European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 26, 1968, Darmstadt, Hesse 9 camera on Telmet records formations during free fall drops. By Bob Hoyer 5&s . Bureau chief to the thousands of gaping spectators who have seen them and cheered them the Royal air Force Falcons seem to be flying through the air with the greatest of ease. But anyone who knows anything about sky diving will Tell you it s not quite As easy As it looks. Free fall parachuting in any leagues difficult and the Falcons Are among the world s Best in this highly specialized business of Cloud chasing. Formed in 1961 from instructors atthe Raf Parachute school at Abingdon air station the Falcons have steadily consolidated their reputation with Doz ens of performances in Europe North Africa and the Middle East. Among last year s 35 appearance was the Falcons first visit to Canada. The 1967 schedule included Aerial show sin Germany France Denmark Italy and Battle of Britain performances highlighted their exhibitions in the United kingdom. On a number of occasions the fal cons have shared top Billing with the red arrows the Raf acrobatic team which flies gnat Jet trainers. The group which started its 1968schedule of Public appearances in late March expect to perform at air show sin Italy Germany France and through out great Britain this summer. Through the years the Falcons have conducted a number of free fall pulled off their first six Man linkup during training jumps Over the North african desert. The record linkup was photographed while the men were falling by a seventh member of the team who had camera strapped to his helmet. During the linkup the Falcons Dis covered that men falling in a group build up a greater lift than single their Brief linking the men broke up and each mane Vered to his own Safe piece of sky for the Parachute de scent to Earth a formality which eve the Falcons have not yet overcome. The 12-Man team is headed by flying officer Geoffrey d. Greenland Dar Lington England. Average age of jump ers is 35. Free fall parachuting a sport engaged in by . Military jump teams was instituted in the Raf during the1950s. The first free fall demonstration Tea was established in 1901 and Given the name Falcons to 1969. The team has appeared at every Farnborough air Ebow since 1961,during free fall descent the Falcons Burn up the air at 120 Miles per hour and by mane vering twisting turning somersault ing they Are capable of mov ing at lateral speeds of 40 . In a minute of free fall it s possible to cover a horizontal distance of 1,000 Yards. The display pattern for air show Sis determined by the need to create massive movements across the sky wit the use of trailing smoke. In this Man Euver the men jump fro the aircraft in two groups of six with a 10-second Gap Between groups. The Falcons use an american de signed Para commander Parachute an unconventional canopy with a series of holes and vents which permit it to. Be guided through the air at 10 to 12m.p.h. And descend at comparatively slow speeds. Falcon uniforms consist of Gray jumpsuits and red crash helmets. Their billow ing red White and Blue chutes contribute to their Appeal. The team closes the exhibition sea son the end of september. The Winter and Spring months Are devoted to training. Danger men at work. Falcons Trail coloured smoke As they display Raf Emblem. Alright dres up that line there this in t a Cricket Field you the stars and stripes sunday May 26, 196$
