Jeb Corliss is a man on a mission - He wants to fly around the world like a bird. His mode of transport? A wingsuit that shapes the human body into an airfoil and helps keep them afloat in the air.
Wingsuits, also known as birdman suits or squirrel suits are not new, and have been used in some form or shape since the 1930's. However, over the years, they have become increasingly sophisticated, thanks to the invention of new materials and techniques. Jeb's custom-built wingsuit encompasses a thin membrane between the limbs and torso, allowing the 35-year old to glide and lose altitude gradually, instead of plummeting directly to Earth.
Over the years, Jeb has completed over 1,000 wingsuit flights - He has leapt off France's Eiffel Tower, flown through a waterfall in the Swiss Alps and even, tried to fly off the Empire State Building in New York City- An attempt that was thwarted by city officials.
On Saturday September 23rd, he stunned the world with another amazing flight - This time across the Tianmen Cave - A narrow 100 feet-wide, water-eroded slit in China's Tianmen Mountain.
Launched by a helicopter from a height of 6,000 feet, the adventurer flew across at a speed of 75mph before making a flawless parachute landing, amidst a crowd of hundreds of cheering fans.
While Jeb dubbed it as one his most amazing wingsuit flights, he still hasn't fulfilled his ultimate dream - To not only fly like a bird, but also, land like one too - Without a parachute! We have no doubt the daredevil wingsuit jumper will accomplish his goal in the very near future.
Resources: dailymail.co.uk, Ibtimes.com