraglider canopy opens above him and he glides towards a safe landing place.Only experienced paragliders with at least 600 flights on their logbook may participate in such an extreme balloon drop.The ‘Gat Oor Kop Bollemakiesie Span 2008’ was approved by Namibian Civil Aviation for the event which took place at Solitaire.Through the kind sponsors of AirNamibia, RailLink Logistics, Novel Motor Company (Volvo), Slabbert Burger Transport and Solitaire Country Lodge, a South African paragliding team and balloon pilot joined Chris for this momentous occasion.The team consisted of Walter Neser, Chris Loetter (Namibia), Linda Willemse, Chris van Noord, Gerrit Lambert (former Namibian), Karel Koster and Juan Burger (former Namibian).The balloon pilot, Rob Lowson, a South African with a passion for flying, described the flights over the Namib Desert as his most spectacular flights since and the occasion as inspiring.Further inspiration for this event came in the form of a former Namibian who matriculated at Windhoek High School (WHS), Juan Burger, an amputee who was part of the team.Burger is seen as an inspiration for children with disabilities, and especially those with physical challenges and amputated limbs, as he continues to participate in extreme sports in spite of his own disabilities.Hence the Jump for Joy fundraising campaign was launched, in conjunction with Windhoek Round Table Nr.34, to inspire individuals and businesses to contribute to the fund dedicated to needy children with amputated limbs.Donations are welcome and Jacques Korrubel of Windhoek Round Table Nr.34 can be contacted in this regard at 081 129 7770.Solitaire’s famous apple pie also flew with the crew and it is probably the highest altitude the apple pie ever reached.Chris and his team hope that the paragliding balloon drop will become a regular event in Namibia, especially with the focus on inspiration and to help Namibian children with physical disabilities.This risky manoeuvre takes place at a height of approximately 1 500 meters above ground level. The paraglider lets his wing hang open outside the balloon basket, while he climbs onto the edge of the basket.From there he then projects himself with a forward jump over his wing to make a forward roll in mid air. After a free fall of a few seconds the paraglider canopy opens above him and he glides towards a safe landing place.Only experienced paragliders with at least 600 flights on their logbook may participate in such an extreme balloon drop. The ‘Gat Oor Kop Bollemakiesie Span 2008’ was approved by Namibian Civil Aviation for the event which took place at Solitaire.Through the kind sponsors of AirNamibia, RailLink Logistics, Novel Motor Company (Volvo), Slabbert Burger Transport and Solitaire Country Lodge, a South African paragliding team and balloon pilot joined Chris for this momentous occasion. The team consisted of Walter Neser, Chris Loetter (Namibia), Linda Willemse, Chris van Noord, Gerrit Lambert (former Namibian), Karel Koster and Juan Burger (former Namibian). The balloon pilot, Rob Lowson, a South African with a passion for flying, described the flights over the Namib Desert as his most spectacular flights since and the occasion as inspiring.Further inspiration for this event came in the form of a former Namibian who matriculated at Windhoek High School (WHS), Juan Burger, an amputee who was part of the team. Burger is seen as an inspiration for children with disabilities, and especially those with physical challenges and amputated limbs, as he continues to participate in extreme sports in spite of his own disabilities. Hence the Jump for Joy fundraising campaign was launched, in conjunction with Windhoek Round Table Nr.34, to inspire individuals and businesses to contribute to the fund dedicated to needy children with amputated limbs. Donations are welcome and Jacques Korrubel of Windhoek Round Table Nr.34 can be contacted in this regard at 081 129 7770.Solitaire’s famous apple pie also flew with the crew and it is probably the highest altitude the apple pie ever reached. Chris and his team hope that the paragliding balloon drop will become a regular event in Namibia, especially with the focus on inspiration and to help Namibian children with physical disabilities.