It's a Bird, It's a Plane... It's Fusionman!

Flying at an altitude of 2,600 feet, former Swiss air force fighter pilot Yves Rossy — aka “Fusion Man or Jet-man” — leaped from a plane yesterday wearing the contraption he’d spent 5 years designing and building. With retractable wings and 4 jet engines strapped to his back, Yves took flight through the Alps at 186 mph, did a series of figure 8’s, then folded his wings and parachuted to ground.

Yves Rossy -- a Swiss daredevil whom we all look forward to living through vicariously -- says he has become "the first person to gain altitude and maintain a stable, horizontal flight thanks to aerodynamic carbon foldable wings." While we've seen jetpacks before, and realize that folks have taken to the air on similar devices in years past, Reuters is giving us a sneak peek at Rossy's flight, which he took on the kerosene-powered, back-strapped vehicle -- and we admit, it looks like quite the thrill ride. So if you're looking to quell your fears before picking up one of your own (hopefully) in a few years, be sure to hit the read link for a live action video (and a good reason to grin).