English Channel crossing using a jetwing

In 1909, French aviator Louis Bleriot became the first person to fly across the English Channel in an aircraft.

Now a Swiss adventurer flew from England to France Friday propelled by a jetpack strapped to his back following the route taken by Bleriot nearly 100 years ago.



Yves Rossy, an airline pilot, crossed the 22 miles between Calais and Dover at speeds of up to 120 mph in 13 minutes.

When the white cliffs of Dover came into view, he opened a blue and yellow parachute and drifted down in light winds to land in a British field where he was mobbed by well-wishers.



“Everything was perfect,” he said afterwards. “I showed that it is possible to fly a little bit like a bird.”

The Swiss pilot was propelled by four kerosene-burning jet turbines attached to a wing on his back. He ignited the jets inside a plane before jumping out more than 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) above ground.

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