Signs Training Deal for Pilot, Maintenance Instruction

JetPack Aviation, the manufacturer of the small VTOL Speeder aircraft, has signed a landmark deal with an unnamed military customer in Southeast Asia for pilot and maintenance training. The Speeder is a small, turbine-powered, fully stabilized VTOL "flying motorcycle". The end result is hoped to be a variable manned/unmanned combat scout and courier, similar in function to terrestrial motorcycles in military trim. 

The company notes that the deal legitimizes the hoverbike industry, one still plagued by vaporware and promises. The training agreement came alongside an $800,000 order for 2 JB12 JetPacks, as well as initial training services for 2 pilots and 2 maintenance technicians at its California factory, with options for more. Once selected for training, the student pilots will receive on-tether instruction before working their way up to free flight for advanced instruction as outlined in their FAA-approved syllabus. Training will be done on customer aircraft over summer 2022 for a 2 week period, making at least 6 tethered flights before moving onwards. 

JetPack sees their aircraft as a good fit for combat operations, whether using a manned single-pilot version or an automated cargo pod variant . The ability to exploit lightweight VTOL capabilities on moving vehicles or small landing zones make the Speeder a good fit for special missions unsuited to larger, noisier, higher profile aircraft. The company is hard at work on virtual simulation equipment to boost student uptake, and ensure pilot currency. The best aspect of VR training, judging from their syllabus and training materials, is addressing the early transitory period of the unique aircraft, and those familiar with flight training know there's no better way to prevent damaged aircraft than copious practice.

“The contracted training confirms the serious intent of our customer to make full use of the JB12’s maneuverability, speed, and ease of deployment in active situations where no other type of aircraft can accomplish the mission. We designed the JetPacks to be practical, easy to operate and reliable. Once the training is completed our customer will be adding a high performance, extremely versatile, incredibly portable, personal aerial vehicle to its fleet, which can be deployed to support multiple mission types. This is precisely what we envisioned the JetPacks would be used for,” commented David Mayman, CEO and founder of JetPack Aviation.

FMI: www.jetpackaviation.com