Smile that says it all...from 12,000ft! Joy of Royal Navy pilot celebrating his 1,000th parachute jump with leap over his own base

A Sea King helicopter pilot has celebrated 1,000 flying hours by parachuting with the Royal Navy's elite display team, the Raiders.
Lieutenant Will Major had the ultimate adrenaline rush jumping from a Sea King Mk4 over his home base of Yeovilton, near Yeovil, Somerset.
When not performing at public events across the UK, the Raiders normally jump at Netheravon in Wiltshire, home to the Army Parachute Association and base for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Sport Parachute Association.

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Royal Navy pilot Lieutenant Will Major is celebrated after making this, his 1000th parachute jump

But Will, serving with the Commando fliers of 845 Naval Air Squadron, wanted to pass the 1,000th-jump milestone over home turf.
He said: 'After my first jump I was totally hooked, although I have to confess that it takes a few jumps to get to grips with the initial apprehension.

 

'But once you are out of the door and in the air it is a truly thrilling feeling.
'Leaving an aeroplane at 12,000ft might be considered utter madness but I've years of experience with this sport and providing you focus on what you are doing it remains a very safe activity.
'I've had the privilege of representing the Navy at some fantastic events, and standing in the door of a helicopter about to jump is mind-blowing.'

Will made the jump from 12,000ft over RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset. Most of his 1,000 parachute jumps have been with the Royal Navy's elite display team, the Raiders

Will, serving with the Commando fliers of 845 Naval Air Squadron, wanted to pass the 1,000th-jump milestone over home turf