New Horizons: To Fly Like a Bird

Dec. 9, 2019

Yves ‘Jetman” Rossy Looks to the Future of Aviation

Yves Rossy, known as “Jetman,” hasn’t just had to overcome technical challenges to realize his goal of flying like a bird using a small wing strapped to his back and equipped with four miniature jet engines.

The first time Rossy, a former Swiss Air Force and airline pilot, flew his jet-wing, he alerted the press, hoping to attract sponsors. However, the first people he heard from were not possible backers, but aviation regulators who cited Rossy for operating an unregistered and unauthorized flying object.

“I had to get a lawyer and explain to these people that they were working because there were pioneers more than 100 years ago who tried new flying machines, risking their lives to get to what is now aviation,” he recalled.

Rossy eventually received special authorization to fly his jet-wing, which he has spent many years refining since conceiving the concept in 1993. Since then, he has flown like a bird above numerous locations worldwide, from the English Channel to the Grand Canyon.

Virtually everyone who has seen Jetman fly say it is a truly awesome experience, and Rossy himself remains enthused by his ability to soar.

“What has always allowed me to continue is this absolute beauty of flying with my body,” he says. “It’s even better than anything I’ve ever dreamed of. Imagine playing around the clouds with the performance of a jet fighter, but just with a small wing on your back. You’re not the pilot of a big flying machine; you’re the being who flies! It’s magic and completely addictive!”

Will more than a handful of highly trained experts eventually be able to fly like Rossy?

“My team and I are developing the capability to make autonomous vertical takeoffs and landings from the ground,” he explained. “Then, by applying the principles of redundancy and reliability that we know in aviation, we will have a jet-wing safe enough to be put on the backs of anyone in good physical condition.”