Switzerland – Former fighter pilot, Yves Rossy, reaches 186 mph during first public flight with jet-powered wings.

After five years of training and more years of dreaming, Rossy made his first public flight with his self-made flying contraption in front of the world press Wednesday, May 14.

Rossy stepped out of the Swiss Pilatus Porter aircraft at 7,500 feet, unfolded the rigid 8-foot wings strapped to his back and dropped. Passing from free fall to a gentle glide, Rossy triggered four jet turbines and accelerated to 186 mph as a crowd from below cheered for him.

Rossy’s sponsors have dubbed him “Fusion Man” and said, his form of human flight will remain the reserve of very few for now. The price and effort involved are simply too enormous.