Louis Skupien, a man from Somerset, recently made history by taking off from a quiet field near Frome while strapped into a 1,300-horsepower jet suit. Joining an elite group of fewer than 800 people worldwide to achieve fully human-controlled flight, his achievement marks just the beginning of a remarkable journey.
Raised in Ilminster, Louis’s path to the skies wasn’t paved by privilege or connections, but by a deep curiosity and unwavering determination. “Ilminster’s a wonderful town,” he says, “but opportunities like this felt a world away when I was young.”
His passion for flight was sparked in his grandfather’s study, immersed in aviation books and flying Spitfire simulators. Although tennis occupied much of his early years, a childhood dream lay dormant until the release of “Top Gun: Maverick.” That film reignited his passion, leading him to interview a Top Gun fighter pilot on his podcast—and later, to fly alongside him in a jet. This experience hooked Louis and launched a new chapter in his life.
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Through the podcast, Louis connected with Gravity Industries, the British company behind the revolutionary Jet Suit. An interview with a U.S. Air Force Colonel on Gravity’s advisory board opened doors, propelling Louis into intensive training that would test his physical and mental limits.
Controlling the Jet Suit—powered by seven microjets producing 1,300 horsepower—is no small feat. Louis describes it as “much tougher than it looks,” requiring him to master the balance of thrust, weight, and body control while resisting natural instincts to stabilize himself. With practice, he reprogrammed his muscle memory, training his legs to relax as he balanced mid-air.
After countless attempts, Louis achieved a 14-second sustained hover—a breakthrough moment when time seemed to slow down. “Pure disbelief and adrenaline,” he recalls. “Imagine jumping and just… not coming back down.”
Beyond the thrill of flight, Louis sees his achievement as a testament to the untapped potential within Somerset. “It proves that innovation and inspiration aren’t confined to big cities. Doing the impossible often just means trying.”
A documentary chronicling Louis’s training and flight is set for release on YouTube and social media, offering a rare glimpse into this extraordinary journey. For Louis, watching the footage was surreal—the first time he truly grasped how rare and groundbreaking the experience was.
Yet, Louis’s ambitions soar even higher. This winter, he aims to break the sound barrier as the first British civilian to do so in a front-line military fighter. Looking further ahead, he envisions reaching the edge of space—and perhaps venturing beyond.
More than records or adrenaline, Louis’s greatest mission is to inspire others, especially young people from small towns like Ilminster. “You don’t need to be from a big city or have perfect opportunities,” he emphasizes. “Curiosity, belief, and the courage to venture into the unknown matter most.”
Ultimately, Louis Skupien’s story is not only about flight—it’s about chasing the impossible, reigniting dormant dreams, and refusing to be grounded by gravity or circumstance.