The FBI is launching an investigation into someone flying in a jetpack 3,000 feet above Los Angeles after two pilots reported seeing a man take a personal cruise in the sky. American Airlines and JetBlue pilots both reported the man near the congested airspace of the Los Angeles International Airport, risking collision with an airplane, drone, or getting ingested into an engine. The Federal Aviation Administration has strict regulations on flying in a controlled airspace such as this. Dr. Seth Young, a pilot and professor of aviation at Ohio State University, said he “would not dispute a pilots perception” as they have excellent eye sight and are trained to see small objects in the sky, writes Concepcion de Leon of The New York Times. Seems like a pretty big rest for a thrill seeker!
Meanwhile, David Blaine was floating 24,900 feet above a desert in Arizona strapped to 52 helium filled balloons. The 47-year-old daredevil went on his wildest stunt yet, only expecting to make it to 18,000 feet. He risked hypothermia that high up in the sky, hypoxia from limited oxygen levels, and obviously plunging to the ground. Once he reached the peak of his ascension, he took some deep breaths and let go. Around 7,000 feet away from the ground, he released his parachute and floated to safety, hitting the ground running, laughing, and clapping for a successful trip. His 9-year-old daughter Dessa told him over the radio “That was great! Wow! You did it! You didn’t fall!” to which Blaine responded, “That was all for you, I love you”. Watch David Blaine’s “Ascension” below!
