The Rocketeer! (well, not really...but he's still pretty cool)

It's an invigorating feeling when science fiction becomes science fact, especially when it involves flight! Lots of people in my generation vividly remember...well, not "promises", but being told there was a strong possibility we'd be flying around the skies with our own personal jet-packs.

Obviously, that didn't happen. Sure, those clunky, slow-moving jet packs have been around for several decades, but seeing them in "action" (and that's a stretch) only seemed to suggest that high-in-the-sky solo flights by humans would remain in the science fiction realm forever.

Ah, but not so fast. Yesterday I came across an astonishing story that really did turn science fiction into science fact. According to the news account, Swiss pilot Yves Rossy flew over the English Channel using jet-powered turbines and wings attached to his back! Clothed in what at first glance appeared to be a Star Wars Stormtrooper outfit, Rossy began his flight by starting his kerosene-powered engines inside of an airplane...then jumping out! Much like the fictional Rocketeer, Rossy would steer his course by angling his head and back.

But hey...forget my words and a measly still photo...check out the video below for a look at Rossy's flight.

Well?....What do you think? Sure, it's still a long ways from the Rocketeer (much less a character like Iron-Man), but it's still pretty cool.

Comments

[Z Ryan]

Sure I receive instant e-mail direct to my pocket, but I always liked the future where I have a jet pack.

[greyman24]

Have you ever seen the Gryphon Flying Wing? Saw a piece on it awhile ago, but I've been dying to see some video on it.

Looks like this guy had the same idea as those guys!

[ShadowWing Tronix]

I saw this on TV. It looks pretty cool. (Not that I'd have the guts to do it.) We all have to start somewhere.

I also saw an episode of Mythbusters where they tested various superhero gadgets. They made a working climbing rig that fit on Jamie's arm. (No good way to launch it Batman-style, though.) It's nice to see what was Sci-Fi is now reality.