The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Daredevil to dive 40,000ft in records bid
A British wingsuit pilot is looking to break four records – including becoming the fastest daredevil in the world – as he leaps from over 40,000ft (12,200m).
Former aerospace safety engineer Fraser Corsan is looking to become the first wingsuit pilot to jump from that altitude, as well as taking titles for the longest time flown, fastest speed and furthest distance.
He is hoping to surpass 234mph, fly for longer than nine minutes, and travel 20 miles (32km) across two jumps later this month.
He said: “Human flight has always fascinated me and to fly with wingsuits is something that captures the imagination of many people. However, one of the real challenges we have is ‘How far can we take it?’
“So for me it’s about let’s evolve the suit and let’s evolve what we can do.
“To achieve all of the four records in one jump is extremely difficult. By setting these records we actually raise the bar a little bit further.”
He said any new records he sets could be surpassed in the future, but added: “For now, we want to take these records and set a new standard.”
The attempts will take place in the US and Canada – with funds being raised for the UK armed forces charity SSAFA.
The Phoenix-Fly Vampire Alpine suit has been shaped to Mr Corsan’s body, and he’ll fly with an oxygen mask, GPS and heated gloves to avoid wind burns, experiencing temperatures of -50c to -70C.
He said: “Ironically, I do have a background in safety. My old boss used to joke ‘How do I actually sell you as a safety engineer when you jump out of planes at the weekend?’ ”