From: mk_thisisit
The development and adoption of personal flying vehicles like the Jetson ONE are heavily influenced by the varying regulations and certification processes in different regions. Defining such a device can be complex, as traditional terms like “flying car” or “passenger drone” don’t perfectly apply [02:10:00]. The creators hope that the name “Jetson” will become a common term for this type of device [02:48:00].
The Jetson ONE is classified as an “ultra-light personal flying vehicle” [00:11:00]. It is designed to be as simple and compact as possible, weighing only 40 kg without batteries and about 90 kg with batteries [03:11:00]. Its maximum speed of 100 km/h is tied to regulations for ultra-light vehicles [03:28:00]. The vehicle is an eVTOL (electric vehicle vertical take-off and landing) capable of taking off in a space of 5 square meters [05:31:00].
Regulations in the United States
In the United States, flying the Jetson ONE currently does not require any pilot license [08:46:00]. After undergoing training with the company, individuals can safely fly according to existing aviation law principles, specifically Part 103 ultralight regulations [08:52:00], [10:40:00]. This easier regulatory environment contributed to the majority of the over 300 units sold globally being in the United States [08:31:00], [08:40:00].
Regulations and Certification in Europe
Europe presents a more challenging regulatory landscape for flying vehicles [08:58:00].
Italy
Italy has achieved the world’s first certification for ultra-light flying vehicles like the Jetson ONE [00:08:00], [06:26:00]. This certification allows pilots, after short training, to operate the vehicle everywhere in uncontrolled airspace, meaning outside airports and major cities [06:30:00]. This milestone also includes permission for remote-controlled flights, which aids in testing and development [06:50:00].
To fly a Jetson ONE in Italy, customers typically undergo a two or three-day training course provided by the company [08:18:00]. This contrasts with traditional aviation, which often requires a PPL (Private Pilot License) course, usually taking a year and incurring significant costs [08:02:00].
Other European Countries
The company is now looking to leverage the Italian certification to break into other European countries [10:02:00]. The process will depend on individual country regulations [10:14:00].
Poland
Poland is considered an interesting example because its aviation law largely copies regulations from the United States [10:25:00]. In theory, this means the Jetson ONE can be flown in Poland under the UL 115 class after training, which is a direct copy of the US Part 103 ultralight regulations [10:32:00].
Future Outlook on Regulations and Urban Air Mobility
The developers envision a future where personal flying vehicles are a common means of transport, not just recreational devices [05:01:00], [03:09:00]. While their current focus is on recreational use and specialized services (like rescue or border patrol), they believe that urban air mobility, where road traffic moves into the air, is a long-term vision that will make cities more livable by reducing pollution and traffic [05:01:00], [05:07:00], [32:51:00].
The current stage is likened to the early days of the automobile, with significant investment in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles [31:41:00]. A key advantage for Jetson is their focus on a one-person device, which allows them to offer it now, even when comprehensive regulations for larger “flying taxis” or commercial applications are still developing [33:02:00]. The company aims for mass production, potentially moving large-scale production to the United States to be closer to customers [22:52:00]. Additionally, Jetson plans to establish the world’s first school for “Pilots of flying cars” in Italy [00:35:00], [25:28:00].
in the regulatory space include the high barriers to entry for traditional flight licenses [07:57:00]. Jetson’s goal is to simplify this process, allowing customers to buy the vehicle, complete a short training, and then fly [08:15:00]. The company believes that Europe tends to play it “quite safely” in technology development compared to Asia and America [38:29:00], which influenced their decision to locate their main company branch in the United States [26:06:00]. Despite this, the “European brand” aspect is used as a prestige factor, especially given their base in Italy [38:55:00].Challenges and milestones in building a flying vehicle
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].
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