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On Thursday 20, Mac Montandon—author of Jetpack Dreams—will discuss the obstacles involved in the practical application of a personal flying apparatus at 92YTribeca (92y.org). The prospect of jet packs, along with hoverboards, remains frustratingly remote. If you’re looking to forge ahead anyway, below are Montandon’s suggestions for achieving the dream.
Step 1: Grow a pair
“This is dangerous stuff,” warns Montandon. “You will likely be injured in the process. The ballsier you are, the better.” It doesn’t help if you’re injury prone, either.
Step 2: Outsmart gravity
Due to fuel issues, flights so far have been limited to about 20 seconds or less, so you’ll need a devastatingly clever, physics-defying epiphany. “You will need to build a jet engine that is light enough to be worn and that can produce at least 300 pounds of thrust. This will take a long time and cost a lot of money.”
Step 3: Be funded by Sir Richard Branson
“See that thing about cash above.”
Step 4: Invest in a quality welding torch
“Once you and Rich have thrown together the engine, you will need to make sure that you diligently weld it to the harness and, depending on your eventual design, maybe also to a set of chrome nozzles,” says Montandon, the consummate showman. “Once all the parts are solidly joined, take your badass flying machine to the nearest sold-out 100,000-seat-capacity stadium, don a sweet space suit, do a demo and prepare for glory.”
