Triumph in the Skies

AT ALMOST 107 YEARS OLD, AL BLASCHKE BREAKS WORLD SKYDIVING RECORD FOR THE SECOND TIME

While most people put skydiving on their bucket list and never take the literal leap, Sun City's Al Blaschke has done it three times . . . all since turning 100 years old. Al’s story has been told and seen many times over, but coverage of his inspiring life has become a story in itself.

Born January 4, 1917, his narrative is rich with historical resilience: surviving the Spanish flu, enduring the Great Depression, and providing essential services during World War II by building airplane parts for Pratt & Whitney. Before moving to Sun City, he was an avid skier and even more impressive, until the onset of the pandemic, was still playing golf every Friday. Fortunately for us, Al was also vigilant in avoiding COVID so he could look forward to celebrating his 107th birthday January 4, 2024.

Taking The Leap

Al's time as a media darling began when fellow Sun City resident Betty Schleder (above at right) asked him, on his 97th birthday, if he would like to jump out of a plane. He replied that it was a good idea but said, “No thank you, I’ll wait until I’m 100.” His prescience prompted a close friend to comment, “While most people blessed enough to make it to 97 might reflect on accomplishments, Al was still making long range plans.”

True to his word, on January 4, 2017, Al did a tandem jump from 10,000 feet to closely tie the world's record for the oldest person to jump out of a plane.

After a safe landing, and all smiles, Al promised he would jump again to celebrate his twin grandsons’ college graduations. Three years later, at 103 years and 181 days, he honored that promise by jumping out of a moving plane at 14,000 feet.

His jump was confirmed and verified to have broken the world record but Al admitted he was more excited to share the day with his grandsons. “That was my dream in 2017 because I never thought I’d be around this long.”

With a crowd of family and friends and a gaggle of journalists, Al attributed his longevity to his wonderful wife of 49 years, who had always helped him see the joy in everything (and also kept him hydrated).

Soon after, Betty arranged for Al to spend some time with Governor Abbott at her home. She says, "They spoke about Al's recent achievement and at the end of the interview the governor said, 'I will jump with you Mr. Blaschke.' My jaw dropped and I said, 'I heard that, and you're not going to be able to back out!' "

NEW RECORD

As other centenarians around the world continued to raise the bar on the oldest jump, Al and Betty decided it was time to reclaim the title. True to his word, Governor Abbott was ready to join them in the air and joked that he was honored Al would "make him famous" by allowing him to share in the moment.

After four postponements due to scheduling and some bad weather, the day finally came November 27. At 106 years 10 months, and 23 days, Al was joined by his children and grandchildren, as well as Precinct 3 Constable Matt Lindemann as the official witness for Guinness.

Happily, the governor and Al both enjoyed a thrilling ride and safe landings and Al's tandem jumper reported that he sang "When You Smile" from the plane to the ground. As they shook hands, the governor told Al he looked great and said, "I"m proud of you, and proud to be jumping with you." Ever humble, and noting it was the governor's first jump, Al said, "I'm very proud of you too, this was the highlight of my jumping career."

Al's advice to anyone who might have some hesitation about similar extreme feats, "If you think you can't, you're just underestimating yourself. Everyone is more capable than they think. They just need to make the decision to try."

GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT

TEXAN THROUGH AND THROUGH

Governor Greg Abbott's skydiving adventure alongside centenarian Al Blaschke was a testament to his Texan spirit and commitment. Addressing the press before the jump, the governor said he felt all along that his odds were the same as the Longhorns going to the Big 12 Championship. As they suited up and strapped in, the two men were joined in flight by Betty Schleder and two members of the US Army National Guard.

Upon landing, Governor Abbott addressed the assembled TV and news reporters with his customary humor, saying, "My worst fears about skydiving were realized; that I would land and not be able to walk away."

He described the experience as fascinating and incomparable, emphasizing the thrill of freefall — they immediately did a roll and a few hard turns — but added, "I think my favorite part is when [you pull the chute and] you're almost at a standstill in the middle. It's peaceful and quiet."

Reflecting on his first skydiving experience, Governor Abbott compared it to his frequent travels in helicopters and planes across Texas, noting the stark difference when one is freefalling. He appreciated the guidance from his tandem instructor, who ensured his comfort throughout the jump, but he shared insights about the experience, emphasizing how overcoming initial fears can lead to exhilarating and peaceful moments.

The governor's recollections resonated with Al's philosophy and encouragement that we should all try new things, underscoring the importance of staying active and positive. Al's adventurous spirit and Governor Abbott's participation highlighted the limitless potential we all have, regardless of age or circumstances. Their shared experience served as a reminder to continually embrace life's opportunities and challenge our own self-imposed limits.