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22/08/2008
'Rocket Man' Completes Channel Trial Run
A Swiss daredevil has edged closer to his ambition of flying solo across the English Channel strapped to a jet-pack wing.
Yves Rossy successfully completed a crucial test flight yesterday after several failed attempts owing to electronic interference problems.
Rossy, dubbed 'Birdman', flew for 10 minutes over a distance of more than 21 miles which is the equivalent to Dover to Calais, France.
The stuntman jumped out of a plane at 2,300m with his wing strapped to his back and flew in a straight line to Villeneuve, from a height of 1,700m, before turning back to Bex airfield.
He then switched off the jet engines before deploying two parachutes at 1,500 and 1,200m.
In further credit to the brave 'Birdman', he steers his way by shifting his weight and moving his head.
Rossy, also known as Fusionman, said "everything went well, it was awesome, it's my longest flight with this wing".
He added "if there are no technical problems" it's "OK for the English Channel".
"I can't wait for this next challenge!" he exclaimed.
The 48-year-old Swiss is bidding to become the first person in history to carry out a solo, jet-propelled flight across the Channel.
Fusionman, as he likes to be called, will attempt the daring feat on 24 September, weather permitting.
The attempt is going to be streamed live on the National Geographic Channel.
Rossy is a pilot, inventor and aviation enthusiast. In 2006, he became the first person to fly a jet engine-powered wing strapped to his back.
He has served as a fighter pilot in the Swiss Air Force and flew Boeing 747s for Swissair and now works as an Airbus pilot for Swiss International Air Lines.
(DS)
Yves Rossy successfully completed a crucial test flight yesterday after several failed attempts owing to electronic interference problems.
Rossy, dubbed 'Birdman', flew for 10 minutes over a distance of more than 21 miles which is the equivalent to Dover to Calais, France.
The stuntman jumped out of a plane at 2,300m with his wing strapped to his back and flew in a straight line to Villeneuve, from a height of 1,700m, before turning back to Bex airfield.
He then switched off the jet engines before deploying two parachutes at 1,500 and 1,200m.
In further credit to the brave 'Birdman', he steers his way by shifting his weight and moving his head.
Rossy, also known as Fusionman, said "everything went well, it was awesome, it's my longest flight with this wing".
He added "if there are no technical problems" it's "OK for the English Channel".
"I can't wait for this next challenge!" he exclaimed.
The 48-year-old Swiss is bidding to become the first person in history to carry out a solo, jet-propelled flight across the Channel.
Fusionman, as he likes to be called, will attempt the daring feat on 24 September, weather permitting.
The attempt is going to be streamed live on the National Geographic Channel.
Rossy is a pilot, inventor and aviation enthusiast. In 2006, he became the first person to fly a jet engine-powered wing strapped to his back.
He has served as a fighter pilot in the Swiss Air Force and flew Boeing 747s for Swissair and now works as an Airbus pilot for Swiss International Air Lines.
(DS)
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25 September 2008
'Fusionman' To Cross The English Channel
Swiss pilot Yves Rossy will attempt to fly across the English channel using a single jet-propelled wing strapped to his back. The former military pilot intends to complete the 22 mile flight from Calais to Dover in 12 minutes.
'Fusionman' To Cross The English Channel
Swiss pilot Yves Rossy will attempt to fly across the English channel using a single jet-propelled wing strapped to his back. The former military pilot intends to complete the 22 mile flight from Calais to Dover in 12 minutes.
10 August 2009
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Shopping channel Auctionworld shuts doors
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Viacom To Buy Channel 5
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Viacom To Buy Channel 5
Viacom is to buy Channel 5, it has been confirmed. The US media group is understood to have acquired the UK channel for £450m from the Northern & Shell group. In a statement, Viacom said the move would "accelerate" its strategy within the UK, and called Channel 5 as "one of British television's biggest brands".
14 April 2003
Education vision offers 'Teachers TV'
Teachers are set to have their own cable TV channel - delivering programmes on classroom resources, training and latest news from the education sector.
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Teachers are set to have their own cable TV channel - delivering programmes on classroom resources, training and latest news from the education sector.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
