"Global Flying Sensation" Completes His First Successful U.S. Flight

Ultimately, even a uniquely complex certification process could not prevent Yves “Jetman” Rossy from making an historic flight through Grand Canyon West this past weekend. We have to admit, it certainly looks like an "E" ticket ride.

Flying his jet-propelled wing attached to his back, and steering only by movement of his body, Rossy launched from a helicopter at 8,000 feet and skimmed the rockscape at speeds of up to 190 mph. Jetman sustained flight for more than eight minutes 200 feet above the rim of Grand Canyon West before deploying his parachute and descended to the canyon floor.

An earlier flight scheduled for Friday, May 6 was cancelled when final FAA certification was held up due to the difficulty in classifying Mr. Rossy’s one-of-a-kind jet-powered wing. By the time the process was complete, sufficient practice flights were unable to occur prior to the scheduled 0900 flight.

“My first flight in the U.S. is sure to be one of the most memorable experiences in my life, not only for the sheer beauty of the Grand Canyon but the honor to fly in sacred Native American lands,” Rossy stated. “Thank you Mother Nature and the Hualapai Tribe for making my lifelong dreams come true.”

Jetman has already won global acclaim for his successful jet-powered flights cross Lake Geneva and the English Channel. But this was the first time he had flown in the U.S. ... and his choice of the Grand Canyon. According to Ben Balmer, Global Marketing Director of Breitling, “The power, passion and precision of flight inspire all of us at Breitling, and we are delighted to help Yves Rossy to achieve his dream of pure flight at Grand Canyon West. Yves is a true pioneer and a wonderful ambassador for Breitling’s values.”

FMI: www.breitling.com