Skydive Chicago owner Rook Nelson says nothing’s guaranteed in the world record vertical freefall formation attempt. Weather or a problem with an airplane could keep a flight from going up. So could air traffic control instructions to wait until other aircraft clear the area. And it may not be too cloudy to fly, but too cloudy to skydive.
But since the airport is where the record of 164 linked participants was set in 2015, he knows it can be done.
Even the skydivers aren’t guaranteed seats on the planes. Nelson brought in more than enough for the 200-person link-up record, so he can replace someone who’s not up to par. That way, they all feel some pressure to do well.