On November 17, 197's, William Michael Jones , a 17 - year- old minor , signed a contract with Free !'! Sport Aviation , Inc . ( Free Flight ) , for the use of recreational sky - diving facilities . A covenant not to and an exculpatory clause exempting Free Flight from liability were included in the contract . On December 28 , 1973 , Jones attained the age of majority ( 18 years of age ) . Ten months later , while on Free Flight sky - diving operation , the airplane crashed shortly after takeoff from Littleton Airport , ca severe personal injuries to Jones . Jones filed suit against Free Flight alleging negligence and willful