Individual Flight

Factual Questions
1

I may be crawling way out on a limb here…but at least I am out of the toilet…

Has anyone revealed a practical prototype technology that would allow ( for those of us who might desire it) individual flight? I am not speaking of the small impersonal fixed wing aircraft like the Cardinal 180 or cessna 150s for instance or even glider aircraft, but a more futuristic jetson type machine. One that an individual might strap on or stand on and fly from point A to B with relative safety. The US military could really benefit from something like this. I realize of course one would have to have the proper training in order to operate something of this nature but what are the major obstacles that stand in our way? Are we going to have to discover an anti-gravity machine to have such a thing? The last I saw in this regard was the highly dangerous and unpredictable Jetpack. I don’t expect that we should have perfected individual flight by now, only that someone ( possibly the military) would at least have a plan on paper for it.

“Look honey, there’s the little dipper, I’d show you the big dipper but my zipper is stuck.”
-aha

2

Have a look at www.solotrek.com

Just don’t hold your breath. This thing probably won’t ever be available to the public, IMO. But something like it could certainly be built.

3

If I remember correctly the jet-pack had fuel
for only 30 seconds making it impractical for any use other then stunt flights.

4

Wow dhanson pretty neat looking machine tho!

“Look honey, there’s the little dipper, I’d show you the big dipper but my zipper is stuck.”
-aha

5

from what i recall the military had tried out a ‘flying platform’ that would allow a person to fly and hover, the main problem was stability.

6

<font size=4> In the 1950’s, a few people built semi-successful backpack helicopters. They had fuel/range problems too, but they worked.

Recently, there have been improvements in materials (carbon composites, alloys, etc.) ; and in small engine design (mating superchargers to 2 stroke engines) that may make these a better bet.

Or… you could get an aluminium lawn chair, some weather balloons, & some helium. It’s been done before & THAT WORKS.</font>

“Show me a sane man, and I will cure him for you.”----Jung

7

There are various kinds of ultra-light aircraft that probably meet the criteria.
The one that comes to mind is the parafoil with a gas-powered fan strapped to the pilot’s back. And there are several kinds of motorized hang gliders.

8

It sure does, but unfortunately the FAA will be all over your ass like a wet bathing suit :wink:

“I had a feeling that in Hell there would be mushrooms.” -The Secret of Monkey Island

9

hey Diceman, nice signature :slight_smile:

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