Yves Rossy Wows Hundreds of Thousands of Aviation EnthusiastsJetman Performs First Public Flight in the United States
Yves ‘Jetman’ Rossy, the world’s first jet-powered man, thrilled crowds during his first public flight in the United States at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in, supported by his sponsor, the luxury Swiss watch manufacturer Breitling. Outfitted in his custom-designed Jet-wing, Jetman soared over the crowds free as a bird, reaching speeds of 190 mph.
“It’s thrilling to do my first public flight for such an enthusiastic crowd and be a part of the biggest aviation gathering in the world, and I look forward to the rest of my flights this week,” said Rossy, 54, shortly after his flight. “I have been pursuing my dream of flying in the most natural possible form for many years, and I am always experimenting to get as close as possible to that goal. By being a part of this highly-regarded and world-famous aviation event, I’m sharing with this audience of enthusiasts, fans, and young people that it’s possible to push the frontiers of aviation.”
Rossy continues, “It’s gratifying to be so well-received and to have so many fans here supporting my efforts and witnessing the new technologies I’ve developed. EAA AirVenture highlights how experimental projects like mine can encourage aviation innovation.
Using a carbon-Kevlar® Jet-wing with four engines, each of which is capable of a 22 kg thrust, the Swiss aviator was able to propel himself through the skies at upwards of 190 mph, controlled by a simple throttle in his hand. The rest of the controls were left to the human fuselage – Rossy himself – who simply used his shoulders, body and legs to steer, pitch and descend. This forward-thinking technology has allowed Rossy to achieve many outstanding feats, including soaring above Rio de Janeiro, completing aerobatics from the Breitling Orbiter Balloon, crossing the English Channel and flying in formation with the Breitling Jet Team, Warbirds and passenger aircraft.
For a watch brand synonymous with aviation and a visionary aviator with the mind of a pilot and the desire to soar through the air like a bird, Oshkosh is the ideal place to celebrate the past, present and future of flight.
Yves Rossy flew in formation with a vintage B-17 ‘Flying Fortress’ as part of his preparation for his flights at Oshkosh, with select VIP’s and guests of EAA and Breitling onboard the historical aircraft. In addition to the premiere flight, Jetman is scheduled for additional EAA AirVenture performances on Thursday, August 1; Saturday, August 3; and Sunday, August 4.
“Jetman is a perfect example of the innovation displayed each year by those who participate at Oshkosh,” said Jack J. Pelton, chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the event’s organizing group. “Our founder Paul Poberezny calls it ‘using hand and mind’ to explore the sky. Jetman and Breitling have brought a wonderful addition to this year’s event.”