Menu
22/08/2008
'Rocket Man' Completes Channel Trial Run
A Swiss daredevil has edged closer to his ambition of flying solo across the English Channel strapped to a jet-pack wing.
Yves Rossy successfully completed a crucial test flight yesterday after several failed attempts owing to electronic interference problems.
Rossy, dubbed 'Birdman', flew for 10 minutes over a distance of more than 21 miles which is the equivalent to Dover to Calais, France.
The stuntman jumped out of a plane at 2,300m with his wing strapped to his back and flew in a straight line to Villeneuve, from a height of 1,700m, before turning back to Bex airfield.
He then switched off the jet engines before deploying two parachutes at 1,500 and 1,200m.
In further credit to the brave 'Birdman', he steers his way by shifting his weight and moving his head.
Rossy, also known as Fusionman, said "everything went well, it was awesome, it's my longest flight with this wing".
He added "if there are no technical problems" it's "OK for the English Channel".
"I can't wait for this next challenge!" he exclaimed.
The 48-year-old Swiss is bidding to become the first person in history to carry out a solo, jet-propelled flight across the Channel.
Fusionman, as he likes to be called, will attempt the daring feat on 24 September, weather permitting.
The attempt is going to be streamed live on the National Geographic Channel.
Rossy is a pilot, inventor and aviation enthusiast. In 2006, he became the first person to fly a jet engine-powered wing strapped to his back.
He has served as a fighter pilot in the Swiss Air Force and flew Boeing 747s for Swissair and now works as an Airbus pilot for Swiss International Air Lines.
(DS)
Yves Rossy successfully completed a crucial test flight yesterday after several failed attempts owing to electronic interference problems.
Rossy, dubbed 'Birdman', flew for 10 minutes over a distance of more than 21 miles which is the equivalent to Dover to Calais, France.
The stuntman jumped out of a plane at 2,300m with his wing strapped to his back and flew in a straight line to Villeneuve, from a height of 1,700m, before turning back to Bex airfield.
He then switched off the jet engines before deploying two parachutes at 1,500 and 1,200m.
In further credit to the brave 'Birdman', he steers his way by shifting his weight and moving his head.
Rossy, also known as Fusionman, said "everything went well, it was awesome, it's my longest flight with this wing".
He added "if there are no technical problems" it's "OK for the English Channel".
"I can't wait for this next challenge!" he exclaimed.
The 48-year-old Swiss is bidding to become the first person in history to carry out a solo, jet-propelled flight across the Channel.
Fusionman, as he likes to be called, will attempt the daring feat on 24 September, weather permitting.
The attempt is going to be streamed live on the National Geographic Channel.
Rossy is a pilot, inventor and aviation enthusiast. In 2006, he became the first person to fly a jet engine-powered wing strapped to his back.
He has served as a fighter pilot in the Swiss Air Force and flew Boeing 747s for Swissair and now works as an Airbus pilot for Swiss International Air Lines.
(DS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 September 2008
'Fusionman' To Cross The English Channel
Swiss pilot Yves Rossy will attempt to fly across the English channel using a single jet-propelled wing strapped to his back. The former military pilot intends to complete the 22 mile flight from Calais to Dover in 12 minutes.
'Fusionman' To Cross The English Channel
Swiss pilot Yves Rossy will attempt to fly across the English channel using a single jet-propelled wing strapped to his back. The former military pilot intends to complete the 22 mile flight from Calais to Dover in 12 minutes.
10 August 2009
Met Officer Dies In Diving Accident
A Metropolitan Police officer has died while diving in the English Channel, according to emergency services. The 57-year-old officer was one of two men who were airlifted to Worthing hospital after getting into difficulties while on a diving expedition off the Sussex coast on Saturday afternoon.
Met Officer Dies In Diving Accident
A Metropolitan Police officer has died while diving in the English Channel, according to emergency services. The 57-year-old officer was one of two men who were airlifted to Worthing hospital after getting into difficulties while on a diving expedition off the Sussex coast on Saturday afternoon.
23 November 2004
Shopping channel Auctionworld shuts doors
Shopping channel Auctionworld was placed in the hands of the receivers today, owing millions of pounds to creditors.
Shopping channel Auctionworld shuts doors
Shopping channel Auctionworld was placed in the hands of the receivers today, owing millions of pounds to creditors.
01 May 2014
Viacom To Buy Channel 5
Viacom is to buy Channel 5, it has been confirmed. The US media group is understood to have acquired the UK channel for £450m from the Northern & Shell group. In a statement, Viacom said the move would "accelerate" its strategy within the UK, and called Channel 5 as "one of British television's biggest brands".
Viacom To Buy Channel 5
Viacom is to buy Channel 5, it has been confirmed. The US media group is understood to have acquired the UK channel for £450m from the Northern & Shell group. In a statement, Viacom said the move would "accelerate" its strategy within the UK, and called Channel 5 as "one of British television's biggest brands".
14 April 2003
Education vision offers 'Teachers TV'
Teachers are set to have their own cable TV channel - delivering programmes on classroom resources, training and latest news from the education sector.
Education vision offers 'Teachers TV'
Teachers are set to have their own cable TV channel - delivering programmes on classroom resources, training and latest news from the education sector.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, most persistent and occasionally heavy across southern and western counties this afternoon. Risk of low cloud and fog patches affecting the Down coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Continuing cloudy through the evening with further outbreaks of rain, the rain turning lighter and patchier from the south overnight. Winds remain light. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
