MemoSAs Reynolds and Steele to SAC Seattle with Q&A interview of parachuting expert on feasibility of Cooper's jump3 December 1971page 2 of 5
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Part 14, page 68

DB Cooper-3377Serials SE 164-81

Document date 3 December 1971

Open in FBI Vault (Part 14, page 68 of the PDF)

FBI 164-81, Vault Part 14 p. 68 (DB Cooper-3377), Memo, dated 3 Dec 1971, serial SE 164-81-7493 (as read from the transcript) — cooper.theunsolved.net/parts/Cooper-Part-14/pages/68

Transcript

The scan is the source; the transcript is machine-generated from it.

SE 164-81

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Q. [REDACTED b6/b7C]

A. [REDACTED b6/b7C]

Q. [REDACTED b6/b7C]

b6 b7C A. [REDACTED b6/b7C]

Q. [REDACTED b6/b7C]

b6 b7C A. [REDACTED b6/b7C]

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Q. Given the consitions at night time with clouds below to about 7,000 feet and partial clouds and intermittent clouds taken to a ceiling about 4,000 feet, would this present any problems to a jumper?

A. There again we're dealing with variables. If a man knew what altitude at the time he was leaving the aircraft, there are two ways to determine his altitude on opening:

1. From the second hand on a wristwatch; 2. A wrist type altimeter.

Q. Making this jump, what would be practical for the man to do? To open the chute immediately or to wait until he had a view of the ground?

A. I would wait at least ten seconds before pulling. This way I am not only clear of the aircraft, but I am also out of visual sight of the aircraft or any aircraft in the area. Cloud covering is an advantage but not knowing where the ground is, is a problem because of the peaks in the area. The above procedure would be in effect if I was not in familiar territory. Another advantage of an early chute opening would be for the jumper to select the best drop zone possible.

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In unfamiliar territory and wherein a light might be observed, would give the jumper not only an idea of his altitude but an opportunity for steering himself toward a suitable drop zone.

In chuting in familiar territory, this type of dropp would be rather "simple to an experienced jumper". This would allow the jumper to "free-fall" for the full

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2 DB Cooper-3377