Akmal Azhar
Real-World Testing in the Polish Mountains
Southern Poland recently became the proving ground for Jetson’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle. The GOPR Polish Mountain Rescue Team, accompanied by other rescue organizations, examined the vehicle’s capabilities in demanding mission scenarios. Operating at around 4,000 feet—at locations including Mount Lubań—the eVTOL reached the summit in under four minutes, even contending with gusty winds that peaked at 36 mph.
Collaboration With Rescue Teams for Critical Feedback
“This was a proud moment for us,” said Jetson co‑founder and CTO Tomasz Patan. The team emphasized that real-field tests are critical to refining the vehicle based on rescuer feedback. The goal is for the eVTOL to provide immediate support—deploying a first responder to administer aid before ground teams arrive.
Certification and Regulatory Breakthroughs in Italy
Jetson, backed by singer/songwriter and technologist Will.i.am, achieved a major milestone in 2023 by securing certification in Italy as the first ultralight eVTOL approved for uncontrolled airspace. This ultralight category means pilots can fly the Jetson One in Italy without standard pilot licenses. The company has also conducted successful flights in the U.S., both manned and unmanned, under authorization from the Italian Civil Aviation Authority.
Growing Global Demand and Commercial Sales
With global interest growing, Jetson has sold over 300 of its Jetson One vehicles, each priced at around $98,000. The company continues to develop remote operations capabilities and expand its regulatory footprint.
Personal Aerial Vehicles Enter the Market
Jetson One joins other emerging personal aerial vehicle platforms in advanced testing phases. Ryse Aero Tech from Ohio has flown its Recon aerial vehicle at major events—including CES in Las Vegas—and even demonstrated water takeoffs and landings. Doroni Aerospace, based in Florida, has already achieved test flights of its personal air vehicle.
Will.i.am’s Involvement and Vision for the Future
Will.i.am, beyond financing Jetson with a $15 million seed round, is also training to become a Jetson pilot. The company operates out of a private airfield just south of Florence, Italy. Will.i.am’s involvement has captured attention, especially given his collaborations on futuristic automotive designs with Mercedes-Benz and DeLorean.
This test marks a significant step toward integrating eVTOLs into real-world rescue operations. By collaborating directly with mountain rescue teams and gathering insights from high-altitude, high-wind missions, Jetson is building practical solutions that go beyond innovation in the lab.
Zakirin
