Courtesy of Performance Designs
Operation VK: Dynamic Flow is what “the dream of flight” looks like when it’s planned, given structure and has a shared intent. The event, which canopy manufacturer Performance Designs held November 17-21 at Skydive City Zephyrhills in Florida, was the sequel to the 2023 Operation VK event. This time, the organizers set out to do something different: create space for emerging canopy pilots from across the globe. Allowing new talent to step forward and prove themselves became a defining feature of the event.
Operation VK: Dynamic Flow was an exercise in the participants’ ability to design and execute jumps methodically and clearly, as well as make them downright exhilarating. Matt Leonard, a key organizer at the event, explained that the question with the designed jumps was never, “Is this possible?” but rather, “How perfectly can it be flown?” While the 2023 event focused on single-point, static formations that held their shape, the 2025 iteration took those shapes to the next level, moving them around and through each other in a way that had never been attempted before.
“… it wasn’t as much about trying, it was more about doing. We used our years of experience running flocking events, which led to that level of precision.” —Matt Leonard
Photo by Javier Ortiz.
The group had a combined 625 years in the sport and more than 325,000 jumps (with Pete Allum contributing more than 10% of that), and wing loading ranged from 2.0:1 to 3.1:1. The first jumps of the five-day event were foundational and data-gathering. As with any ambitious series of jumps, beginning with smaller, simpler maneuvers is always the best path to success. As the days progressed, the jumps became bigger and more dynamic, moving from 12- to 18-way semi-dynamic flows on days one and two, to 36-way hybrid static/dynamic jumps on day three. Throughout, the discipline of each canopy pilot—visible in every section of every formation as they built and flowed together—was fundamental.
“...the most valuable thing I reaffirmed is that this discipline is a team discipline, and how amazing it is to see everyone working toward a common goal and a shared passion.”
—PD Videographer Javier Ortiz
Photo by Chris Bess.
Day four of the event saw the team return to 18-ways with two groups flying dynamic plans to build toward the entire team flying a series of seamless, fully dynamic 36-ways on day five. This, along with the structure of the preceding days, deliberately refined the canopy pilots’ skills through repetition, providing the foundation for a final day where their individual actions would align with the collective plan. PD Sponsorship Coordinator Matt Siegmann remarked,
“Precision and teamwork aren’t about the fastest or most aggressive moves. It’s the smooth, foundational movements that bring everyone together into solid positions.”
With 36 of the world’s most accomplished canopy pilots coming from 14-plus countries to participate in this event, it was a special and unparalleled opportunity to push boundaries. As a result, each pilot challenged their personal skill set and flew unique jumps. “My favorite formation was the 36-way block where we moved the lines through each other,” said PD Project Lead Allison Reay. “I was in the middle and at the end of the line on my side. So, when everyone turned, I just saw 35 people whooshing past me in both directions. It was a very cool visual.”
“Events like this are important to Performance Designs as a team because they allow us to connect with skydivers and sponsored athletes alike in the most authentic way we know how, by flying our wings together as a team.”
—PD Marketing Manager Scott Robinson
Photo by Chris Bess.
The event demonstrated what’s achievable when skilled, driven individuals come together to push the boundaries of canopy flight and flocking formations. Just as importantly, it created space to spotlight experienced athletes, as well as emerging pilots who were inspired by the first iteration of Operation VK. For many of the pilots, these jumps were the culmination of years of effort and skill development. They also represented something even larger: what’s possible when skill, trust and shared vision meet in the sky.
Operation VK will continue to evolve. The dream of flight always does.
Photo by Chris Bess.