King of the skies

Comedian Mike King took the biggest plunge of his life today at the Motueka Aerodrome and learnt how to skydive with Skydive Abel Tasman. Mike was given all his ground training by staff at Skydive Abel Tasman and then at 2pm he was taken to 12,000ft and with all his own gear and two instructors leapt from the aircraft. “It was the most scary yet exciting thing I have ever done. I am not afraid to tell others that I was incredibly nervous. But hell it is the most amazing sensation, freefalling, wow.” Said Mike King. “It was an overwhelming experience, fantastic, thanks guys.”

Mike exited the aircraft from 12,000ft with two instructors, Kevin Bedford and Stuart Bean. Mike carried out all his checks whilst plumeting to the ground at speeds of upto 150km per hour, he then deployed his parachute and flew it safely back to the landing area. Kevin Bedford said: “He was a great student, really amped about the jump but retained everything I taught him. Mike was like a sponge absorbing all the information. He had us laughing though throughout the training. He’ll make a great skydiver.”

Stuart Bean, owner operator of Skydive Abel Tasman said: “It was a real pleasure to take Mike for his first jump. He’s a great comedian and is now set to be a great skydiver too. He wouldn’t do a tandem he had his mind set on jumping on his own. So that’s what he did. It was great fun and we look forward to seeing him back in the air again soon.”

For further information or photos please contact:

Lisa Chambers
Sales & Marketing
Hangar One, 16 College Street, Motueka Airport, Motueka
t: 03 528 4091
m: 0274 509949
www.skydive.co.nz