Experience the Thrill of Flying in an Avocado-Shaped ‘AirScooter’

Throughout our lives, many of us have yearned for the ability to fly, as it offers speed, convenience, and an exhilarating experience. This fascination with personal aviation has captivated technologists since the Wright Brothers’ groundbreaking invention of the airplane in 1903. Over time, we have explored various alternatives such as helicopters, hoverboards, and drones, all in pursuit of the perfect flying device that combines comfort and excitement. The most recent addition to this realm is the AirScooter, a flying machine resembling an avocado. Remarkably, one can operate this innovative contraption without requiring a pilot’s license.

The AirScooter was invented by Franky Zapata, the guy who rose to fame after crossing the English Channel on his self-invented hoverboard, the Zapata Flyboard, in 2019. He crossed the 35-kilometer stretch of water in 22 minutes on his second attempt. Using his experience building flying machines, he created this personal VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft as his latest invention. However, keep in mind that this gadget is still a prototype and was just unveiled at the Viva Technology conference in Paris, France. So you don’t have the option to order it right now and fly to your workplace on Monday.

What can AirScooter do?

One of the AirScooter’s biggest selling points is that it doesn’t require a license to fly. According to the company, the “personal flying machine” complies with Federal Aviation Administration regulations and can be flown without a pilot’s license in the United States as an “ultralight aircraft.” However, we are unable to confirm the same for Indian regulations.

According to its characteristics, its top speed is 100 kilometers per hour and the traveling speed is 80 km/h. The AirScooter has a flight time of more than 2 hours and its maximum payload is 120 kg. It can reach a height of 3000-4000 meters. Note that these numbers are provided by the company and since the product is not available in the market, they cannot be verified.

The VTOL aircraft has 12 propellers, eight electric motors and four gasoline engines to create a hybrid performance stack.

The machine is not really light, as it weighs 115 kg and its fuel tank holds 18.9 liters of gasoline.

The best part is that you only need to control two joysticks to fly the device, making it as easy and intuitive as can be. So, will you be on the waiting list when it comes out or are you going to stay put?