341: What if you had an unquenchable thirst for danger?
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Deep Dive
Why does Kerry McCauley describe himself as a riskaholic?
He breaks rules for the thrill of it and seeks out more dangerous activities because he craves adrenaline and the thrill of risk, even when it puts his life in danger.
What early experiences shaped Kerry's love for adventure and danger?
As a child, he was drawn to risky activities like climbing trees, skiing black diamonds, and getting lost in the woods. His parents also encouraged adventure, taking him on ski trips and introducing him to scouting and hunting.
How did Kerry's near-death experience in the Bighorn Mountains impact him?
It intensified his craving for danger and adrenaline. Instead of being traumatized, he was fascinated by the experience and wanted to repeat it, feeling a sense of power and overcoming adversity.
What role did the Army play in Kerry's life and his pursuit of adventure?
The Army provided him with structured adventure and discipline, allowing him to shoot machine guns, throw grenades, and ride in tanks. It also introduced him to aviation, which became a lifelong passion.
How did skydiving change Kerry's life?
Skydiving became a major part of his life, satisfying his need for adventure and adrenaline. He became a skydiving instructor and later owned a skydiving school, immersing himself in the community and the thrill of free fall.
What happened to Kerry's first wife, Kathy, during a skydiving incident?
Kathy got tangled in a tree during a skydive and fell to her death while Kerry was part of the rescue attempt. This event deeply affected him, leading to intense guilt and grief.
How did Kerry cope with the loss of his first wife?
He channeled his grief into becoming a skydiving instructor, aiming to prevent similar accidents. He felt a sense of purpose in teaching others to skydive safely and saving lives.
What is ferry flying, and how did Kerry get involved in it?
Ferry flying involves delivering small planes across long distances, often over oceans. Kerry was introduced to it by a friend and eventually became a ferry pilot, flying planes like the Beach Duchess to Lisbon, Portugal.
Describe one of Kerry's most harrowing ferry flights.
During a flight from Morocco to Tanzania, his plane lost electrical power at night over the desert. He had to fly by flashlight, eventually relying on the stars to navigate until sunrise.
Why did Kerry eventually stop ferry flying?
He stopped ferry flying after starting a family, realizing the dangers were too great and selfish to continue. He transitioned to running a skydiving school and continued skydiving professionally.
What does Kerry believe is the price of living a life of adventure and risk?
He acknowledges that the price is the loss of friends and loved ones due to accidents. Despite this, he feels he cannot stop pursuing dangerous activities, as it is part of who he is.
- Early fascination with risky activities
- Influence of parents' adventurous spirit
- First major adventure in the Bighorn Mountains, leading to a near-death experience
- Discovery of a love for the thrill of danger
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