I didn't get the impression that neya is too concerned about the pilot's safety, or anyone else on the flight for that matter. Seems like a solo jump to me.

Some modern small aircrafts (think Cessna instead of 747) actually have a full plane recovery system: a chute for the whole thing :)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballistic_Recovery_Systems#Pro...

Not all aircraft are built stoutly enough to resist a boot-heel of someone determined to get out. Most are, but not all.

Eh?

Your Cessna 172 isn't doing Mach 1. It's certainly possible to open the door at any speed a light aircraft can achieve. The door/canopy my get ripped off, but that's kind of irrelevant.

One of Mary Roach's books (Packing for Mars?) also claimed that in a large passenger plane, you're moving too fast to jump out without dying.

The article seemed more about small airplanes. Big ones have a series of people who would probably be in line to try and fly them before "random passengers with no experience". I don't know anything about planes, but "look for a parachute after you've stabilized the plane" doesn't sound like the worst possible idea, depending on the status of the pilot and other passengers.

Plenty of skydivers and base jumpers travel (with gear) to go jumping. The TSA might look at you funny* but there is certainly nothing illegal about carrying on a chute.

* Of course everything is always at the discretion of the TSA agent, they can prevent you from getting on a plane because they don't like the shirt you are wearing.