New Zealand licensed personal flying test equipment

Individual jet engine developers say the New Zealand aviation authority has granted them permission to test flight equipment.

The acquisition of the license is a major breakthrough in the development of the private aviation system that the company expects to start commercializing next year, said Peter Coker, CEO of Martin Aircraft.

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Inspired by children's television shows such as "Thunderbirds" and "Lost in Space," early 1980s, inventor Glenn Martin came up with the idea of creating a suitable jet engine. For ordinary people do not need to undergo any pilot training.

The jet engine consists of a pair of cylinders with push-in fans fitted with an ultra-lightweight carbon fiber frame. The driver enters the jet frame, straps the seat belt and controls it with two joysticks. Mr. Coker said the latest version called P12 was designed much improved than the previous version. "Changing the position of the ducts produced a breakthrough in performance compared to prototype products, especially the mobility of the machine," Coker said.

According to Coker, special-purpose jet engines designed for the military and rescue forces will be delivered in mid-2014, while simpler versions intended for ordinary people are expected. available on the market in 2015. The price of individual jet engines is estimated to range from $ 150,000 to $ 250,000.