From: mk_thisisit
The development of a personal flying vehicle, like the Jetson ONE, has involved overcoming numerous challenges and achieving significant milestones, from initial concept to market readiness and regulatory approvals.
Early Development and Vision
The idea for the Jetson ONE stemmed from a childhood dream of flying a self-built vehicle and a lifelong passion for aviation, nurtured by designing and building remote-controlled aircraft models [11:17:00]. This passion evolved from building larger remote-controlled helicopters and drones for aerial filming services in 2007-2008 [13:09:00], leading to the realization that a large, electric, single-person drone could be built [13:29:00].
Initial Hurdles and Proof of Concept
The journey began with conversations about the possibility of placing a person in such a device [14:14:00]. Technical drawings for a “proof of concept” vehicle were prepared, designed for easy and quick testing [14:31:00]. A key decision was moving to Italy to leverage its more favorable climate for outdoor testing year-round, as opposed to Poland’s seasonal limitations [14:50:00]. The first prototype was built on a very small budget of several thousand dollars in just three weeks [15:34:00]. The first flight was “mega exciting” and successful, though initially unexpected bodily sensations during control surprised the pilot [15:48:00].
Funding and Business Development
The project faced financial challenges, with money running out and the cost of living in Italy proving higher than expected [16:59:00]. This led to a temporary return to Poland and the sale of a personal car to continue financing the project [17:06:00]. The realization emerged that there would be only one chance to execute the project correctly, emphasizing the need for flawlessness [17:30:00].
Securing Investment
Attracting investors was difficult, as few people initially understood or believed in such “bold unrealistic projects” [18:50:00]. The first investor was found in the United States, where the attitude towards such ventures was different [19:18:00]. A significant financial milestone was the closing of a $15 million funding round, which helped finance the company’s registration in the U.S. and Italy, as well as the rebuilding of the production facility in Tuscany [19:34:00]. This investment also allowed for the hiring of new employees, with the team growing to about 30 people [22:08:00].
Production and Regulatory Milestones
The goal is to launch production and deliver the Jetson ONE to customers, with low-series production planned in Italy, followed by large-scale, more scalable production in the United States [22:33:00].
Certification and Operation
A crucial milestone was obtaining certification in Italy, the first of its kind globally [06:24:00]. This certification allows the Jetson ONE, classified as a single-person ultralight personal flying vehicle [01:11:00], to be flown in uncontrolled airspace (outside airports and major cities) across Italy [06:30:00]. This also included securing permits for remote-controlled flights, enabling safer testing without exposing pilots to unnecessary risk [06:50:00].
In the United States, the Jetson ONE falls under Part 103 ultralight regulations, meaning it does not require a pilot’s license to fly after undergoing company training [08:43:00]. Poland’s aviation law also mirrors U.S. regulations (UL 115 class), allowing the Jetson ONE to be flown there after training [10:28:00]. These regulatory achievements are vital first steps towards wider European adoption [09:05:00].
Future Outlook
The company aims for Jetson ONE to become “the Tesla of flying vehicles,” expanding beyond personal flight to include other transport solutions and fostering innovation in various fields, similar to Tesla’s diversification [34:18:00].
Global Impact and Community
The initial promotional video for the Jetson ONE went viral, garnering 10 million views in seven days and demonstrating global interest beyond initial sales expectations [35:36:00]. This widespread reception affirmed the vision of personal electric flight and its potential to capture the world’s imagination [36:31:00]. The company intends to continue developing its product and exploring its possibilities, with a focus on safety and future innovation [36:45:00].
Educational Initiatives
As part of its long-term vision, the company plans to establish the world’s first school for pilots of flying cars [25:28:00]. This initiative aims to simplify the path to piloting such vehicles, reducing the typical year-long, high-cost PPL (Private Pilot License) course to a two or three-day training program for Jetson ONE owners [08:02:00].