In 1966, Chuck Alexander of Pioneer Aerospace Corporation achieved a first ever successful midair retrieval of a parachutist by a passing aircraft (C-122) traveling at approximately 100 knots. The jump was performed at an altitude of 9,000 feet and the retrieval at 8,000 feet on the first pass/recovery attempt by the aircraft. Chuck experienced approximately 3-4Gs of load during this test, comparable to normal opening loads experienced by a jumper. This test was used to demonstrate a system for recovering ejected pilots over hostile enemy territory. The jumper is reeled in by a winch system, finally grabbing hold of a bar at the rear of the aircraft, which raises to allow him to step aboard normally.