Fly with the Jetman | Yves Rossy | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

This content explores the incredible feats of Yves Rossy, also known as Jetman, as he uses his body to fly like a bird.

Key Insights

• ️ Yves Rossy uses his body to steer the wing, acting as a human fuselage, allowing for unique control and maneuverability.

Transcript

(Music) [music by Moby] [Grand Canyon] Narrator: Many of the tests are conducted while Yves is strapped onto the wing, because Yves' body is an integral part of the aircraft. [Wind tunnel tests] Narrator: The wing has no steering controls, no flaps, no rudder. Yves uses his body to steer the wing. Stefan Von Bergen: Well, he turns by just putting h... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Yves Rossy steer the wing while flying?

Yves Rossy uses his body to steer the wing. He turns by putting his head on one side and sometimes assists with his hands or leg. This allows him to act as a human fuselage and steer the wing effectively.

Q: What is the top speed that Yves Rossy can reach while flying?

Yves Rossy can reach a top speed of about 300 km per hour (190 miles per hour) before looping.

Q: How does Yves Rossy stay safe while flying?

Yves Rossy carries a harness, parachute, and two parachutes. He also has a rescue parachute for the wing to ensure his safety. In case of any issues or emergencies, he can release his wing and use his parachutes to land safely.

Q: What is Yves Rossy's future plan for Jetman?

Yves Rossy plans to instruct a younger person and share his knowledge by doing formation flights. He also plans to start from a cliff and be catapulted from there, gradually working towards taking off with initial speed. He believes that with advancing technology, Jetman flying can become safer and eventually accessible to everyone.

Summary

This video features Yves Rossy, also known as Jetman, who uses a unique wing apparatus strapped to his body to fly. He controls the wing with his movements, using his head, hands, and legs to steer and maneuver. The video showcases his flights over various locations, including the Swiss Alps, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the English Channel. Yves shares his experience of flying like a bird and discusses the equipment he uses, the training he undergoes, and the safety measures in place. He also talks about his plans for the future, including instructing younger individuals and developing new ways to take off.

Questions & Answers

Q: What does Yves use to steer the wings during his flights?

Yves uses his body to steer the wings. He turns by putting his head on one side or the other, sometimes using his hands and legs for assistance. This unique method allows him to act as a human fuselage and maintain full control of the wing.

Q: How does Yves gain altitude and descend during his flights?

Yves arches his back to gain altitude and pushes his shoulders forward to go into a dive. These movements alter the positioning of the wing in the air, resulting in changes in altitude and vertical movement.

Q: What notable locations did Yves fly over?

Yves flew over the Strait of Gibraltar, the English Channel, and the Grand Canyon. During his flights, he landed at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and on the other side of the English Channel. Landing at the bottom of the Grand Canyon was safer due to the rocky and cactus-filled terrain on the rim.

Q: How does Yves describe the feeling of being up in the air?

Yves describes the feeling as fun and sometimes like being a bird. Although he doesn't have feathers, he experiences an unreal sensation of freedom when he straps on the small wing apparatus and removes the presence of a large aircraft surrounding him.

Q: How did Yves start his journey as Jetman?

About 20 years ago, Yves discovered the feeling of free falling during skydiving. He found that taking a tracking position made him feel like he was flying. This experience ignited his desire to keep the feeling of freedom but extend the duration and change the direction of his flights.

Q: What is Yves' top speed during his flights?

Yves reaches a top speed of about 300 km per hour (190 miles per hour) before performing loops and other maneuvers. The speed allows him to experience the thrill and exhilaration of high-speed flight.

Q: How much does the equipment Yves carries weigh?

When fully loaded with kerosene, Yves carries approximately 55 kilograms (121 pounds) of weight on his back. This weight includes the wing apparatus, engines, fuel, and other necessary equipment for his flights.

Q: Does Yves have any traditional piloting controls for his wing?

No, Yves does not have any traditional piloting controls like handles or steering mechanisms. He wanted to maintain the freedom of movement and the pure flying experience. The wing becomes an extension of his body, and he controls it solely through his physical movements.

Q: What kind of training does Yves undergo for his flights?

Yves focuses on staying fit and maintaining his mobility through various activities. He doesn't engage in specific physical training for his flights but explores new activities like kite surfing during the winter. Fluidity, agility, and adaptability are crucial for his style of flying.

Q: How does Yves breathe at high speeds and altitudes?

Yves explains that breathing at speeds and altitudes up to 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) is not a significant problem. He compares it to bikers who can breathe easily even at high speeds by wearing integral helmets. The design of his helmet allows him to breathe without any difficulties.

Takeaways

Yves Rossy, also known as Jetman, defies traditional means of flight with his wing apparatus. By using his body to steer and control the wing, he experiences the exhilaration of flying like a bird. Yves's flights over iconic locations such as the English Channel and the Grand Canyon showcase his unique capabilities. Despite the high risks involved, Yves prioritizes safety, with multiple parachutes and rescue systems in place. His future plans include instructing others and developing new methods of taking off. Through technology advancements, Yves hopes to make his style of flight accessible to a wider audience in a safe manner.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Yves Rossy's body is an integral part of the aircraft he flies with his wingsuit, and he uses his body to steer the wingsuit.

• Rossy's wingsuit has no steering controls, flaps, or rudder, and he controls it by arching his back to gain altitude and pushing his shoulders forward to dive.

• Rossy's equipment includes a two-meter span wing, four little engines, kerosene fuel, and two parachutes for safety.