Jetman Daredevil Does Loops Over Switzerland

Swiss adventurer Yves Rossy--who calls himself "Jetman"--jumped from a hot-air balloon Friday and completed two aerial loops using his custom-made, jet-propelled wingsuit; the first time such maneuvers have been performed.

It was just the latest daredevil stunt by the former fighter pilot who hopes one day to fly through the Grand Canyon.

Rossy, 51, launched himself from a replica of the Breitling Orbiter--the first balloon to be piloted nonstop around the world in 1999--at an altitude of 7,874 feet near Lake Geneva. Then he fired up the jets on his new smaller and sleeker wingsuit to perform the loopings before landing safely with a parachute.

The new wingsuit is 6 1/2 feet across instead of 8 feet across and is a rigid wing instead of a foldable wing, according to Rossy's website. This new prototype possesses a better aerodynamic profile and more stability than the jetsuit Rossy used to successfully cross the English Channel two years ago.

Rossy declared himself "very happy and satisfied" with Friday's stunt, which comes four years after his first successful flights over the nearby Swiss Alps.

The extreme sports enthusiast last year tried to cross the Strait of Gibraltar from Morocco to Spain. That attempt ended in failure when Rossy ditched in the sea due to strong turbulence.

Rossy said he is still hoping to fly through the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but is waiting for permission from U.S. authorities.

Video of Rossy performing the loops:

After Rossy crossed the English Channel in 2008, he appeared on CBS' "The Early Show". Watch video below: