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This kind of aviation experience is different -- really different. 

You lift off of the ground, compliments of the laws of physics and the miracle of applied technology. 

You return to terra firma, compliments of human courage and another application of physics -- the science that comes into play when you jump out of that plane -- with a thing called a parachute strapped on your back -- and either artistically plummet or gently float toward earth. 

Meet the Skydive Broncos, Western Â鶹´«Ã½Ó¦Óà University's competitive team that since 2016 has been one of the 450-plus RSOs (registered student organizations) on campus that offer options to become involved in out-of-the-classroom learning and skill-building experiences. 

The latest of five versions of university sky-diving/parachuting groups that date back to the 1960s, this one claims the majority of its 30-plus members from the College of Aviation's three programs.  It is not unusual for one of them to fly the planes, fix them, and -- to complete the trifecta -- walk out onto a wing and jump off of them.  Other disciplines that have been represented among members include nursing, psychology, industrial design, education and engineering.    

What they all share is the adrenalin fix that energizes their existence -- the sensation of freefalling for almost one minute from an altitude of 11,000 feet and experiencing what it is like to travel at 120 miles per hour -- not in a car, but in their body.  It's a breather from daily life that takes your breath away.  It's doing something that they never thought they would do prior to stepping on to Western's Kalamazoo campus. 

This is how it has been described, whether it's the debut drop or the 60th: 

"For your first jump, you build up a lot of nervousness when heading to altitude.  The moment the door opens, and you feel the wind beating on your face, time just kind of slows down.  Everything you have been worrying about in day-to-day life goes out the window.  As you progress, you get more comfortable as you fall.  You learn to relax."   

But not enough that you forget to open your chute. 

Another reaction:  "I love the rush when the only thing that matters is pulling your chute and getting to the ground safely.  The responsibility is entirely on you.  When that aircraft door opens at 10,000 feet and the cold air hits you, there is no way to describe that rush." 

But for the Skydive Broncos, it's more than a personal "high" for the members.  There is intercollegiate competition -- both novice and advanced tracks -- for formation dives among two- and four-member teams, plus -- just like in gymnastics -- who can stick a safe, precise landing.  The first one was staged in 1958 and the latest over the 2022 New Year's break in Eloy, Ariz., by the United States Parachute Association.  Eloy is about a one-hour's drive from both Tucson and Phoenix in the southern part of the state. 

The current edition of the Skydive Broncos made the 2022 event more like winter's version of a nine-day spring break, according to Hollyann Muckley, a major in aviation technical operations and secretary of this RSO.  While some rain grounded the group, there were chances to train for the accuracy event that consists of three low-altitude jumps into a circular target.  Steven Lerman, seventh in the notice category, was the highest Western finisher.  Broncos also competed in the two-person advanced category. 

Like its sibling organization affiliated with the College of Aviation -- the Sky Broncos that compete in flying skills with student pilots from across the country -- previous iterations of teams of Western jumpers have brought home top honors earned at national competitions.  

"In Arizona this last time, our other two-way teams participated for fun and were not part of the competition," Muckley says.  "The trip was filled with team-bonding moments and fun adventures.  It was a huge learning experience for most of us as this was the first time some of our members were at a different drop zone.  I believe the nationals will now be a Skydive Broncos tradition and we look forward to our return." 

Skydive Broncos president Simone Olden agrees.  "Competing at this national event was one of my greatest learning experiences.  I made so many connections and friendships.  I became a more confident and better skydiver.  I can't wait to introduce more WMU students to this wonderful sport." 

The "wonderful sport" can be traced to Frenchman Louis-Sebastien Lenormand who made the first recorded public jump in 1783 and two years later coined the term "parachute."  It moved from a safety utilization to something of a sport in 1797, thanks to a French aeronaut named Andre-Jacques Garnerin.  The first recorded freefall was in 1917, followed by competitive jumps in the 1930s.  Parachute technology improved impressively because of tactical military maneuvers in World War II.  Airborne troops played a key role in the Allies' successful invasion of Normandy on D-Day -- June 6, 1944. 

Skydive Broncos' normal "drop zone" for training and practice is Skydive Allegan based northwest of Kalamazoo.  The owner is connected to WMU through a mentor, a Bronco alumnus who "dove" for the Western colors 50-some years ago.  Currently, WMU is one of the few certified U.S. Parachute Association clubs in the nation.  For pilots, Skydive Allegan will often utilize College of Aviation students who need flight time. 

Skydive Broncos is the first collegiate skydiving team to achieve 501 (c) (3) nonprofit status, opening the doors to funding through corporate and personal donations, thus taking a chunk out of the costs for jump time and gear for students who are not flushed with extra cash, yet would like the chance to sample a new sport and grow personally. 

"As much as it is an individual sport," says a Skydive Allegan representative, "it's also a team-driven sport.  You have to overcome a lot of inner fears and, on top of that, learn to work well with others in a high-stress environment.  The speed and activity of the sport is not the danger. It's the stress." 

Skydiving takes a person out of his/her comfort zone by providing a new experience and new challenges.  It expands one's horizons, builds personal confidence, and offers a strategy to confront personal fears.  Commented one member:  "When you have your life in your own hands, you learn to trust yourself more." 

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