World’s second Jetman makes history with flight into Dubai’s skies

The 11th May 11, 2015 in Dubai, UAE: After enthralling the world to become the first man in history to fly using a jet-engine powered carbon fibre wing strapped to his back, Yves ‘Jetman’ Rossy supported by XDubai  the new group and campaign promoting action sports in Dubai and Vince Reffet  , announced the completion of another first – a twin human formation flight – a historic moment for aviation globally.

Over the years, Dubai’s exuberant energy has inspired individuals to set records and challenge themselves to new heights. Making the city their new home, Yves Rossy and Vince Reffet have charted out a plan to expand their dreams for Jetman Dubai.

“Jetman is the culmination of over 20 years of innovation and has resulted in achieving my personal dream to fly free, soaring through the sky.  It is a privilege to have a talented athlete like Vince fly besides me high in the sky and I believe that together we will make great advances as we move towards our next big milestone.” said Yves ‘Jetman’ Rossy.

Jetman Dubai

Jetman first came to the world’s attention in May 2008 with his first official flight over the Swiss Alps. In September 2008, 99 years after the first crossing of the English Channel by air, he followed the path of Louis Blériot, achieving an amazing flight that was broadcast live to 165 countries and widely covered by the media worldwide. Yves Rossy became legendary – even though, from his perspective, he has just opened the door on the realms of possibility.

The Jetman Dubai pair’s record setting twin human formation saw them fly together over landmarks like the iconic Burj Khalifa, The Palm Jumeirah and the Liwa desert.

Inside the mind of Yves Rossy

How did it all start?

My passion for flying began at a very young age. I did an apprenticeship in engineering after which I joined the Swiss Air Force flying fighter jets. I then turned to commercial piloting for Swiss Air before I started work on my project. I got the idea for ‘Jetman’ when I was skydiving. Floating through the air with nothing but a backpack strapped to my back was the closest I had ever felt to actual flying. It was then that I decided that I wanted to develop wings that would help me achieve my dream of sustained flight. I was joined by a few friends and family in my garage where I began my experimentation and that was the beginning of Jetman.

How has the wing evolved over the years?

The wing took 20 years of trying and testing to reach where it is today. The first version of the jet-propelled wing was developed in 2004 after experimenting with 10 different prototypes and had just two engines. I was able to fly for approximately 6 minutes with the speed of 180 km per hour. I was not able to climb with that wing, but at that point I was just happy to maintain a level flight. Today, I fly with a 55 kg high-tech carbon-fiber wing fitted with 4 engines and achieve speeds of approximately 300 kmph. I am able to maintain a flight space of 10 minutes and also fly in loops. We have indeed come a long way.

Which aviation figures do you most respect?

All the pioneers – Blériot, Chuck Yeager, Neil Armstrong and definitely the Swiss astronaut Claude Nicollier. He is so humble and does not possess any arrogance; he is able to explain very complicated things with such ease and wisdom.

What are your future plans?

The ultimate dream is to take-off from the ground. My team and I are working towards finding different alternatives that would help us take-off from the ground and also maintain a sustained flight longer than 10 minutes. However, the main problem is energy. If you give me Iron Man’s battery then we can all fly together.

Inside the mind of Vince Reffet

Give us a little background on you.

I am a French national and a professional skydiver. I joined France’s national Free Fly team back in 2002 and in 2004, I was crowned as the Free Fly World Champion. Over the years, I have focused on BASE-jumping, canopy piloting, indoor skydiving, wingsuit flying and speed riding.

What inspired you to join Yves on his project?

I wanted to take my 14 years of free flying knowledge and adapt it to the technology of the wing which gives you far more responsibility, techniques and movement compared to a skydive free fall.

For how long have you been training under Yves Rossy?

I met Yves for the first time back in 2009 in Empuriabrava when I achieved my first flight with an inflatable glider wing. So it has been over 5 years since I have been travelling and training with Yves.

Tell us about the Burj Khalifa base jump?

It was a dream of mine and took 3 years to prepare for. Jumping Off the tallest building in the world was an increduible adventure and acheievemtn, it was not possible without the support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed, SkyDive Dubai and X Dubai

What are your future plans?

Right now, my focus is on Jetman Dubai and working with Yves to innovate and improve our experiences in the sky. I believe that if you dream big and if you love what you do everything is possible.

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