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September 27, 2008 7:25 AM
By Avril Ormsby
LONDON - Swiss adventurer Yves Rossy flew from England to France Friday propelled by a jetpack strapped to his back - the first person to cross the English Channnel in such a way.
Rossy, a pilot who normally flies an Airbus airliner, crossed the 35km between Calais and Dover at speeds of up to 190kmh in 13 minutes, his spokesman said.
When the white cliffs of Dover came into view, he opened a blue and yellow parachute and drifted down in light winds to land in a British field where he was mobbed by well-wishers.
"Everything was perfect," he said afterwards. "I showed
that it is possible to fly a little bit like a bird."
Rossy traced the route of French aviator Louis Bleriot, who
became the first person to fly across the Channel in an aircraft in 1909.
The Swiss pilot was propelled by four kerosene-burning
jet turbines attached to a wing on his back. He ignited the
jets inside a plane before jumping out more than 2700m
above ground.
After a period of free fall he opened the wing and soared
across the water. With no steering controls, the only way
to change direction was like a bird, moving his head and back.
The 49-year-old Rossy, who calls himself "Fusion Man," told
the BBC the most tense moment was when he jumped from
the aircraft "because I did have many problems during exits
before".
But this time he made a perfect exit and quickly set the
correct course by aiming for the cliffs of Dover.
Rossy usually flies a Swiss International A320 Airbus
between Zurich and Heathrow and he develop the jet-
propelled device himself.
The wing, which spans three metres, is made of lightweight
carbon composite and weighs about 55kg including fuel.
He postponed the flight twice this week due to poor
weather and wore a flameproof suit to help him withstand
the jet exhaust around his legs.
His future plans included flying over the Grand Canyon,
taking off from a standing position on the ground and
performing acrobatics.
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