Jetpack man races planes (video)

[Supreme_Warlord]

As the title says

Much as this would be a wonderful thing to have as a means of transport, I would think that the average motorist cannot be trusted to operate one of these and there should be more rigorous training/certification a la airline pilots.

[Starglider]

Much as this would be a wonderful thing to have as a means of transport

This is a powered wing, it isn't VTOL capable and as such it is even more utterly impractical as a means of transport than a conventional jetpack.

I would think that the average motorist cannot be trusted to operate one of these

The average fighter pilot can't safely fly one of these. It is an very difficult acquired skill.

[Drooling Iguana]

Anyone else reminded of this?

[Beowulf]

I'm pretty sure it's classified as an ultralight by the FAA, and so legally requires no training. You'd be stupid to try without though. I mean this guy's even had wind tunnel tests.

[Marko Dash]

you could add a small tail and conventional controls. you could also have a small lightweight airframe around the pilot to reduce drag and hold small landing gear, but then it's just be a jet powered ultralight and not a "jetpack" so the public would lose interest.

[Simon_Jester]

How does he land that thing, anyway?

[Broomstick]

I'm pretty sure it's classified as an ultralight by the FAA, and so legally requires no training.

Nope, far too fast to fall under the ultralight classification. In the US (do keep in mind this guy is European, and thus under JAA regs) it would fall under one of the experimental classifications and require at least a private pilot's license. Not a big deal in a sense, there are a lot of experimental aircraft in the US. How it all works out in Europe I'm not sure, not being as conversant with their regs as with the US and Canadian ones, but obviously if he's doing it that openly he's satisfied the the JAA.

[Broomstick]

How does he land that thing, anyway?

Shuts down the engine and lands under parachute. If you watch the linked video all through through you'll see him do it.

[Sriad]

This is a powered wing, it isn't VTOL capable and as such it is even more utterly impractical as a means of transport than a conventional jetpack.

Would it be feasible, do you suppose, to do a horizontal takeoff with detachable wheels and some roller skates?

[MrDakka]

Would it be feasible, do you suppose, to do a horizontal takeoff with detachable wheels and some roller skates?

Forget about horizontal takeoff, imagine trying to do a conventional landing.

[Sriad]

Would it be feasible, do you suppose, to do a horizontal takeoff with detachable wheels and some roller skates?

Forget about horizontal takeoff, imagine trying to do a conventional landing.

Perhaps! But the problem of an unassisted landing is already addressed, so a solution for how to take off from the ground is more pressing. If not roller-skates, perhaps the pilot and wing could be electromagnetically attached to the roof of a car... This may also allow an assisted parachuteless landing.

[Marko Dash]

it probably has a very limited fuel supply, maybe not even an hours worth. it has to be light enough for him to carry it and absorb it's landing with his legs, and small turbines are as thirsty as early turbojets. a powered takeoff and altitude climb would burn through it quickly.

[Shroom Man 777]

Give him RATO.

Like so:

[Marko Dash]

maybe one of the bigger model rocket motors?

[Starglider]

Would it be feasible, do you suppose, to do a horizontal takeoff with detachable wheels and some roller skates?

I don't know but I do know that if you overbalanced or a wheel failed or a crack in the runway was too big you would be looking at high-speed motorcycle crash levels of hurt.

[Hawkwings]

Would probably be easiest to find a nice cliff to jump off. I'm serious.