US Stuntman Soars The Skies

Humans have always been fascinated with flying, whether it be aboard an airplane, a wingsuit (http://www.dogonews.com/2008/01/14/oh-to-be-able-fly-and-land-like-a-bird) or as in Eric Scott's case, with just self-propelling device attached to his back.

On Monday, the 45-year old stuntman made history by becoming the first person to fly across the 1,500 sq ft. Royal Gorge in Colorado , using a device known as jetpack.

Eric, a professional stuntman, sponsored by Go Fast an energy drink company, has been piloting rocket-powered backpacks for sixteen years. However, until now his longest flight had been just a few hundred yards and he had never flown this high before.

If that wasn't enough, he had no parachute attached to him and the jetpack contained enough fuel to last for just 33 seconds. Anything longer than that, and Eric would have been out of luck.

Eric knew he had to go out hard and fast and he did. For a full 21-seconds he soared up into the sky and piloted himself across the 1,053 feet deep gorge at 75mph, the highest speed the jetpack could attain.

The 135 lbs jetpack used by Eric is the most technologically advanced flying device in existence today. The pack contains up to 600 pounds of pressurized hydrogen peroxide, which changes to water when it interacts with a silver plate. The conversion which occurs at 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit creates a huge amount of pressure enabling Eric to lift off and fly.

While he makes it look easy, piloting a jetpack requires a lot of skill and Eric is one of only six people in the World who can do it - and as of Tuesday he is the best.

Next stop? - the Grand Canyon!

Source: DenverPost