Question: As I watched the end scene I wondered: how do James and Domino intend to return to terra firma? They were whisked out of the boat by the plane and are hanging on the end of a long cord so the plane can't land without them being dragged at high speed along the concrete.
Grumpy Scot
3rd Jun 2004
Thunderball (1965)
Answer: A helicopter could lower a line to them to attach themselves to. They could then cut the rope and be lowered to safety. A bit outlandish, but this is Bond we are talking about after all.
Answer: Look up Skyhook online and you'll find out how it was done. The person hanging from the cable would be pulled aboard by the plane's crew.