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HUALAPAI INDIAN RESERVATION, Ariz. • Swiss adventurer Yves Rossy (yeevz RAW'-see) has completed a flight over the Grand Canyon in his custom-built jet suit — his first such flight in the U.S.
Rossy performed the stunt Saturday with little fanfare, before a small group of team members. He was airborne for about eight minutes, soaring 200 feet above the canyon rim on the Hualapai (WAHL'-uh-peye) Reservation.
A planned Friday flight before reporters was cancelled after Rossy determined it would be too challenging without any practice runs. The Federal Aviation Administration had given him the green light less than an hour before the scheduled stunt.
Rossy's sponsor, Swiss watchmaker Breitling, announced the successful flight Tuesday. Rossy flew up to 190 mph before deploying his parachute and landing on the canyon floor.
The 51-year-old has rocketed over the English Channel and Swiss Alps in his wing suit. He says the U.S. flight is among the most memorable experiences of his life.