Jetman's Premier Appearance During 50th Anniversary of National Championship Air Races

RENO, Nev., Sept. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nevada sky was the backdrop for a new kind of flying this weekend as Yves "Jetman" Rossy took to the air with his custom-designed jet wing, flying for the first time during the National Championship Air Races in Reno. Legendary Swiss watch manufacturer Breitling sponsored the 50^th anniversary program, in which Jetman thrilled crowds with his unique demonstrations, flying at speeds of up to 190 mph high above the crowd of aviation enthusiasts.

"The silhouette of Jetman flying through the air is something everyone should witness at least once in their life," said Breitling USA President Thierry Prissert. "It's an honor, therefore, that Breitling could play a part in this amazing event by sponsoring the National Championship Air Races and helping bring Jetman in front of a new audience. Breitling has always been dedicated to the world of professional aviation, and Jetman's performance points toward the future of races at Reno."

Could Jetman's participation in Reno potentially lead to a future Jetman class at Reno? There is still a lot of project development before a new Jetman class can become reality, but this exciting new designation could potentially join the current seven classes, which include Biplane, Formula One, Sport, T-6, Jet, Unlimited and the Unlimited and Warbird class. Paving the way for these exciting new categories, Jetman soared above the famed Reno course where countless aviators have maneuvered their aircraft during the past 50 years.

"It was great to push the envelope of experimental competitive flight at this year's National Championship Air Races," said Mike Houghton, President and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association. "For five decades the National Championship Air Races in Reno have captured the imagination of spectators from around the globe. Jetman's flight this year exceeded everyone's expectations, and we look forward to his presence at future events."

Yves "Jetman" Rossy flies at speeds of up to 190 miles per hour using a customized carbon-Kevlar® Jetwing fitted with four engines, each of which capable of 22 kg thrust and controlled by a simple hand-held throttle. Rossy used his own body to steer, allowing his shoulders, body and legs to help him pitch and descend. This forward-thinking technology has let Rossy achieve many outstanding feats in recent years, including a soaring flight above Rio de Janeiro, aerobatics from the Breitling Orbiter Balloon, a flight across the English Channel and even formation aerobatics with the Breitling Jet Team.

The Swiss legend is currently working with a protegee in Europe, whom Rossy hopes will one day fly in formation with him and maybe this will lay the foundations of multiple Jetmen flying at future National Championship Air Races, only time will tell!  

ABOUT JETMAN:                    
Date of birth: 27 August 1959     Nationality: Swiss                     
Home: Bex, Switzerland            Profession: Aviator                     
Flying CV: Fighter pilot, airline captain, Jetman

Yves Rossy first started developing the Jetman project in 1993 and in 2008 completed the first significant Jetman feat by crossing the English Channel. In 2010 the Swiss watchmaker Breitling joined as the main sponsor and the joint venture has continued to achieve many aviation firsts.

ABOUT BREITLING: Leon Breitling founded the company in 1884 in St. Imier, Switzerland. Breitling is the world's only major watch brand to equip all its models with chronometer-certified movements, the ultimate token of precision. With its manufacture of the Caliber 01, Breitling has created the most reliable and accurate of all self-winding chronograph movements, its quality guaranteed by an unprecedented five-year warranty offered on all pieces equipped with the in-house movement. The chronographs are produced entirely by Breitling in their own workshops, and are chronometer-certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). This amazing accomplishment has further established Breitling as the absolute benchmark in the field of mechanical chronographs. Breitling is one of very few companies to produce, develop and manufacture their own mechanical chronograph movement in-house. This family business is also one of the last remaining independent Swiss watch brands.

ABOUT RENO AIR RACES: The 50th annual National Championship Air Races are the world's premier air racing event. The races take place this year from Sept. 11-15. Tickets are on sale now by phone at (775) 972-6663 or online at www.airrace.org.

Related Links: 
Yves "Jetman" Rossy 
Breitling USA

Video with caption: "Jetman flies in Reno, NV. Courtesy of Breitling". Video available at:  http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/FX-MM80074-BREITLING-COURTESY-OF-BREITLING-SA.mp4

Image with caption: "Yves "Jetman" Rossy performs during the National Championship Air Races in Reno, NV. Photo by Bernet, courtesy of Breitling SA". Image available at:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130916/MM80074-a

Image with caption: "Yves "Jetman" Rossy flies high above Reno with his Jet Powered wing. Photo by Bernet, courtesy of Breitling SA". Image available at:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130916/MM80074-b

Image with caption: "Yves "Jetman" Rossy flies over Reno with a CAP 232 plane during a test flight prior to his appearance at the National Championship Air Races. Photo Credit: Bernet, courtesy of Breitling SA". Image available at:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130916/MM80074-c

SOURCE Breitling