Test jump: Golden Knights get in practice before air show

PORTSMOUTH — Nine of the most experienced and precise parachute jumpers in the country leaped out of the black and yellow U.S. Army plane on Friday afternoon to practice their performance a final time before displaying the event to thousands of people this weekend during the Service Credit Union Boston-Portsmouth Air Show. 

The men tinkered with the vessel's body, rolled up their parachutes and slipped into their full body suits in preparation for the 6:00 p.m. take off.

As the hour approached the nine men filtered into the largely emptied plane, making final adjustments to their equipment. They sat on the gray metal seats that lined the interior of the plane, slapping each other, fist bumping and laughing as the engine started, a calm that only comes with repetition and confidence.

On the runway, clouds of exhaust blew into the two open doors, making it hard to see or breath. The hazy evening heat made the wait nearly unbearable, as the men perspired in their heavy, black body suits but looked unfazed by the conditions.

As the plane took off wind blew into the chamber, making the entire situation more comfortable.


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