Denver
jetpackinternational.com
JetPack International started filming its own reality TV show this fall. What will it chronicle? Founder Troy Widgery's quest for additional pilots willing to fly his jetpacks at sporting events, music festivals and other high-profile gigs.
"It takes a rare breed to fly one of our current models because, well, there's no second chance," Widgery says. "But with our new pack, it'll be easier and safer to train someone - you won't run out of fuel after 33 seconds."
For three years, JetPack has been developing a device that can keep pilots airborne for nine minutes. While the company predicted last year that the $200,000 pack would debut sometime in 2008, Widgery now hopes to launch it sometime in early 2010, after his design team makes it fly more safely. In the meantime, JetPack's annual revenues have doubled, thanks to the $15,000 to $25,000 fee the company charges to put on demonstrations.
"Imagine strapping 800 horsepower - all the power that a Nascar car has - on your back," Widgery says. "It's probably one of the most unique things that people will be able to do." - Maggie Overfelt
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