Dan Schlund
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Dan Schlund, also known as the "Rocketman", is the only person in the world currently flying the Rocketbelt (sometimes called a Jet Pack) for performance. He is also the Director of Operations for Powerhouse Productions Incorporated, the Rocketman’s parent company. Dan is a professional stuntman and member of the Screen Actor's Guild.
Dan grew up in Valencia, California.
Besides the Rocketbelt, Dan’s specialties include high falls, fire burns, rappelling, precision driving and MC/Announcing!
In addition to Dan’s vast stunt experience, Dan has worked as an EMT aboard ambulances running emergency 911 calls in the Los Angeles area and worked on numerous movies as a set medic. Dan has been a licensed pyrotechnican since 1991 in California and recently obtained his special effects license in Texas. Dan has been an operator in charge of pyrotechnics both nationally and internationally, from public display 4th of July shows to theatrical pyrotechnic effects for pop stars and celebrities. His attention to safety and quality are exceptional. Dan is an accomplished rock climber, Advanced Scuba Diver and is working toward his Skydiving AFF certifications.
The Rocketbelt was originally designed for military use. The $1.2 million belt is capable of speeds up to 75 km/h and heights of up to 1000 m. Its fuel supply permits a maximum flight duration of only 30 seconds, limiting its military application. It is now used to entertain audiences around the globe in events such as the Royal Melbourne Show, the Wirefly X PRIZE Cup, and the 2007 Tournament of Roses Parade.
Schlund began his lengthy training under Kinnie Gibson in October 2000, making his first professional flight in July 2005. Although Rocketman Dan is a newer pilot, he has already performed in Australia, Brazil, Turkmenistan, Germany, Belgium, and various locations in the United States. Dan's first professional performance was doubling P. Diddy for the 2005 MTV Music Video Awards press conference. Since then he has made special appearances in the The Ellen Degeneres Show and 2007 Rose Parade, just to name a few. Various magazines carried the flight, including People magazine.[1]
[edit] External links
- Dan Schlund's personal website
- Official Rocketman Website
- Dan's YouTube Channel
- Video edit of some of Dan's flights
- movie clip during daylight from the Melb Show
- movie clip during night, from the Melb Show
- Article on Dan Schlund in the Santa Clarita Valley Signal
- space.com story including Schlund at the X Prize Cup
- News.com story mentioning Schlund at the X Prize Cup