Since 1959, the United States Army Parachute Team performed parachute demonstrations, competitions, and tandem orientations for millions of people nationally and internationally to increase awareness of the U. Every year, the USAPT reaches nearly a third of our nation by performing spectacular live parachute demonstrations for the American public. As the USAPT makes its way into the skies around t
he country, the American colors will be displayed in a new and different way. During certain demonstrations, the Golden Knights use a drop banner colored similarly to the American flag which has safe dimensions for flight and displays the colors of an American flag in a banner form. Flag code, the flag of the United States of America must meet specific size proportions in order to be labeled a flag. and weighs roughly 15-20 pounds. When using the American banner in aerial demonstrations, there is a 20-25 pound weight attached to one end of the banner to act as a solid tensioner. The American drop banner during a demonstration has a combined weight of more than 40 pounds. When the banner is flown, the attached weight is critical in ensuring that the banner deploys appropriately and maintains its rigidness in flight. During an aerial demonstration using the American banner, the Golden Knights do not attempt to catch the banner at any point during descent due to safety of individuals on the drop zone. The banner lands precisely in a location free of obstruction because of the careful preparation from the Golden Knights team members. The banner spends minimum time touching the ground. Upon landing, it is immediately taken into the care of the Golden Knights team members and delicately handled. Please visit the U.S. Army Parachute Team website at www.goarmy.com/events/golden-knights.html to see upcoming events in your area.
