[mlocher]

Your points are interesting ones. The effects of going the speed of sound are nothing compared to the G-forces generated by velocity changes.

One thing in his favor is that as he drops, the atmosphere increases and his speed will naturally slow down (more atmosphere means more air friction). I think there is a terminal velocity at 1 atmospheric pressure unit that is about 125 mph if I remember correctly from HS physics. He will therefore go from 600 mph to 125 mph in a gradual manner. His parachute will open as it normally would -- provided he does not pull the rip cord too soon.

[catfish1957]

Thanks for the answer. So the jump will give him enough time to deaccelerate from 600 mph to terminal velocity? I didn’t you could slow down in free fall.

[FredZarguna]

Terminal velocity at near surface conditions is an enormous function of aerodynamics. The broad consenses is that belly-flop terminal velocity near the surface of the earth is 125-130 mph. However, low resistance profiles (actual diving) by skilled parachutists gets v_T over 250 mph. I believe the record is around 300 mph.