There are only a few things more exciting than being a technology blogger, like jumping out of an airplane at 7,500 feet above the Swiss Alps strapped into rocket-powered jet wings. That’s what Yves Rossy of Switzerland just did.
According to the Associated Press,
Rossy, 48, had stepped out of the Swiss-built Pilatus Porter aircraft at 7,500 feet and unfolded the rigid eight-foot wings strapped to his back before jumping.
Passing from free fall to a gentle glide, Rossy then triggered four jet turbines and accelerated to 186 miles per hour, about 65 miles per hour faster than the typical falling skydiver. A plane that flew at some distance beside him measured his speed…
…Steering with his body, Rossy dived, turned and soared again, performing what appeared to be effortless loops from one side of the Rhone valley to the other. At times he rose 2,600 feet before descending again.
After one last wave to the crowd the rocket man tipped his wings, flipped onto his back and leveled out again, executing a perfect 360-degree roll.
Rossy says that his next goal is to use the wings to fly across the English channel and he’d eventually like to fly through the Grand Canyon.
This guy was first in the news for doing this, like, 4 years ago. I remember reading about him in Popular Science I think.
I’d like to try this – after I get over my fear of Death.
dayumn.
Seen this a year or so ago, the most amazing thing is that he can get the saftey harness straped over his enormous huevos.
Check YouTube for videos
Id be down to try this when im getting ready to die maybe like late 80’s or mid 90’s hell ill even volunteer then to fly through a black hole and see what all the fuss is about!
he is good damn that bitch old man is crazy