WHO says skydiving and acrophobia–the medical term for fear of heights–cannot mix?

We had a chance encounter with Master Sergeant Alex Busto (of the Philippine Army Parachute Team) while he was folding his parachute moments after landing.

He was among a number of skydivers who joined the recent Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Clark Field.

So back to my question: If I have fear of heights, will I be able try skydiving? Or maybe muster enough courage and not puke just thinking about it?

Well, he told me a story about a colleague of his in the Army who was able to conquer his fear of heights and skydive. So how long should someone like me train before I can actually jump off a plane?

He said maybe a week or maybe even less. Really, now. The guy’s been jumping off planes for more than decade now, so I have no choice but to take his word for it.

Not that I’m planning to jump off a plane anytime soon. Check out this video showing our interview with Msg. Busto, wherein he explains how a skydiver should land properly.