what does it take?

O.K. Still wondering if you can jump off the top of Gateway Rock and open your 'chute before the final SPLAT?
According to Wikipedia's page "One way to make a parachute open very quickly is to use a static line or direct bag. These devices form an attachment between the parachute and the jump platform, which stretches out the parachute and suspension lines as the jumper falls, before separating and allowing the parachute to inflate. This method enables the very lowest jumps (below 200ft) to be made, although most BASE jumpers are more motivated to make higher jumps involving free fall."
Since the Gazette reported the height the unfortunate BASE jumper was planning to plummet was 280 feet, he must know what he's doing.
Well, maybe that's going a bit too far.