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Preview: The Birdmen

October 8, 2009 7:39 AM

Watch these "birdmen" take flight - in some cases at speeds of up to 140 mph - on Sunday's 60 Minutes, Oct. 11, 7 pm ET/PT.

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by RotelJanice October 12, 2009 6:03 PM EDT
WOW - the sound of the wind shearing - I've never heard anything like it! This story dropped my jaw and stopped my heart for a moment. I used to rock climb, and I'm not afraid of heights, but I never imagined this could be done. After my 13-year-old son saw this story with me, he decided this was the ultimate sport for him to do. Congrats, Steve, story well done.
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by shah269 October 11, 2009 11:29 PM EDT
Man was never ment to walk, were were destines to fly.
If you ever even thought of flying or had that precistant dream where you are flying. Find your local Drop Zone and take a drive on over. Say hi to the folks ask them how the equipment works and join them for a little flight. Your life will never be the same.
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by reddishless1 October 11, 2009 11:27 PM EDT
I so want to do this....
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by JimmyCase October 11, 2009 11:11 PM EDT
I wish I had the guts to do that. This has to be the ultimate sport on earth!!
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by lajayhawk October 11, 2009 10:04 PM EDT
looks like fun if you don't mind soiled birdsuits. I wonder what their life insurance premiums run?
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by BH55 October 11, 2009 9:41 PM EDT
IT IS INTERESTING TO SEE THE VARIOUS REACTION OF VARIOUS PEOPLE ..PERSONALLY ..I WILL START TRAINING FOR IT ...NOW ??
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by barbilee October 11, 2009 8:57 PM EDT
i often dream i'm flying-just not in mountains.i've been to alaska and to the moon and outer space-no, i'm not nuts,i just have exiting dreams.oh-to really fly!
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by flybyty October 11, 2009 8:47 PM EDT
There is only a momentary feeling of falling, till you get speed up and feel the wind on your body. My goal in skydiving is to get to this point. being in the air is very refreshing and relaxing helps clear the mind and put things in perspective. I recommend it for everyone!!!! C-35646
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by joshcaley October 11, 2009 8:46 PM EDT
Steve: More should have been said about McConkey. A good story, though. Good to see something different, regarding aspirations that some have. Cg, I'm sorry your life sucks.
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by viper7819 October 11, 2009 8:45 PM EDT
This has got to be an unbelievable rush..the closest thing to actually flying like a bird at 150 miles an hour right along the cliffs, but does not leave any room for error.
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by dprotz October 11, 2009 8:45 PM EDT
Don't kid yourself...life is what you make it. Einstine understood that the junction between humanity and reality is all relative. Life is what you make it. If base jumping and flying is not something you think you can do, find sometning that thrills you and do it. The American began by skiing, the South African by skydiving. What they do now seems fearless but it is managed risk and they can manage this risk, including thier inate desire to step away from the edge instead of step off becuase they managed their activities and thier fear.
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by khoppes October 11, 2009 8:45 PM EDT
WOW !!! If I could get over the fear of that 1st step, I might could try it. My fear of heights is real but the feeling of "flying like a bird" might be worth it. Those guys are out of their minds... love it.
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by whc307 October 11, 2009 8:44 PM EDT
Rock on fellas! Good clip you gus make people who consider themselves adrenaline junkies wet their pants. Keep taking your dreams to new heights. I can't tell you to stay safe, soo "make good decisions"
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by wildisthewnd October 11, 2009 8:44 PM EDT
life is never mundane .....if you make the most of everything you do .....read a book, cook a delicious meal, kiss your wife, ski down a mountain, or jump off a mountain

THAT IS THE DEAL
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by smak304 October 11, 2009 8:42 PM EDT
wow i would not have the balls to do that. this is very crazy,but if they like doing this, its not my turn to butt in. Even thought it looks fun and amuseing it is also scary and im a man so (lol)
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by crownvic04 October 11, 2009 8:42 PM EDT
This is extreme. I have seen it all now. To fly, I'm sure they will perfect this and go further & further. Maybe mount a very small motor on their back
below the shute. That will push them further for much longer.
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by brandilion October 11, 2009 8:38 PM EDT
Is JT single???
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by cg37102006 October 11, 2009 8:19 PM EDT
I understand the desire to do something most would consider reckless. Or crazy. Or dangerous. Life gets boring, even if you have done a lot of stuff. People need something to keep things interesting and fun. So they start gliding like birds. Or jumping out of airplanes. Or off mountains. Something to get a rise. A high. But really when all is said and done, life is mostly mundane and boring. This is the deal.
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by setag01 October 9, 2009 4:22 PM EDT
The "Birdmen" who do this must have something very special within their make-up. Most people fear falling and heights, so whatever it is they have is fabulous. I wonder, are they born without these "normal" traits in humans or have they overcome them over their lives? Whatever it is, I'd love to feel what they feel, it looks like the most most exciting sport on Earth!
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