World's First Jet-Powered Man Flies For The First Time Above Famed Aerial Race Track On The Event's 50 Anniversary

The Nevada sky was the backdrop for a new kind of flying this weekend as Yves "Jetman" Rossy took to the air with his custom-designed jet wing, flying for the first time during the National Championship Air Races in Reno.

"The silhouette of Jetman flying through the air is something everyone should witness at least once in their life," said Breitling USA President Thierry Prissert. "It's an honor, therefore, that Breitling could play a part in this amazing event by sponsoring the National Championship Air Races and helping bring Jetman in front of a new audience."

Could Jetman's participation in Reno potentially lead to a future Jetman class at Reno? There is still a lot of project development before a new Jetman class can become reality, but this exciting new designation could potentially join the current seven classes, which include Biplane, Formula One, Sport, T-6, Jet, Unlimited and the Unlimited and Warbird class. Paving the way for these exciting new categories, Jetman soared above the famed Reno course where countless aviators have maneuvered their aircraft during the past 50 years.

"It was great to push the envelope of experimental competitive flight at this year's National Championship Air Races," said Mike Houghton, President and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association. "For five decades the National Championship Air Races in Reno have captured the imagination of spectators from around the globe. Jetman's flight this year exceeded everyone's expectations, and we look forward to his presence at future events."

Yves "Jetman" Rossy flies at speeds of up to 190 miles per hour using a customized carbon-Kevlar Jetwing fitted with four engines, each of which capable of 22 kg thrust and controlled by a simple hand-held throttle. Rossy used his own body to steer, allowing his shoulders, body and legs to help him pitch and descend. This forward-thinking technology has let Rossy achieve many outstanding feats in recent years, including a soaring flight above Rio de Janeiro, aerobatics from the Breitling Orbiter Balloon, a flight across the English Channel and even formation aerobatics with the Breitling Jet Team.

The Swiss legend is currently working with a protégée in Europe, whom Rossy hopes will one day fly in formation with him and maybe this will lay the foundations of multiple Jetmen flying at future National Championship Air Races, only time will tell.

(Image provided by Breitling)

FMI: www.jetman.com