Comments on: VIDEO: Flying Like a Bird (not on a Vespa)

By: Vintage Vespa

Vintage Vespa — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 02:01:18 +0000

This is awesome!! 

Vintage Vespa

By: zzz

zzz — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:46:49 +0000

And some of us poor suckers don’t have high speed internet, so just have to wait until you decide to actually type something…..

By: Jack Riepe

Jack Riepe — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 03:04:34 +0000

Dear Steve:

If you look carefully at the seat on my K75, you will notice two wing-like extensions that protrude just before the pillion. The 1995 BMW K75's have jet-pack wings that launch them into flight at 8500rpm.

On at least one occasion, I was launched in the air (Strasburg, Va) from the K75, but the landing wasn't as smooth as the one in the video. While I have the utmost respect for the pilot in the video, there has to be an easier way to get a Breitling watch.

Curiously, the pilot must have a multi-engine jet rating to fly this thing. One is forced to ask the question, where can you go to get lessons for this sort of aicraft?

Fondest regards,
Jack/reep
Twisted Roads

By: Matt Maxwell

Matt Maxwell — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:13:53 +0000

Howdy Steve,

Wanted to introduce myself to you... My name is Matt and I have recently stumbled upon your fantastic blog. I love your passion for scootering/riding and love your fantastic write-ups concerning your experiences on different motorcycles to your explorations of new roads and trails. Truly inspiring.

I have recently been bit pretty bad with the desire to ride. Im going to be taking a basic riding course soon and look forward to owning my own machine....

Anyways, concerning your recent video, I was blown away. First off... anything put to the music of Adiemus is automatically that much more awesome, but the visuals were just as incredible. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to your write-up of the JetMan jet pack... When will Craig Kissell be loaning you one?

Cheers.

-Matt Maxwell

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 19:06:43 +0000

RichardM: Sounds as if you are in a far better position to have one of these. Wouldn't it be a great addition to your blog--- Alaska Jetman!

I suppose if he was an experienced hang glider pilot that would be helpful too. I suppose I should explore his website. He probably answers the question.

By: RichardM

RichardM — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 18:52:33 +0000

I wonder how you learn to fly one of those things?

Probably not over the Grand Canyon. I would expect that he is already an experienced pilot and the major difference would be the location and sensitivity of the controls.

I used to fly small planes way back and wanted to build a Q200 (a two place, composite kit plane with a front canard and a Continental O-200 aircraft engine) at one time but like many other things, they sort of fall by the wayside over the years.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 16:52:27 +0000

RichardM: I've watched the video several times now and while I cheer Mr. Rossy on I have not yet developed an appetite to fly myself.

Some things are best left to the professionals.

I wonder how you learn to fly one of those things?

By: RichardM

RichardM — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 03:54:13 +0000

Wow, that is an incredible video. And you are right that we all set summits for ourselves and that many times it is foolish to compare our achievements with anyone else's. But we can still marvel at the achievements of others.

BTW, when are you getting one of these?

Richard