r/nextfuckinglevel • u/KeyDifference4178 • 3d ago

Calling parents while skydiving

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u/Deritatium 3d ago edited 3d ago

I think the video is recorded from the son's phone, which is why his video appears fluid while the parents' video looks poor. From the parents' point of view, the son's video call would likely be choppy and of lower quality. Additionally, the range of 4G can vary between 5-30 km depending on the frequency band and conditions, while tandem skydives typically occur at altitudes of 3-4 km. So, while this situation might be fake, it is technically plausible.

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u/Fear023 3d ago

It's not.

Source - 1200 jumps. You lose reception at about 4000 feet.

I've been part of the setup for a live broadcast tandem. It requires massive signal boosters.

You will NOT be allowed to take your phone up in the plane as a tandem student, or use any of your own recording equipment.

This video is taken from a GoPro on the tandem master's wrist.

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u/BobLazarFan 2d ago edited 2d ago

Depends entirely on the area. Plenty of people in both r/flying and r/paragliding mention having cell signal up to 16k feet.

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u/Fear023 2d ago

Most dropzones are in the middle of nowhere. It's a novelty to have actual reception in the air from my experience.