Emulates Someone He's Long Admired; George H.W. Bush

Most of us hope to just make it to 90 years old, let alone celebrate by stepping out of an airplane. But that's what Titusville, FL resident Ivan Briggs to mark his 90th trip around the sun last week.

Florida Today reports that Briggs has been a long-time fan of former President George H.W. Bush, who also famously went skydiving for his 90th birthday. So when he turned 90, Briggs went to the Skydive Space Center on the central Florida Coast, was strapped to a skydiving instructor, and jumped.

Briggs said that he was not afraid at all during the jump. He said that during the 75-second freefall, at first he wasn't sure he could breathe because of the wind pressure. But then "you're just amazed at what's happening."

He described the view as he descended under the canopy as "breathtaking."

Briggs' wife of 65 years, Carol, watched the jump from the ground. He said that he had discussed the jump frequently with her, and there "wasn't a trace of concern on her part." But, he said, she was glad when it was over.

FMI: www.skydivespacecenter.com