Tokyo: Swiss aviator Yves “Jetman” Rossy, whose jet-engine powered wings have taken him over some of the world’s most awe-inspiring places, has added another — Japan’s Mount Fuji.
“It’s a fantastic privilege to be a little mosquito flying in front of that big mountain,” the 54-year-old former Swiss air force pilot said Wednesday.
Rossy, with a 60-kilogram (132-pound) kit strapped on his back, circled the country’s highest and most revered mountain nine times over one week until last Sunday.
In each flight lasting about 10 minutes, he dived from a helicopter, soared as high as 3,657 metres (12,000 feet) and parachuted back to earth from an altitude of around 800 metres.
Rossy designed and built his own jetman system — a backpack with carbon-fibre wings spanning about two metres, powered by four attached jet engines modified from large model aircraft engines.
It can reach speeds of 300 kilometres (185 miles) per hour.
The seasoned aviator, currently a captain with Swiss International Air Lines on sabbatical leave, said the 3,776-metre Mt Fuji had been an awe-inspiring location.
“It’s really impressive. It’s a perfect form, a huge mountain, a huge volcano, a presence that you can feel on ground and also in the air.”
In previous stunts Rossy has crossed the English Channel, flown over the Grand Canyon and soared above the scenic Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, as well as flying in formation with jet airplanes and a Spitfire fighter.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription