Mount Everest skydiving expedition, planned, prepared and executed by Parabellum Tactical Training Ltd., is one of the most challenging endeavours in history, and is believed to be a first of its kind.
Parabellum Tactical Training were approached by the Pilgrim Bandits Charity to organise, coordinate and manage an experience to the Himalayas for 4 injured Veterans, who would conduct 2 tandem skydives over the world’s highest mountain. Sergeant Niel Flanagan from the Parachuting Test Team, Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit, based at RAF Brize Norton, was one of 2 tandem instructors to face the challenge and ultimately hold the responsibility of keeping the Veterans safe and giving them a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Martyn Compton (ex Household Cavalry) received 75% burns during an Improvised Explosive Device attack in Afghanistan during 2006.
Dean Bousfield joined the British Army in 2004 and served for nearly 10 years before he was badly injured in Afghanistan. He was shot in the head by a sniper and was incredibly lucky to survive.
John Chart was a firefighter for 26 years and was a former world champion power lifter. He was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2019. As this demonic disease progressed, he has lost the use of his arms.
Hari Budha Magar joined the British Gurkhas in 1999. He was deployed in a number of locations and was at the peak of his career when in 2010 his life changed after stepping on an Improvised Explosive Device. Hari believed his life was over and that his chances of survival were slim but he continued to fight and was airlifted to a nearby base.
An initial assessment of the disabilities of each tandem passenger was the first stage to identify their specific requirements. Each would be very different.
Once assured that the jumpers and the whole team could operate and deal with supplementary life support oxygen emergencies, we began to develop the procedures to operate and conduct free fall descents at the highest Drop Zone in the world.
Sergeant Niel Flanagan said:
“It was an honour and a privilege to be part of this expedition with injured veterans, some of which created world records. They are a true inspiration to everyone and their achievements should not be under estimated. The trip was an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved, not just the jumpers but the whole team of injured veterans that were part of the journey.”
Sergeant Niel Flanagan
Parachuting Test Team, JADTEU
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