ERIC SCOTT, 46, OF DENVER, COLORADO, usually earns his living as a movie stunt man. For the past few years he has also been on the “fair circuit” giving demonstration flights with his jet backpack that allows him to fly through the air.
Now he is out to establish himself as the holder of the jetpack speed record. Something not too hard to do, considering that there is not yet any speed record to break. In the past he has gone as fast as 70 mph with his gadget, but now he want to make a legitimate record in front of an impartial judge.
So it’s off to Scotland he went where he set up shop at the Knockhill auto racing track in Fife. The local constabulary gladly witnessed his first flight yesterday monitoring his speed with a laser speed detector that they use to catch overly-fast drivers. Scott made a good show, but he had a 20 mph headwind that hindered his flight noticeably. Despite that, he recorded a speed of 42 mph, plus the headwind which made an effective speed of 62 mph.
The Press Association cameras were there to record this event:
Scott planned to make another flight today when the track will be filled with spectators there for a race. He is certain that he can attain 80 mph if he gets good, calm conditions.
His jetpack can only fire for 30 seconds, which restricts his opportunities. But within the next year he expects to have an updated machine that will permit him to fly for 30 minutes.
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