Russian President Vladimir Putin is no stranger to the machismo photo opportunity.
However his latest foray into the skies may signal a fluffier, softer image for Putin.
Dressed in a white paper suit, the Russian leader imitated an adult crane, climbing aboard a motorised hang glider to lead a flock of young Siberian white cranes in flight.
Putin dressed up at the adult bird then climbed aboard a hang glider
However Putin fell fowl of his original goal, as the young birds were loathe to follow.
RIA-Novosti news agency reported that only one crane followed Putin on his first flight.
On the second flight, five birds followed Putin, but after a few circles only two could be bothered to stay with him for the full 15-minute flight.
Topless fly-fishing, fire fighting and horse riding, Putin is known for making the most of a testosterone-stacked PR stunt. The Judo black belt is unafraid to strip off for the cameras and is even game for a bit of impromptu dentistry.
Vladimir Putin’s spectacular "discovery" of two sixth century Greek urns whilst he was scuba diving in shallow water earlier this summer was a publicity stunt, the Russian prime minister's chief spokesman has admitted, in a rare show of honesty for the spin doctor.
Take a look at some of Putin's pictures below. (Warning: this slideshow contains political nudity)