The LIFT-JET Patent: marries two main elements--a weight-shift-controlled 'flying platform' that is exeptionally easy to fly--and a spread of specialialized "Descent-Vanes" that produce a slow and controlled, 'parachute-like' descent in the event of the engine stopping. The Descent Vanes have a secondary purpose; While hovering, an ordinary flying platform can travel horizontally, but not very fast. However, when equipped with Descent-Vanes, the adjustable vanes begin to generate lift at about 12 mph. Above this speed the vanes are capable of generating as much lift as required (just as a regular wing would). This permits the platform to be oriented at greater angles, converting lift into thrust to achieve top speeds equal to that of any comparative-sized ultralight. All other Vtol aircraft have a control system for hovering flight and a separate control system for forward flight. It's the "transition" phase between the two that is critical---and the source of more Vtol accidents than landings and take-offs combined. The Lift-Jet employs a simple, 'weight-shift' control system, in which the pilot intuitively leans in the desired direction, for both the hovering and forward phases of flight. Safety is hugely improved because the confusing change-over of transition is completely eliminated.

A NEW CLASS OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLE: The Lift-Jet is truly revolutionary because, for the first time, sportsment who would not otherwise consider becoming a pilot can, in an hour or two, learn to fly--and do so without fear of a crash. The original US Army specifications for this program required that "the average G.I." must be able to master it  "in twenty minutes or less". The Lift-Jet has a gentle psychological profile too--being more akin, in feel and appearance, to the local Parasail concession. This "lowering of the bar" in terms of training and ease-of-use, together with the expectation of low-risk accidents and mistakes, could make the low-cost Lift-Jet a viable competitor--not just to other ultralights--but to every dirt-bike, quad-runner, and recreational vehicle ever sold. It is a natural "Nap-of-the Earth" flyer, meaning from the ground to just above tree-top level. This is its logical environment, and its command over this space could become so great, so spectacular in novel ways, that the Lift-Jet comes to be looked upon, not so much as another type of aircraft--but as another type of recreational vehicle altogether! Those who enjoy the freedom and command of this new realm--The Nap--will realize tremendous advantages. For instance, when developing a mineral exploration business, the author dreamt of a Lift-Jet type vehicle that would give him access to gold deposits he knew of that were in places just too rugged, and canyons too deep. Not only has the Lift-Jet a tiny footprint (about 20' x 10') the rotor being enclosed allows for actual contact with ground-cover as it manoevers down through the tree-tops. No matter where you go, there will always be someplace to safely set-down in a Lift-Jet. No other air-vehicle has been able to claim that. Just think about what it means, because for the first time, one may take-off without a thought as to your eventual destination. Now THAT is true freedom! Every person will have their own reasons for owning a Lift-Jet. The authors' was prospecting, but every outdoor activity--commercial or recreational--will be enhanced with a Lift-Jet in the picture. Our job is to make the Lift-Jet accessible to the average weekend warrior, due to its safety, ease-of-operation, "backyard" deployability, low cost, and so forth. The end-users will take care of developing all of the myriad Applications the Lift-Jet is suited for. We predict that there will be an explosion in the number of Applications for the Lift-Jet--most of which have not even been thought of yet.

PART 103 ULTRALIGHT & LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT OPTIONS: Both the "ultralight" class (uncertified)One-Man "Lift-Jet" as well as the slightly heavier and faster LSA-Class (Light Sport Aircraft) Two-Place "FlitJet" will be sought after because of their suitability for low-level, nap-of-the-earth operations, and for their utility value for people who live and work in remote wilderness and poorly accessed areas. As just one example, consider the immense lake-country of the north-central US and much of Canada; With more water than dry land, and what  land there is covered in thick boreal forest, much of this area is roadless and difficult to access. Residents and visitors to these areas depend upon boats in the summer, snow-machines in the winter, or float or ski-planes for those who can afford them. Even then, there is a long stretch of time each spring, and again in the fall, when thin ice precludes travel by any means. The ultralight 'puddlejumper' Lift-Jet is made to order for these conditions. One can readily imagine the young wildcrafter, logger, prospector, or e-commuter, recently engaged to be married, wanting to trade-in his ultralight Lift-Jet for the faster, more cross-country-capable 2-place FlitJet; the comfort of a heated cabin, and the capacity for a small amount of cargo, when taken together with its Vtol capability, would make it far superior for the young couple than any bushplane. It is impossible to predict all of the multivarious uses which will eventually be found for these versatile vehicles. What IS predictable, however, is that their use will not be forever limited to remote areas. Just as with all-terrain vehicles and snowmachines, Lift-Jet ownership will gradually "bleed" into rural, suburban, and eventually-- urban areas as well!

L I F T - J E T ,  ( U L T R A L I G H T )  S P E C I F I C A T I O N S   F L I T - J E T ,  ( L I G H T  S P O R T   A I R C R A F T )   S P E C I F I C A T I O N S