D. B. Cooper and Flight 305: a smokejumper's view

I received the following comments on D. B. Cooper and Flight 305 from a correspondent who has the unique perspective of being both a former FBI special agent and a former smokejumper:

"I have an idea how DB [Cooper] could have survived the jump. If he managed to get a large cargo item on the flight in a easily identifiable container, he could have changed clothes and used a steerable parachute, radio, altimeter, compass, letdown rope and maybe even a light.
... DB [Cooper] offered money to the flight attendant . I knew a Top Jewel thief that would do this if he was encountered during a burglary. Throwing a few thousand away would support the drowning theory. I remember receiving some water landing training ..."

and: "I called a former SF LTC [Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel]. He said ... Halo jumps have been around since the Sixties ... Halo jumpers had water wings and high altitude air supplies and steerable chutes. SEALS would also have dive suits to handle cold water. ... I know Army Airborne soldiers were trained in Forest Jumps at our base in Cave Junction Oregon."

A HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) jump. Image credit: Tactical Life Magazine.