The first jet-powered flying man in the history of aviation.

[The Aviator]

Yves Rossy

Following the “Flying Man” project, the logical “next step” was to accomplish the secret dream of being able to fly like Superman or the Rocketeer. To do this, jet-powering the wings had to be achieved in order to be able to allow the first flying man ever to fly horizontal level !
In 2001, Yves contacted the worlds leading model jet engine Company, “Jet-Cat”, based in Germany. This company, which specialized in motorizing miniature planes, quickly showed its interest in helping Yves install engines onto his wings.

To perfect the performance, the aerodynamic wings were improved and their span was increased to 3 meters. As of 2004 and because there was a loss of rigidity due to the inflatable side of the wings, Yves had to stop his collaboration with “Prospective Concepts” and work only with “ACT Composites” who then created foldable carbon wings, able to be used from a Pilatus Porter plane.
Finally, at 7:30pm on June 24th, 2004 and after the 3rd trial of the day (6th motorized trial), Yves finally dropped out of the Pilatus at an altitude of 4000m over the Yverdon airfield. Before pulling on the little lever that controls the opening of his wings, Yves lets himself glide for a couple seconds and at the altitude of 2500m, he starts the ignition of the engines and waits 30 seconds for them to stabilize. Once they are steady, he can finally speed up the engines and suddenly the dream comes true… He manages a horizontal flight at 1600m from the ground for more than 4 minutes, at a speed of 100 knots, in formation with the Pilatus!
Look at the incredible video

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[The Aviator]

I can't believe that no one commented on this man's fantastic achievement.
I don't want to see it fade from the "latest post" page and everyone miss it, so I am drawing attention to it again.

I can only dream of what it is like to soar like a living jet plane like that.

[CTNana]

Forgive my ignorance but what is the difference between that and a microlite?

[Antipodean Andy]

The video is awesome.

My wife used to skydive. Have seen videos of her doing it and don't think I've seen one where she landed on her feet! Blew her knee doing it and promised her Mum she wouldn't do it anymore...to my relief.

[The Aviator]

Nana [sigh] this guy uses his own body as the virtual fuselage.
A microlite is an actual flying structure in it's own right.

[Antipodean Andy]

I hates the things. Dangerous little so and sos.