(05-17-2025, 09:36 AM)imitator Wrote: I think most of these are considered ultralight aircraft. They’re lightly regulated, so lightning protection isn’t required. The idea is you’re not supposed to fly in bad weather to begin with. If someone does, that probably means natural selection can handle the paperwork.

They are indeed vlassed that way by the FAA. I occasionally see videos from a guy who made a hover board, which is basically a big drone he rides like a skateboard. Everything was all good flying it around he even did a video of him taking it to a drive through. This ended up enlightening him and I on some of the finer points of FAA regs. You see he landed on the road while waiting at a red light to save battery...apparently that is a total no go from the FAA. They call it unauthorized use of an ultralight on a public road or some such. Basically its illegal for the ultralight to touch the ground on a public road unless its a declared emergency landing. That pretty much negates using anything like that in any manner that isn't travel from say my yard over to your house and landing in your yard. Vool concept and maybe one day we get there...just not today...

I love this.   Innovation is what we need.   Is it dangerous?  Certainly!  Expensive?  Don't ask, you can't afford it, even if it were in production.   Insurance coverage?   Fahgettabou'it.    Is it moving in a direction that might be relevant and environmentally valuable?   I can't say, I don't have enough data about propulsion, however it still uses fossil fuels.   What about  crash-contained nuclear fuel?   What could go wrong?   

I love reading about human innovation.   I hope if humankind perfects this technology, there will still be an unscorched Earth upon which to enjoy it.

(05-19-2025, 03:17 PM)argentus Wrote: I love this.   Innovation is what we need.   Is it dangerous?  Certainly!  Expensive?  Don't ask, you can't afford it, even if it were in production.   Insurance coverage?   Fahgettabou'it.    Is it moving in a direction that might be relevant and environmentally valuable?   I can't say, I don't have enough data about propulsion, however it still uses fossil fuels.   What about  crash-contained nuclear fuel?   What could go wrong?   

I love reading about human innovation.   I hope if humankind perfects this technology, there will still be an unscorched Earth upon which to enjoy it.

AI:
"Ultralight insurance costs in the U.S. can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per year, depending on factors like the aircraft, the desired level of coverage, and the pilot's experience. Insurance for small aircraft, including ultralights, typically covers damage to the aircraft and provides liability protection."

Insurance is affordable if we keep it in the ultralight specifications, without using fossil fuels, and adding extra safety features should keep insurance costs at a minimum. IMO

It's the way to go for now, if we want to fly.  So, Don'tFahgettabou'it!

(05-21-2025, 06:22 AM)quintessentone Wrote: AI:
"Ultralight insurance costs in the U.S. can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per year, depending on factors like the aircraft, the desired level of coverage, and the pilot's experience. Insurance for small aircraft, including ultralights, typically covers damage to the aircraft and provides liability protection."

Insurance is affordable if we keep it in the ultralight specifications, without using fossil fuels, and adding extra safety features should keep insurance costs at a minimum. IMO

It's the way to go for now, if we want to fly.  So, Don'tFahgettabou'it!

I hear you.  For the money, I would rather ride the winds mostly uncontrolled in a lofty hot air balloon and finish with a semi-controlled crash landing.   I am elderly, and thus wish for gentle, cerebral, introspective amusements.   In my youth, I would have been all over this and saved up for it, regardless of its cost.   In my youth, I saved up for a bought an '82 Honda Nighthawk.   Prior to that time, I had never ridden a motorcycle once.   I'm sure it was amusing me leaving the dealership.   I learned through trial and scrapes and error, and toured most of the United States and Canada on my beloved bike, until it was jacked from me near Los Angeles.  That is entirely another story.  ;o)

(05-21-2025, 01:16 PM)argentus Wrote: I hear you.  For the money, I would rather ride the winds mostly uncontrolled in a lofty hot air balloon and finish with a semi-controlled crash landing.   I am elderly, and thus wish for gentle, cerebral, introspective amusements.   In my youth, I would have been all over this and saved up for it, regardless of its cost.   In my youth, I saved up for a bought an '82 Honda Nighthawk.   Prior to that time, I had never ridden a motorcycle once.   I'm sure it was amusing me leaving the dealership.   I learned through trial and scrapes and error, and toured most of the United States and Canada on my beloved bike, until it was jacked from me near Los Angeles.  That is entirely another story.  ;o)

My God Argentus, we are so sympatico on a semi-controlled landing, I mean really we can invent crash suits, can't we?

As far as "safety ratings" go, I don't believe motorcycles have crumple zones, airbags, or seat belts. Paragliders don't have safety ratings.  bicycles don't have safety ratings. Heck, even airplanes don't have crash safety tests.  They have a couple of token items for after you do crash so you can float. I guess if you are military, they at least have some eject and parachute help.

If you want to be safe, get in a box meant to keep you safe (car).  If you opt play in this realm, you accept nearly 100% responsibility and that won't change for some .