Q. Is the Jetpack a certified aircraft?
A: Experimental Airworthiness Certificates were granted by the NZ Civil Aviation Authority in May 2016 for both the P12.3 and P12.4 prototype aircrafts. Although the Series 1 Jetpack is based on these prototypes, it is a new configuration of the aircraft and therefore requires new certification. Airworthiness certificates in the special category: Experimental, were granted to the Series 1 in August 2017 after stringent airworthiness inspections had been carried out by the NZ CAA.
Certification of the Jetpack remains a long-term goal and will require further investment and development of the aircraft. The Series 1 aircraft has taken significant steps towards supporting this objective, being the first aircraft to be built by Martin Aircraft that has been wholly designed using CAD and that has been built under configuration control using many aerospace standard processes.
The aircraft will need to be certified in each country in which it intends to operate.
Q. Who can fly the Jetpack? Do you need to be a pilot?
A: Due to its experimental status, the current Jetpack requires a test pilot's licence to fly.
Q. Can you fly the Jetpack in any weather conditions?
A: We have yet to do extreme weather testing, such as Antarctic conditions.
Q. How noisy is the Jetpack?
A: The Jetpack conforms to ICAO Chapter 3 aircraft noise levels. The noise level is similar to being up close to a sports car.
Q. Can you fly in with a Jetpack and carry people out?
A: The Jetpack is a one-person aircraft. In the future we are aspiring to link empty Jetpacks via a mule train system.