Who is the mystery jetpack pilot ? Image Credit: YouTube / Sling Pilot Academy
A flight instructor flying near Palos Verdes recently captured footage of a jetpack traveling at high speed.
The video, which was posted up by the Sling Pilot Academy on December 23rd, shows a distinct human-like figure moving at considerable speed through the air to the south of Los Angeles.
It remains unclear who the person is or what type of jetpack technology they are using, however there has since been speculation that this could be the same individual who authorities have been searching for after they were spotted 3,000ft over Los Angeles International Airport back in September.
The new footage was also captured at that same altitude and in roughly the same region.
"Video taken by Sling Pilot Academy Flight Instructor while flying at approx. 3,000ft near Palos Verdes south of Los Angeles," the video's caption reads. "Catalina Island is in the background."
"The video appears to show a jet pack, but it could also be a drone or some other object."
"If it is a 'guy in a jet pack' then it remains to be seen whether it is a legal test flight (jet packs are real - there is a manufacturer near Los Angeles) or related to the jet pack sightings near LAX recently that caused disruptions to air traffic."
Authorities are now investigating the sighting.
"We're aware of it and are continuing to investigate the reports," said an FBI spokesperson.
Well, OK, but be prepared to fork-over $250,000+ (can go as high as $500,000 depending on type), 50-100 hours of specialized training, obtain an experimental aircraft license from the FAA, fly ONLY in jet pack authorized air space and altitudes (good luck finding many of those), and don't fly drunk. Forget about flying to work, unless you work on an oil rig or ship and get a permit. Use of this technology is currently heavily restricted due to its danger to both the pilot and people/property on the ground... not to mention aircraft.
UPDATE Following the first jetpack incident last August, the Vault FOIA-ed the Federal Aviation Administration for details. Published Wednesday and picked up by The War Zone, the documents show correspondence between FAA officials and air traffic officials, as they discuss the event in question. One particular bit stands out: According to the papers, a pilot involved in the August incident told the FBI that the “jetpack man” looked identical to a dummy-carrying drone he’d seen on Youtube. Full story at Gizmodo: Link
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