A Jetpack Nears Liftoff, But Creator Fears Dream Is Grounded

[...] the jetpack is being designed for first responders like firefighters, an outcome that falls short of Martin's vision of a recreational jetpack that anybody could fly. Peter Coker, Martin Aircraft's chief executive, says he believes the best business plan is to make jetpacks for first responders and later for other commercial operators. Once all the supply chains are in place, he says, the company can then turn its attention to building a personal jetpack. When he began his research, he wanted to improve on the Bell rocket belt and make a jetpack that could lift a solidly built guy like himself and a safety parachute, then stay airborne for at least 30 minutes. During the 1980s, he worked in the pharmaceutical industry and built prototypes in his garage. More refinements eventually allowed the jetpack and its pilot to remain airborne for several minutes and complete controlled turns. [...] as he sought to raise funds for his fledgling company, Martin says, he began losing control. The company was listed on the Australian stock market in February last year, and is now majority owned by a Chinese company, KuangChi Science. The company has signed preliminary agreements with several agencies, including Dubai's civil defense department. Martin Aircraft has been working with New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority on a new category for jetpacks, which Coker hopes will provide a template for other nations. If the founder made an official request, Coker says, the board would consider the impact on branding and marketing before making a decision. The jetpack may look bulky, but Martin says you don't notice that when you're airborne — an experience he likens to living out his childhood dreams.