Jerry Bird
Jerry Bird, D-3299, stands as a pioneering figure in the evolution of formation skydiving. His journey in the sport began in the 1960s, leading to significant contributions that have left an indelible mark on skydiving history.
In 1967, over Taft, California, Bird participated in the first documented 10-man star formation, a groundbreaking achievement in relative work (now known as formation skydiving). This accomplishment paved the way for larger and more complex freefall formations. Following this, Bird became a founding member of the Arvin Good Guys, a skydiving club instrumental in advancing formation skydiving techniques. He later established renowned teams such as Jerry Bird’s All-Stars and the Columbine Turkey Farm. These teams secured multiple national titles and four world titles, underscoring their dominance in the discipline.
Bird’s prowess extended to his participation in the Formation Skydiving World Champion USA 8-Way Team, Mirror Image. In recognition of his significant contributions to the sport, the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) awarded him the Leonardo da Vinci Parachuting Diploma in 1983, making him only the second American skydiver to receive this honor.
In 2010, Jerry Bird was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in the skydiving community. As of the latest available information, Bird resides in Florida, continuing to inspire new generations of skydivers.
