Free fall simulation in VR | Hovering between the virtual and reality

Gliding enthusiasts may have already tested the amazing free fall simulation sessions at iFLY (formerly Skyventure) in Laval. But have they tried the experience equipped with a virtual reality (VR) headset, an option recently offered? We put on the glasses to be sure; who especially experienced some palpitations. Report.

You have probably already watched videos of apprentice birds suspended in a sort of giant wind tunnel. The scenes are not filmed in a NASA lab, but within the impressive structure located a stone’s throw from the Laval Cosmodôme, at iFLY. Here, as much as beginners of free flight of all ages can take part in the game, experts come to refine their jumping techniques – soldiers go there regularly, we are told.

The principle is simple: in a tank reaching more than 13 meters (45 feet) in height, a giant ventilation system allows you to remain suspended in the air, generating air thrusts of 180 to 300 km/h. The experience, already unusual in itself, can be made even more immersive by opting for a small additional session of virtual reality flight.

“The system was first tested in Paris before being implemented here,” says Jean-Christophe Ouimet, general manager of iFLY. We offer seven different scenarios with Meta helmets, filmed by drone and reproducing, for example, close wingsuit flights. [combinaison de vol avec membranes]. We descend gradually, with a forward movement effect.

The various trajectories on the menu present varied settings: some are more “adrenaline” oriented, such as flying in the mountains or in the heart of a canyon, others are more contemplative (we follow maritime rocks), compromises between these two types of adventure also appearing in the list, for example “the Fjord waterfall”.

In complete relaxation

But before launching into this digital-gliding experience with your eyes closed, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the basics of wind tunnel flight. To do this, instructor Joël Domingue, who also teaches skydiving in real conditions (with 300 jumps behind the tie), introduces us to positions, communication signs and basic principles, on the ground.

Nothing too complicated: hands in the air in a “hold-up” style, head raised and looking forward, legs relatively unbent and, above all, a relaxed body. “People often tend to tense up and withdraw. You have to understand that it is the deployment of our body that allows the air to push us,” illustrates the instructor, who accompanies us at all times in the wind tunnel.

The theoretical foundations laid, here we are in the airlock, a glass corridor running along the main tank, equipped with a helmet with visor and a full suit. “You really look like a Resistance pilot from Star Wars », laughs our photographer. Furthermore, for children – and adults in denial – note that Superman costumes are available.

hovering

The heavy door closing alarm sounds. Opposite us, in a glass cabin, is Ella Bogdanov, as the wind tunnel controller. She is the one who, together with the instructor, regulates the wind thrust. Joël launches himself first from the access door to the tank, then invites us to join in the dance. Those who suffer from vertigo can rest assured: we are not jumping into the void, as a metal grid is placed one meter below our feet.

Obviously, it’s blowing hard. Arms in the air and palms open, we let ourselves fall like an overripe fruit, but here we are instead like an autumn leaf floating in a wind current.

The instructor, of whom we only see his hands, gives instructions and corrects postures. Index finger up: oh yes, you have to raise your head. Index and middle fingers extended laterally: straighten your legs a little. Thumbs up: it’s great for me!

The sensations are strange, intoxicating and, above all, new. It also seems like the perfect opportunity for those who are reluctant to indulge in freefall to taste its flavor without necessarily finding themselves propelled into the void at an altitude of 13,000 feet. Above all, we loved the vertical takeoff, with propulsion and a descent of several meters (optional, only if the participant is comfortable), where adrenaline was invited.

Like a dream

After four flights of about a minute each, we put on our virtual reality glasses. Destination: the mountainous region, which looks like the Alps. We start in the position taught, but this time, we can turn our heads wherever we want to be able to admire the surroundings in 360 degrees, like this beautiful rocky needle that gets closer, closer, and closer …

The scenery is magnificent, especially since you can concentrate on the environment, since the instructor keeps you in the right position and directs you on the right course for optimal realism.

The whole thing is truly immersive, despite some image tremors caused by the power of the winds, which are very real, sliding under our bodies – it is better to ask to tighten the strap of the Meta helmet.

It’s rather short (a full minute), but we have time to forget the metal-industrial environment of the tank to glide between clear sky and steep cliffs, which do not fail to elicit from us a few cries muffled by the visor of the helmet. We were also able to fly over the “Fjord waterfall”, a less frenetic scenario, but just as exhilarating, with a geography that could well be that of Norway.

Overall, good sensations and an original concept that allows you to achieve a compromise: no need to play the hothead from a plane to pretend to be a bird, even a virtual one, for a few moments.

Visit the iFLY Canada website

Know before you fly

Be relatively fit
From 3 years for standard flights, from 6 years for VR flights
Do not exceed 136 kg (300 lbs)
Not having suffered a shoulder dislocation
Do not suffer from serious heart, neck or back problems

How much does it cost ?

Virtual Reality Initiation (2 standard flights and 1 VR flight), from $90, Ultimate VR experience from $150 (5 standard flights, 1 VR flight, vertical takeoff)