Forced to live in a wheelchair due to a debilitating leg disease, he parachutes from 4,200 meters above sea level, fulfilling his dream. It is the story of Gianfranco Ciavattella, 52 years old from Montesilvano, who was able to make his wish come true thanks to his nephew Massimiliano, a soldier of the 8th 'Folgore' regiment. Ciavattella launched into a tandem flight, supported by the pilot and instructor of the ASD 'Fly For FunDZone', Santiago Calzolari. Over a minute he free-falled at a speed of around 200 km/h, and then began the descent and landing phase in complete safety thanks to a special harness.
"It was the gift promised for my uncle's 50th birthday - confides the young soldier of the Italian Army - and thanks to the preparation and competence of the parachuting school in Molinella, in the province of Bologna, we managed to give this indescribable emotion both to him and to all the staff."
"What I felt is difficult to describe - states Gianfranco Ciavattella - A charge of adrenaline and a very strong sensation that I would never have imagined I could experience.
I have learned over time to live with my permanent disability, but I never set limits for myself. Previously, the my nephew Davide, now a chef in Toronto, hosted me in Capri where he worked and I will soon join him in Canada. I thank my family and in particular my brother Giulio for the affection and attention they reserve for me every day and for the many surprises that I am not exposed to. used to it".
The flight was filmed and documented by the videomaker Francesca Di Palma, with the technical and organizational support of the instructor Massimo Di Pietro and the president of SkidiveFlygang, Riccardo Salardi.