above: Breitling DC-3 Passengers Observe Jetman in "Full Flight"
In Buochs, Switzerland, Friday, June 22nd, Yves “Jetman” Rossy pulled a 'Superman' and flew in close formation with a vintage Breitling Douglas DC-3 aircraft, giving the passengers onboard the unique experience to see the world’s first jet powered man in full flight.
As the guests boarded the 1940’s, twin propeller aircraft and took to their seats; Yves Rossy prepared his rigid carbon Kevlar wing equipped with 4 Jet engines and positioned himself on the skid of an Eagle AS 350 helicopter. The DC-3 took a holding position above Lake Lucerne, at the heart of Switzerland, as Yves climbed to 6000 feet. Yves began his fall backwards from the helicopter, stabilized the wing and engaged all four engines to full throttle reaching a speed of 205 km/h and an altitude of 4500 feet before he joined the DC-3 using just his shoulders, body and legs to steer.
The flight lasted 7 minutes, before the Jetwing exhausted its fuel supply and Yves pulled his parachutes to land safely back at Buochs airport.
Aviation pioneer, Yves Rossy continually pushes the boundaries of personal flight, and this latest feat adds to the impressive list of Jetman accomplishments including: Flying over Rio de Janeiro, Grand Canyon West and the English Channel and flying in formation with the Breitling Jet Team and Breitling Wingwalkers.
info and video courtesy of the Associated Press.