Flight

Flight
West hovers outside of Claire's window.
Originally held by:	Nathan Petrelli, West Rosen
Absorbed by:	Peter Petrelli (lost), Sylar (possible future)
Ability to:	Propel oneself through the air
Examples of flight

Flight (also referred to as "Human Flight Potential") is the ability to propel oneself through the air.

Characters

Confirmed

• Nathan Petrelli possesses this ability, and it was granted synthetically.
• West Rosen also possesses this ability.
• Peter has absorbed this ability from Nathan (Genesis), but lost it to his father. (Dying of the Light)

Future

• In one possible future, Sylar steals this ability.
• In another possible future where abilities can be induced, several people demonstrated this ability.

Limits

Nathan Petrelli

Although initially Nathan exhibited little control over his ability, his proficiency has noticeably increased over time, despite there being no evidence that he is actively working to improve his flying ability.

Judging from the effects seen in Hiros, Nathan can apparently fly at supersonic speeds. If this is true, a side-effect of his abilities may include some protection from extremes of temperature and atmospheric pressure as well as the ability to perceive his surroundings while flying at such speeds. This may also explain how he was able to survive Peter's nuclear explosion above New York City. (How to Stop an Exploding Man).

Initially, Nathan was unable to stay aloft while carrying Peter's weight, only stabilizing when Peter mimicked his power (Genesis). Now, Nathan is able to carry the weight of others without assistance while flying -- he carried Peter (How to Stop an Exploding Man), (The Eclipse, Part 1) and Matt Parkman (Powerless)

Peter Petrelli

Peter has independently reproduced this power and easily carried both Claude and Nathan, individually, with him while flying (Unexpected), (Four Months Ago...).

West Rosen

West can carry Claire in flight for extended periods of time. However, carrying Noah, who is heavier than Claire, high into the air exhausted him after a few minutes.

He can apparently fly to altitudes of 30,000 feet or more for at least short periods without serious discomfort. He can also merely hover above the ground instead of actually flying. He has not demonstrated supersonic flight speeds. He appears to have practiced extensively at using his power.

Selected Examples

• 
  Peter has a dream in which he is flying through New York.
  (Genesis)
• 
  When Peter attempts to fly on his own, Nathan sees him fall and flies up to catch him. Peter mimics his power and they both fly.
  (Genesis)
• 
  Peter levitates at a constant height with little effort.
  (Don't Look Back)
• 
  Nathan shows what seems to be true supersonic flight with a distinctive boom...
• 
  ...thereafter making a controlled landing just outside a small restaurant.
  (Hiros)
• 
  Nathan flies out of his car before it crashes.
  (Six Months Ago)
• 
  Peter flies off with Claude to escape Mr. Bennet and the Haitian.
  (Unexpected)
• 
  West picks Claire up and flies her over Costa Verde.
  (Kindred)
• 
  Nathan and Peter take off...
• 
  ..then they to hati leaving a sonic boom. (The Eclipse, Part 1)

Memorable Quotes

"This morning, when I got out of bed, my foot hovered before it hit the ground, hovered for a split second. Like I was like I was floating. I'm telling you, I think I can fly."

- Peter (to Nathan) (Genesis)

"Flying man. Oh ... you fly. I see you. Whhshh!"

- Hiro (to Nathan) (Hiros)

"Hey, you know what? I'm just gonna fly off the terrace, yeah? No? Hey, I can fly, Nathan. So can you."

- Peter (to Nathan) (Nothing to Hide)

"You can skydive without a parachute!"

"You can skydive without a plane!"

- West, Claire (The Kindness of Strangers)

Notes

• The Genesis files contains a folder labeled "Human flight potential".
• According to the episode commentary for The Kindness of Strangers, West's flight is supposed to have a "more lyrical, Peter Pan quality" than Nathan's.
• In an interview, Joe Pokaski and Aron Coleite state that if West and Nathan had a race around the world, Nathan would win because he has the age and experience.

See Also

• For other uses of flight, see flight (disambig).