Express disembarkation of commuters could be reality in the near future by use of the bungee cord. The elastic line provides a gentle, pinpoint landing unheard of with fly-by parachutings.

The slow-speed, low-flying aircraft would accurately measure its distance to the ground (radar) and location (gps) as it approaches the landing point (front sidewalk). The passenger is ejected punctually from the airplane with the correct length of bungee cord regulated by an onboard winch.

The cord ensures that the commuter’s fall is decelerated to zero at touchdown. Air resistance slows down the forward speed so that one lands at a run, and simultaneously a quick release sends the line soaring up towards the plane, where it is quickly reeled in for the next delivery.
-- FarmerJohn, Nov 03 2002

parabungee sketch http://www.geocitie...nie/parabungee.html
[FarmerJohn, Oct 05 2004, last modified Oct 21 2004]

Parabungeed croissant comin' right up, er - down - kickin' sketchin', BTW
-- thumbwax, Nov 03 2002


"Disconnect headphones prior to ejection."
-- General Washington, Nov 03 2002


Lovely picture by the way.
-- General Washington, Nov 03 2002


Official Airline of the X-Games
-- krelnik, Nov 03 2002


Gives new meaning to: can I get a lift?
-- 2 fries shy of a happy meal, Nov 03 2002


And the best part is, he keeps his hat on the whole time.
-- RayfordSteele, Nov 03 2002


Sounds fun, but, wouldn't the person fall behind the plane when he jumps (from air resistance) and end up far behind the plane, so that when he lands, he'll immediately be dragged forward?
-- friendless-person, Dec 03 2003



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