San Carlos, California – September 11, 2008 - A jetpack that propelled James Bond in Thunderball may someday propel you to work.
At least that was the consensus at the Jet Pack Show, held September 6 at Hiller Aviation Museum. Scientists, inventors and pilots were on hand to tell the public about research and progress in the field of modern jet packs.
Organizers said the event was the largest collection of jet packs ever assembled in one place for display. Companies like Jet Pack International, Thunderbolt Aerosystems and others were on hand, but the Martin JetPak, which publicly debuted at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this summer, was absent.
"It's the dream in aviation right now,” Andy Filo, special projects manager for Jet Pack International, told the San Mateo County Times. “Everybody wants to fly without wings."
Bell Aerosystems engineer Wendell Moore began research about constructing a jet pack in 1953, and the first free flight — 13 seconds long — occurred in 1961. Today's jet packs have a similar design, with the pilot's legs dangling and a steering mechanism that is controlled by leaning. Engineers, however, are working on building lighter packs that will fly for longer periods of time.
Nino Amarena, president and CEO of Thunderbolt Aerosystems, said he started his San Jose-based company with the goal of using jet packs to avoid traffic on the highways. The jet packs his company designs can fly for 40 to 65 seconds, depending on the fuel and accessories attached to it, the San Mateo County Times reported.
Thunderbolt is currently in the phase of researching and funding the next model of jet pack, but Amarena said he believed the day would come when jet packs will be used for regular transportation.
"Yes, there will be a time, although it is hard to preview a situation where traffic control can deal with planes and flying jet packs," he said. "Is it possible? Yes. Is it probable? Maybe not right now."
Do you want to fly a jet pack?
Jet Pack International has been filming a reality television show surrounding its global search for a new pilot to join its team, and wannabe pilots could “try out” in a simulator during the Jet Pack Show.
Eric Scott, a jet pack pilot for 16 years, flew two demonstrations at the show propelled by Jet Pack International's H2O2 model, which has a flight duration of 33 seconds. Another model, the T-73, has an estimated flight time of 9 minutes and retails for about $200,000 including flight training.
His advice for people who hope to fly a jet pack is to try it. "People get their dreams shot down a lot,” Scott said. “Don't listen to anyone. Do it wisely. Learn everything you can beforehand, but do it."
If you missed the show and want to apply for the pilot position, click here. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and weigh 180 pounds or less.
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Eric Scott flies the Jet Pack over the Rio Casino in Los Vegas. Photo by Jet Pack International.
The Thunderbolt Aerosystems jet pack.
Photo by Thunderbolt Aerosystems.
It wasn’t a jet pack, but it is just as cool. AirBuoyant is developing a single passenger flying platform.
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