On June 9, 1988, Sergei Bubka broke the world pole-vaulting record for the 8th time in four years by attaining a height of 6.14 m.

How long was Bubka in the air for this record setting vault?

Not possible. On the uplift portion of a pole vault, there is no "initial vertical velocity", as it is the spring action of the pole which does the lift, there is a force vertical nearly all the way upwards.

However, you can figure the time it took to fall if you wish.

To calculate the time Bubka spent in the air for his record-setting vault, we need to use the principles of physics and some assumptions. Here's how you can determine the approximate time:

1. Determine the initial velocity: Assuming Bubka had a near-horizontal component to his velocity at takeoff, we can estimate his velocity just before he releases the pole. Unfortunately, the available information does not provide his velocity at takeoff, so we need to make an assumption. Let's assume that Bubka's takeoff velocity is similar to the average pole-vaulters' takeoff velocity, which is around 9 meters per second (m/s).

2. Calculate the time to reach maximum height: In idealized physics, the time to reach maximum height for a projectile is the same as the time taken to descend from maximum height to the initial height. This is known as the time of flight (Tf). We can calculate Tf using the equation:

Tf = 2 * (height / g)^0.5

where height is the difference between the maximum height and the initial height the pole-vaulter took off from, and g is the acceleration due to gravity, approximately 9.8 m/s².

Assuming Bubka's initial height is negligible compared to the maximum height, we can approximate Tf as:

Tf = 2 * (6.14 / 9.8)^0.5

3. Divide Tf by 2: The time in the air for the record-setting vault is half the total time of flight (Tf), as Bubka's time in the air is the time taken to reach maximum height.

Therefore, the approximate time Bubka spent in the air for his record-setting vault can be calculated by dividing Tf by 2.

Please note that this calculation is an approximation, as it assumes certain idealized conditions and makes assumptions about Bubka's takeoff velocity. Additionally, the actual time Bubka spent in the air for this specific vault might have been slightly different due to factors like wind resistance, technique, and other external variables.