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Wed, Aug 07, 2019

Flyboard Inventor Skims Across The English Channel

Franky Zapata Makes 22-Mile Journey In About 22 Minutes

The inventor of the Flyboard has successfully flown his machine across the English Channel, a 22-mile trip that lasted about 22 minutes.

The BBC reports that Zapata departed from Sangatte, near Calais, shortly after 0600 GMT Sunday, landing in St Margaret's Bay in Dover after a refueling stop during the trip.

Zapata first attempted the crossing on July 25, but an issue refueling the Flyboard forced him to abandon the attempt. He ran out of fuel and ditched in the ocean before reaching the boat where he planned to switch backpacks for one with a full load of fuel. This time, a larger boat and platform supported the attempt, along with a three-helicopter escort. He said he reached speeds of up to 106 mph (92 knots) during the flight.

While some may call the flight historic, Zapata was not so quick to say it was. "I'm not the one to decide," he told reporters. "Time will tell."

(Image from YouTube video posted by Voice of America)

FMI: Source report

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