Can Be Marketed As A Personal VTOL Aircraft

The FAA has made a determination that the Hoversurf Hoverbike S3 meets the applicability requirements of § 103.1(a), (c), and (e).

That makes the device an ultralight aircraft, and it can be flown by someone who does not hold a pilot certificate.

In a letter dated September 10, 2018 and posted on the Hoversurf website, the FAA said that representatives of the company met with FAA Aviation Safety Inspector Wilbert J. Robinson Jr. to discuss the vehicle and its construction to CFR Part 103 requirements. "Based on the information and specification provided by Hoversurf, the SJC FSDO and AFS-800 have concluded that the Hoversurf Hoverbike S3 meets the applicability of part 103 rules for operation as an ultralight. Hoversurf has renamed the Hoverbike S3 to its new name, Hover One. The FAA has no objections to the name change."

But there is a caveat. The FAA based its determination on the model that was presented for evaluation. "Actual operations must also meet Part 103.1(b) and all other part 103 operational requirements. Any operations conducted without meeting all of the elements are subject to aircraft certification, pilot certification, equipment requirements, and aircraft operating rules applicable to the particular operations."

But it's not going to be cheap. The Hoverbike S3 2019 limited edition will set you back $150,000, according to the Hoversurf website. It requires a $10,000 deposit, and delivery is expected within 2-6 months. So it looks cool, and the operator does not need a pilot certificate. But it carries one person and costs about the same as many high-end new LSA airplanes, and far more than a decent "previously flown" Cessna, Piper or Grumman certified airplane.

(Images provided by Hoversurf)

FMI: www.hoversurf.com/news/manage-your-blog-from-your-live-site