Rocket Man tests for English Channel cross

Paris -- A Swiss daredevil says he is closer to becoming the first jet-powered "bird man" to cross the English Channel.

Yves Rossy, 48, also known as Rocket Man, recently completed a 10-minute test flight of more than 22 miles with a jet-powered wing strapped to his back, The Sunday Times of London reported. He reportedly jumped out of a small plane over Bex, Switzerland and reached 180 mph in his flight, wearing a heat resistant suit and using parachutes to safely land.

"Everything went well, it was awesome, it's my longest flight with this wing.

If there are no technical problems it's okay for the English Channel," Rossey said. "I did the distance, everything is going swimmingly."

His flight is scheduled for Sept. 24, weather permitting. The event will broadcast live in 165 countries by the National Geographic Channel.

"My flight will be a tribute to all those who came before me, many of whom were killed," Rossey said.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.