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Pilot launches jetpack adventure | Pilot launches jetpack adventure |
(10 minutes later) | |
A Swiss pilot is hoping to become the first person to fly solo across the English Channel using a single jet-propelled wing. | A Swiss pilot is hoping to become the first person to fly solo across the English Channel using a single jet-propelled wing. |
Yves Rossy will take a plane to more than 8,200ft (2,500m), ignite jets on a wing on his back, and then jump out. | Yves Rossy will take a plane to more than 8,200ft (2,500m), ignite jets on a wing on his back, and then jump out. |
He aims to complete the 22 mile (35.4 km) flight from Calais to Dover in 12 minutes reaching speeds of 125mph. | He aims to complete the 22 mile (35.4 km) flight from Calais to Dover in 12 minutes reaching speeds of 125mph. |
The 49-year-old former military pilot had to postpone an earlier attempt because of weather conditions. | |
Mr Rossy, known as "Fusionman," hopes to follow the route taken by French airman Louis Blériot 99 years ago when he became the first person to fly across the English Channel in a plane. | Mr Rossy, known as "Fusionman," hopes to follow the route taken by French airman Louis Blériot 99 years ago when he became the first person to fly across the English Channel in a plane. |
His quote consistently is: I'm not worried about risk, I manage risk Kathryn LiptrottNational Geographic Channel | His quote consistently is: I'm not worried about risk, I manage risk Kathryn LiptrottNational Geographic Channel |
In an interview earlier this week, he said: "If I calculate everything right, I will land in Dover. But if I get it wrong, I take a bath." | In an interview earlier this week, he said: "If I calculate everything right, I will land in Dover. But if I get it wrong, I take a bath." |
The stunt will be broadcast live for the National Geographic Channel. Its producer, Kathryn Liptrott, told the BBC Rossy was fearless. | The stunt will be broadcast live for the National Geographic Channel. Its producer, Kathryn Liptrott, told the BBC Rossy was fearless. |
"When we've talked to him and asked him are you worried about risk his quote consistently is: I'm not worried about risk, I manage risk. | "When we've talked to him and asked him are you worried about risk his quote consistently is: I'm not worried about risk, I manage risk. |
"He flew Mirage fighters for the Swiss army, he now flies an Airbus. And in his sort of heart he's a pilot and a parachutist and what they do is manage risk. He won't fly if he doesn't think that he will arrive in Dover." | "He flew Mirage fighters for the Swiss army, he now flies an Airbus. And in his sort of heart he's a pilot and a parachutist and what they do is manage risk. He won't fly if he doesn't think that he will arrive in Dover." |
The longest flight he has taken so far lasted 10 minutes. | The longest flight he has taken so far lasted 10 minutes. |
The wing has no rudder or tail fin, so Mr Rossy will steer it using his head and back. | The wing has no rudder or tail fin, so Mr Rossy will steer it using his head and back. |
As well as a helmet and parachute, he will wear a special suit to protect him from the four kerosene-burning turbines mounted just centimetres from him on the wing. | As well as a helmet and parachute, he will wear a special suit to protect him from the four kerosene-burning turbines mounted just centimetres from him on the wing. |
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Mr Rossy's previous stunt, over the Alps | Mr Rossy's previous stunt, over the Alps |