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Rocketman flies with jet-pack strapped to his back

The self-built contraption took the former fighter pilot five years to build and perfect – and yesterday he gave it its maiden flight.

Stepping out of an aircraft at 7,500ft, Rossy unfolded the 10ft rigid wings strapped to his back as he plummeted earthwards.

Passing from freefall into a gentle glide, he triggered the four jet turbines and accelerated to 190mph above the mountaintops.

With his first big test under his belt, Rossy, 48, is ready for bigger challenges: he plans to cross the English Channel later this year, before attempting to fly through the Grand Canyon.

So far, Rossy and his sponsors have poured more than $240,000 and countless hours into building the device.