Flight

Flight
West hovers outside of Claire's window.
Originally held by:	Nathan Petrelli (synthetic), West Rosen, Angie
Absorbed by:	Peter Petrelli, Sylar (explosion 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).
  It was briefly lost to his father (Dying of the Light), but has since been synthetically regained as part of another ability on three occasions. (Dual, Trust and Blood, Exposed)
• Angie has this ability. (Libertad)

Future

• In one possible future, Sylar steals this ability from Nathan.
• 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...). When Peter injected himself with the formula, he displayed this power. He is currently holding flight as his ability after replicating it from Nathan.

Judging from the effects seen in Cold Wars, Peter can fly at supersonic speeds. Similarly, this might include the side-effect of protection from temperature extremes and atmospheric pressure, as well as being able to perceive his surroundings.

Future Sylar

In a possible future, Sylar has taken this ability. Like Nathan, he was shown to be able to fly at supersonic speeds. (Five Years Gone)

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. (Cautionary Tales)

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. (Flying Blind)

Angie

Angie has demonstrated this ability using it to escape government agents.

Selected Examples

• 
  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.
  (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)
• 
  For the first time, Nathan uses his ability offensively by flying Baron Samedi into a car.
  (The Eclipse, Part 2)
• 
  Angie flies away from one of a capture squad.
  (Libertad)

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.

• During the Super Bowl XLIII commercials, several evolved humans are shown playing a football game with famous NFL players. Nathan and Peter both use their abilities to fly, and John Elway is revealed to be an evolved human with the ability of flight.

See Also

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

Evolved Human Abilities edit
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