Danielle Cortez
Audio By Carbonatix
When Larry Henderson first jumped out of a plane and hoped his parachute would open, it was 1975. In the nearly 50 years since, he’d made nearly 7,900 jumps.
“For sure by next year,” he said Monday, “I’ll reach 8,000”
By next year, he’ll also be 74 years old.
Henderson and fellow skydiver Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld, 62, parachutted into the USA Pickleball National Championships at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa on Monday. Brodsky-Chenfeld has made about 32,000 jumps. “I’m trying to quit,” he joked. The pair were also two of 100 senior skydivers who set a world record for the largest formation – as in locking hands in midair – last year.
The jump, which was sponsored by the healthcare company HearingLife, was intended to promote the “importance of keeping an active lifestyle as you age,” according to a press release. It also promoted a documentary, “Skydiving Over Sixty: A Leap of Faith,” that is set to debut on ABC on Nov. 17.
The jump also coincided with Veterans Day. “Veterans Day is a special day in my family,” said Henderson. “My father was a medic in World War II and my father-in-law was wounded in Italy in World War II.” Brodsky-Chenfeld towed the American flag through the sky in their honor.
Phoenix New Times was there as they floated to the ground. Relive it through these photos.
Circling and waiting for the green light.
Danielle Cortez
They’re up there somewhere.
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Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld makes his way down.
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Larry Henderson tows a flag for HealingLife, a healthcare company that sponsored the event.
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Getting closer to the ground.
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The red smokes marks the landing area.
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Bracing for impact.
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A few feet to go.
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Contact!
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Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld (left) and Larry Henderson (right).
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Larry Henderson speaks with a group of attendees and military veterans.
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Until the next jump.
Danielle Cortez