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".[1] He was the face of the award-winning 1998 Pepsi Super Bowl commercial.[2]
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.[3] It can take off from the ground.
He is currently developing a jet wing similar to that used by Yves Rossy.[4]
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.[5] 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.[6]
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"[7] and "Parachute on Fire".[8]
Some of Hartman's other television show appearances include hosting 13 episodes of No Boundaries on The WB Television Network,[9] host of the Discovery Channel series "Secrets to Survival",[10] and a stint as the weather man for Good Morning America.[11]
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.[12] 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
- Senseless Acts of Video (TV Series 2000– ) - IMDb, retrieved 2020-10-08
- "Adventures in Wild California". Big Movie Zone. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
- Moseman, Andrew (March 17, 2011). "Skis Plus a Jetpack Equals One Thrilling Ride". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
- Andrew Moseman (2011-03-17). "Q&A: Testing a Jetpack... On Skis!". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved 2020-10-08.
- "Air Force Academy". troyhartman.com. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
- "Pepsi "Goose" Super Bowl Commercial – Troy Hartman". YouTube. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
- "Plane to Plane Skydive (MTV Version) - Troy Hartman". YouTube. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- "Parachute on Fire - Skydiving Stunts - Troy Hartman". YouTube. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- No Boundaries (Reality-TV), Stephanie Florian, Troy Hartman, Kirsten Jonzon, ConnQuest/Jusko Productions, Crescent Entertainment, Ford Motor Company, 2002-03-03, retrieved 2020-10-08CS1 maint: others (link)
- "Secrets to Survival". Discovery Channel. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
- "Troy Stunt Resume" (PDF). troyhartman.com. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
- "Jet Skiing: EAAer invents sport as he pursues jet wing". EAA News. March 17, 2011. Retrieved 11 December 2011.