Swiss Rocket Man flies at 8,200ft

After strapping an 8ft jet-powered wing to his back, a former Swiss fighter pilot became a human rocket man flying at 8,200ft for more than five minutes.

London, May 15 : After strapping an 8ft jet-powered wing to his back, a former Swiss fighter pilot became a human 'rocket man' flying at 8,200ft for more than five minutes.

Swooping and diving above the mountainous town of Bex in western Switzerland, Yves Rossy is the world's first man to fly with fitted jet-fuel powered wings strapped to his back, reports the Telegraph.

Rossy always dreamt of flying freely, but it took him four years of hard work on his jet design for the dream to become reality.

To achieve his bird-like status, the 48-year-old was taken up in a light aircraft, just like a normal skydiver.

After steeping out of the plane he appeared to plummet towards earth, before his fall turned to a glide and he ignited the four small jet engines attached to the carbon wing.

Once under power and using a lever to control the fuel, he had the freedom to soar where he chose.

Enjoying the demonstration, at speeds of up to 186mph, Rossy tipped his wings, flipped onto his back then levelled out again, performing a 360-degree roll.

The man then landed safely using a parachute.

"This flight was excellent. It's like a second skin. If I turn to the left, I fly left. If I nudge to the right, I go right," Rossy said.

Now Rossy is planning an even greater challenge - to fly across the Channel.

ANI