FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BIRD? PLANE? IT’S
JETMAN AT EAA AIRVENTURE 2013!
First public U.S. flights will be in
Oshkosh
EAA
AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (May 2, 2013) — Yves “Jetman” Rossy, the world’s
first jet-powered man, will make his first public U.S. flights this summer at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh,
showcasing the cutting edge of human flight at The World’s Greatest Aviation
Celebration on July 29-August 4.
The
U.S. flights are supported by Jetman’s sponsor, the luxury Swiss watch
manufacturer Breitling. Complete
details on the AirVenture flight schedule will be announced as it is finalized.
Along with the appearance at Oshkosh, Jetman will fly in the U.S. at the Reno
Air Races in September.
“We
have eagerly followed and supported Jetman’s progress and success for several
years,” said Jim DiMatteo, EAA’s vice president of AirVenture features and
attractions. “He has already been featured as our cover story in EAA Sport
Aviation magazine (March 2011), so to welcome him here this summer is
an exciting first and part of the unique flying world you’ll see only at
Oshkosh.”
The
American tour follows Jetman’s successful private flight over the Grand Canyon
in 2011 and numerous demonstrations in Europe. EAA assisted Rossy with the
paperwork to make the U.S. flights possible.
“I
am excited to share my project with fellow enthusiasts and be a part of
aviation’s biggest gathering in the world,” Rossy said from his home in
Switzerland. “EAA helped me secure the experimental exhibition special
airworthiness certificate for my jetwing. It will be a privilege to attend
Oshkosh and demonstrate how experimental projects can push forward the
boundaries of flight.”
Using
a carbon-Kevlar jetwing with four engines, each of which capable of a
22-kilogram thrust, the Swiss aviator is able to propel himself through the sky
at upward of 150 mph, controlled by a simple throttle in his hand. The rest of
the controls are left to the human fuselage - Rossy himself - who simply uses
his shoulders, body, and legs to steer, pitch, and descend. This forward-thinking
technology has allowed Rossy to achieve many outstanding feats since 2008,
including soaring above Rio de Janeiro, completing aerobatics from the
Breitling Orbiter balloon, crossing the English Channel and flying in formation
with various Breitling jets, warbirds and passenger aircraft.
For
Breitling, a watch brand synonymous with aviation, both the Oshkosh and Reno
events are a natural fit to celebrate the past, present, and future world of
flight. The watch manufacturer joined Jetman as his main sponsor in 2010 and
allowed him to achieve many aviation firsts.
“Breitling
is honored to bring Jetman back to the United States,” said Breitling U.S.A.
President Thierry Prissert. “His aerobatic feats exemplify the spirit of
aviation, and his never-ending dedication to air exploration enhances each
event in which he performs. Jetman in flight is truly incredible and something
everyone should see for themselves.”
Jetman’s
flights will be part of AirVenture’s air shows during the week. EAA AirVenture
air shows are presented by Rockwell Collins.
About
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s
Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention.
Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping
purchase, is available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on
admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call
1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.
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