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News • Nevada • United States • 2011-04-25

Breitling’s “JetMan” Chooses Grand Canyon West For His First U.S. Flight

Swiss pilot, aviator and engineer, Yves Rossy, has chosen Grand Canyon West as the location of his first U.S. flight in jet-powered wings that are attached to his back. Rossy, known as “JetMan,” will make his historic flight at Grand Canyon West on May 6, 2011. The flight is scheduled at 10 A.M. with pre-event festivities starting at 8:00 A.M. Rossy is sponsored by Breitling watches and is world-renowned for his successful jet-powered flights across Lake Geneva and the English Channel, to name a few.

After nearly two years of discussions - involving extremely careful consideration towards safety, logistics and impact to the land – Breitling, the sponsors of “JetMan,” reached an agreement with Hualapai Tourism for Grand Canyon West to be the site of the flight. Meetings were held with the Las Vegas FSDO to ensure compliance with all FAA guidelines. The location was chosen for several reasons; the magnificence of Grand Canyon West, Rossy’s deep passion for aviation and the significance of eagles to the canyon and the Hualapai people.

According to “JetMan’s” official bio, “Rossy devotes all his free time to flying in the purest sense, living that childhood dream of soaring like a bird – with minimal instruments, using only his body to steer his way through the skies.”

After seeing the natural rock formation depicting an eagle at Grand Canyon West’s “Eagle Point” (home of the Skywalk), the aviation icon was inspired to fulfill his childhood dream and was determined to take his passion of innovative flying to Grand Canyon West.

The depth of the canyon at Grand Canyon West will allow “JetMan” to fly by observers on the rim at nearly eye level, a perspective that has yet to be witnessed. The breathtaking backdrop, provided by one of America’s most recognized landmark, made for an ideal location.

Pairing precision and flight, “JetMan” is sponsored by the luxury Swiss watchmaker Breitling for his first U.S. flight. An invitation only event with media and Breitling representatives will be held prior to the flight. Invited guests will enjoy the hospitality of live Hualapai performances while they prepare for the event. Grand Canyon West, home of the Skywalk and a popular tourist destination, will remain open to the public.

About Hualapai Tourism:

Grand Canyon Resort Corporation, which is wholly owned and operated by the Hualapai Nation, manages Grand Canyon West, Hualapai River Runners (whitewater rafting), Hualapai Ranch and the Hualapai Lodge. Grand Canyon West is a collection of viewpoints and attractions spread over 9000 acres of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim in Northwest Arizona, just 120 miles east of Las Vegas, Nevada. Grand Canyon West is the only place in the Canyon where visitors can access a boat ride on the Colorado River via helicopter and is home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass walkway 4000 ft above the canyon floor. The site attractions are: Guano Point, with panoramic canyon views and the historic guano mine tram; Eagle Point, the location of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the Native American Village with authentic dwellings of multiple tribes, live Native American performances; and The Hualapai Ranch, a western town with cowboy entertainment, horseback riding, wagon rides and overnight cabins facing the Canyon rim. Private cars are welcome or all inclusive tours are available from Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Sedona by airplane, helicopter, coach, SUV and Hummer. The Hualapai Lodge on Historic Route 66 and Grand Canyon West are open daily 365 days a year. Hualapai River Runners, the only one-day whitewater raft trip through the Grand Canyon, operates March – October. Visitors can view a complete list of activities, book reservations, and get directions at www.hualapaitourism.com or by calling 1-888-868-9378 - internationally at (001) 928-769-2636.

About JetMan:

For more on “JetMan” Yves Rossy, visit his official Website, Facebook or Twitter. For videos of his past flights and accomplishments, visit JetMan’s official YouTube.

About Breitling

Léon Breitling founded the company in 1884 in St. Imier, Switzerland. Breitling has long been associated with the world of aviation when they placed onboard chronographs in fighter planes from the Royal Air Force WW II to sponsoring the first round-the-world balloon flight in 1999. Breitling is the only watch brand to equip all of its models with chronometer-certified movements –the ultimate token of precision. In 2009, the company introduced a 100 percent in-house movement, the Caliber 01, the most reliable, high-performance self-winding chronograph movement.

Breitling’s passion for aviation and flight is evidenced through its support of “JetMan”, the Breitling Jet Team, Breitling Wingwalkers, the Breitling Orbitor 3 (first hot air balloon to circle the globe), Reno Air Races, and many others including its partnership with pilot and actor John Travolta. For more information on Breitling, visit www.breitling.com

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