Jet man set for second attempt

Swiss pilot Yves Rossy will attempt today to fly across the English Channel at 190km using a homebuilt jet.

Followed by the National Geographic Channel, he will jump from a plane at 3,000m and hit speeds of 190kmh.

The wing is controlled by Mr Rossy's headmovements as he wears a flame retardent suit to protect against the heat of the four engines.

Mr Rossy will trace the route of French aviator Louis Blériot who dared to be the first to cross the English Channel in an airplane 99 years earlier.

The flight will be broadcast live on the National Geographic Channel and on the internet.

The broadcasts begin at 13.00 French time with the flight expected an hour later.

Tune in online here.

Photo:National Geographic