World Parachute Stunt Team
The WORLD PARACHUTE STUNT TEAM (WPST) also known as the "World Parabatic Swoop Team" was created in 2005 by producer Jim P. Slaton. It is a group of elite high performance parachute pilots "swoopers" and stuntmen that perform at airshows and other outdoor event around America. Using specially designed parachutes the WPST's aerial maneuvers and swoop landings are revolutionary. WPST members have thousands of jumps with the team leader having over 10,000 parachute landings. Many WPST members have been both National and Pro Swooping Tour champions.
The difference between typical parachutes and WPST
Unlike traditional ram-air parachutes that are between 150 & 250 square feet, WPST parachutes are between 46 and 90 square feet and very fast. WPST parachutes are specifically designed for swooping and incorporate “cross bracing” that is built into each self inflating cell. When the parachute inflates the cross bracing locks the canopy into position forming a more stable, more aerodynamic wing. In addition, these parachutes have thin airfoil section and no stabilizers for increased performance. WPST parachutes can fly at speeds of over 100mph and land at speeds of over 70mph!
Parachute demonstrations evolve
For decades parachute exhibitions have involved bigger, slower parachutes that glide gracefully into the target area, with the parachutist often toting a flag or banner. As impressive and effective as this display may be, it is outdated. The WPST has pioneered the way for a new kind of parachute flight. Using much smaller, faster parachute "wings," WPST pilots spiral toward the ground at over 90 mph, then with spectacular precision and consistency, pull out of the dive and soar across the earth's surface at over 70 mph and for several hundred feet.
This type of landing, commonly referred to as "swooping," can be done over land or water, and can also be executed in unison, with up to four WPST pilots spiraling and swooping in perfect synchronization. The most common act is a two man performance where the swoopers perform a synchronized parabatic routine followed by a high speed synchronized landing in front of the crowd.
Special performances
Boat or Jet-ski Landings where members swoop and land parachutes on the back of moving boats & jet skis
Truck Landings where members swoop and land parachutes on the back of moving trucks
Motorcycle or ATV Landings where members swoop and land parachutes on the back of moving motorcycles & ATVs
Special equipment used
Smoke Canisters are used to leave trails in the sky
Flags, Banners or Tubes are used to perform visual exhibitions
Wind Blade and Inflatable Banners are used set up courses in the landing area for a variety of performances
Ribbons are used to leave trails in the sky similar to smoke