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 free flight neophytes of all ages can join in the fun, 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 stay suspended in the air, generating surges of air of 180 to 300 km/h. The experience, already unusual in itself, can be even more immersive by opting for a small additional virtual reality flight session.
“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, proximity flights in a wingsuit [flight suit with 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 included in the list, for example “Fjord Waterfall”.
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 fancy: hands in the air in the “hold-up” style, head raised and looking forward, legs relatively straight and, above all, a relaxed body. “People often tend to tense up and withdraw. We must 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.
The heavy door closing alarm sounds. Facing us, in a glass cabin, is Ella Bogdanov, as wind tunnel controller. It is she who, in concert with the instructor, regulates the thrust of the winds. Joël starts first from the access door to the tank, then invites us to join in the dance. People suffering from vertigo can rest assured: we are not jumping into the void, as a metal grid is placed one meter under our feet.
The instructor, whose hands are all we see, gives instructions and corrects postures. Index finger up: Oh yes, you have to raise your head. Index and middle fingers stretched out to the side: Straighten your legs a little. Thumbs up: I’m flying!
The sensations are strange, intoxicating and, above all, unprecedented. It also seems the ideal opportunity, for those who are reluctant to indulge in free fall, to enjoy the 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 descent of several meters (optional, only if the participant is comfortable), where the adrenaline kicked in.
After four flights of just one minute each, we put on the virtual reality glasses. Destination: the mountainous region, which resembles the Alps. We launch into the position taught, but this time, we can rotate our head wherever we want to be able to admire the surroundings at 360 degrees, like this beautiful rocky needle that gets closer, closer, again and again…. haaaaaa! Let’s go for it! Phew, we’re just brushing against it… a little thrill, all the same!
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 but equally exhilarating scenario, with a geography that could well be that of Norway.
All in all, good sensations and an original concept which allows for a compromise: no need to act like a hothead from an airplane to think you’re a bird, even a virtual one, for a few moments.