Jet-propelled man flies across English Channel

Buy an ad on DigitalJournal.com

Today Rossy became the first person to cross the English Channel using only a jet-propelled wing trapped to his back.

After two previous attempts were postponed because of bad weather, everything went according to plan for Rossy's 9 minutes and 32 second flight. Rossy was helped on his way by a tailwind which cut his flight time by around two-and-a-half minutes compared with his calculations before the attempt.

Just after 1:05 p.m., Rossy crossed the White Cliffs and he had enough fuel left over in the four kerosene-burning turbines powering his self-designed homemade device for some aerobatics to entertain the crowds gathered below.

Rossy than deployed his parachute and drifted downward, waving his legs excitedly. Rossy's ungainly face-in-the-dirt landing contrasted with the elegance of his high-altitude flight through the crystal blue autumn sky.

Shortly after touching ground the daredevil declared that he felt great and he said that he dedicated the achievement to his support team who had made it all possible.

Rossy said that he was the only one who crossed the channel with that kind of device but there were so many people who crossed the channel with him and he thank them.

Rossy, 49, is a former fighter pilot who now flies for Swiss International airlines, was taken to a height of 2,500 metres by a Pilatus support plane which, once he jumped out, guided him on his route. A rescue helicopter was also on hand in case he landed in the sea and another helicopter to film him in the air.

Rossy said that he wanted others to have the same experience and he said that he will continue this project.

Rossy said that he proved that it was possible to fly a like a bird and that he is full of hope that there will be many similar flights to come in the near future.