Troy Hartman
Troy Hartman (born October 31, 1971) is a professional aerial stuntman, skydiver and inventor. He is an X Games gold medalist for skysurfing and accomplished television host for many shows, most notably the MTV series "Senseless Acts of Video".[citation needed] He was the face of the award-winning 1998 Pepsi Super Bowl commercial.[1]
Most recently, Troy built a jet-powered personal backpack and used it on skis and in flight. With the device he was capable of skiing uphill and attaining speeds of up to 47 mph.[2] He is currently developing a jet wing similar to that used by Yves Rossy.
Life and works
Hartman began his work in aviation as a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy, where he developed his skills as a pilot and skydiver.[3] He took up skysurfing in 1993 and competed professionally in the sport alongside Rob Harris (skysurfer) and Patrick de Gayardon. Upon winning the 1997 X Games, he was chosen for the 1998 Pepsi "Goose" Super Bowl commercial, which was voted the #1 ad by the USA Today Super Bowl Ad Meter.[4]
In 1999, Troy was selected as the host and stuntman for the MTV show "Senseless Acts of Video". Over three seasons of the show, he performed multiple first-ever stunts, including the "Plane-to-Plane Skydiving Transfer"[citation needed] and "Parachute on Fire".[citation needed]
Some of Hartman's other television show appearances include hosting 13 episodes of "No Boundaries" on The WB Television Network,[citation needed] host of the Discovery Channel series "Secrets to Survival",[5] and a stint as the weather man for Good Morning America.[6]
In 2008, Troy began working on his version of the "Jet Wing", which led to the development of a personal jet-backpack. In January 2011, he tested this new device on skis, which proved capable of propelling him uphill and at speeds reaching close to 50 mph.[7] In August 2012, Troy successfully used his jet-backpack to fly with a "speed wing", as part of testing toward his jetwing design.
Troy has a degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
Personal life
Troy is married to Sara Hartman and has a daughter Sofia.
References
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.[verification needed]
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Further reading
- "Sky Riders – These Surfers Keep Feats in the Clouds, Find Niche Hanging 10 on Horizon" from Los Angeles Daily News
