Vincent Reffet, also known as the “Jetman”, was killed in an accident in the desert near Dubai. He leaves behind him a collection of spectacular feats.

Among his unique achievements, the 36-year-old Frenchman was known to have entered a flying plane thanks to a wingsuit in 2017. Lately, he was known as one of the “Jetmen”, as he became the pilot of a carbon fiber wing propelled by four jet engines and entirely controlled by the human body. 

The device, designed by the Swiss pilot and inventor Yves Rossy, could reach speeds of 400 kilometers per hour (250 miles per hour). In early 2020, Reffet broke the news after taking off from the ground and reaching an altitude of over 1,800 meters (5,900 feet), a world’s first for a “Jetman.”

In 2016, alongside Yves Rossy and Fred Fugen, Vincent Reffet flew in formation with the Alphajets of the French Air Force aerobatic team, the Patrouille de France.

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Jetman Dubai, a jetpack aerobatic team based in Dubai, made a joint flight with French Air Force Aerobatic team Patrouille de France on the 24th of November 2016.
 

Reffet died while training with his wing at the Jetman base in the desert on the outskirts of Dubai, on November 17, 2020. 

“Vince was a talented athlete, and a much-loved and respected member of our team,” the Jetman team announced in a statement. “We are working closely with all relevant authorities and ask that you please keep Vince’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”