"JetMan" Flies Rio

[rgbeard]

http://www.aopa.org/aircraft/articles/2012/120503jetman-makes-rio-flight.html?WT.mc_id=120504epilot&WT.mc_sect=gan

"Yves Rossy checked another scenic ride off the to-do list, darting past Christ the Redeemer at speeds topping 180 mph with four tiny turbines and a small, rigid wing strapped to his back—along with a parachute.

For Rossy, it was the latest feat in a series of remarkable flights. He remains, according to a news release, the only person in the world to fly with a jet-powered rigid wing, controlled with a throttle and the movement of his body.

Rossy, whose aviation career includes service as a fighter pilot and airline pilot, started building his flying wing in 1993, and has since refined the design. In 2008, he crossed the English Channel, and in 2011 he overflew the Grand Canyon. Sponsored by Swiss watchmaker Breitling since 2010, Rossy has also flown formation with two L-39C Albatros jets from the Breitling Jet Team. "

[Rogue]

My hat's off to this guy.  I believe he has achieved something so many others have failed to do.  He's the modern day "Rocketeer".

[jeepinbanditrider]

That wing he built is amazing.  I think it's awesome that there are people still out there that dream big like this and make it happen    This is the kind of determination and imagination that took us to the moon and back.

[Dan K]

That is extremely cool.  His wing is to planes what sport bikes are to cars.

- Dan

[Rincewind]

Yeah but how can he check out the eye candy on Ipanema Beach when he's flying at 180mph?  

[Kneescrubber]

Here's the video:

[ManWorkingHere]

For background on Yves Rossy, he was part of a nice presentation here:

http://www.ted.com/talks/yves_rossy_fly_with_the_jetman.html

[Guy]

Yeah but how can he check out the eye candy on Ipanema Beach when he's flying at 180mph?  

Dude, he just flew a homemade wing 180mph and videoed it. The eye candy comes to him.