The Swedish-born startup Jetson has unveiled the Jetson ONE, a one‑seat electric Vertical Take‑Off and Landing (eVTOL) craft that looks—and flies—like a human‑sized drone. It promises 20 minutes of electric flight, a software‑limited top speed of 63 mph (102 km/h), and an unusually straightforward, joystick‑based control system aimed at first‑time pilots. jetson.com
What is the Jetson ONE?
Think of the Jetson ONE as an octocopter you sit inside: eight electric motors and eight propellers lift a minimalist, open‑frame cockpit built from aluminum and carbon fiber. Jetson markets it as “a Formula One car for the sky,” designed to be nimble, compact and easy to operate. The company’s positioning mirrors how tech press originally described the concept—as a “drone‑like electric flying vehicle” scaled up for people. jetson.com
Performance, controls and safety
According to Jetson’s published tech sheet, the ONE flies for ~20 minutes (depending on pilot weight and conditions) and is software‑limited to 102 km/h (63 mph). It has a published service ceiling “above 1,500 ft AGL,” folds to 980 mm (3.22 ft) width for storage/transport, and supports pilots up to 95 kg (210 lb). Control is via a 4‑axis joystick with altitude and directional control consolidated for simplicity. jetson.com
Jetson emphasizes layered safety: a race‑car‑style protective cell, the ability to sustain flight after a single‑motor failure, a redundant battery/propulsion setup, hands‑free hover and emergency modes, a radar‑based autoland, and a ballistic airframe parachute. The company has also showcased testing (including one‑motor‑out demos) and published endurance/range test notes. jetson.com
“Do I need a pilot’s license?”
In the United States, the Jetson ONE is intended to be flown under the FAA’s ultralight rules (14 CFR Part 103). Under Part 103, no pilot certificate is required—though the FAA encourages training and there are important operational limits (e.g., daytime VFR, airspace, speed). Operators are still responsible for complying with local and federal rules. FAA
Important nuance for Europe (Italy): In October 2023, Jetson announced two milestones in Italy—an AeCI (Aero Club d’Italia) registration for its pre‑production ultralight eVTOL that allows flights by licensed pilots in uncontrolled airspace, and a separate ENAC authorization to conduct unmanned (remotely‑piloted) testing under the SAIL II framework. Days later, Italy’s aviation authority ENAC clarified that its authorization concerned unmanned operations and did not contemplate a pilot on board. In short: the AeCI registration covers manned flights in certain conditions, while ENAC’s SAIL II authorization covers Jetson’s unmanned testing. jetson.com
Price, orders and first deliveries
Jetson is now quoting a full price of $148,000 (excluding taxes/fees) with an $8,000 non‑refundable deposit; the company lists 2026 and 2027 production as sold out and shows estimated delivery: 2028 for new orders. jetson.com
After several years of development and pre‑orders, Jetson says it completed its first global delivery in September 2025 to Oculus/Anduril founder Palmer Luckey in Carlsbad, California—an event the company highlighted with on‑site training and a video release. Independent coverage corroborated the milestone. jetson.com
Where it’s being built
Jetson’s R&D and limited production facility sits in Arezzo, Tuscany, on a private airfield with an 800‑m strip used for daily test flying and customer experiences—a move the company detailed when it relocated operations there in 2022. jetson.com
Why it matters
The Jetson ONE isn’t a road‑legal car; “flying car” here is shorthand for an extremely compact, personal aircraft you can keep at home, trailer to a field, and fly for short hops. By packaging eight rotors, high‑discharge batteries, and flight‑assist software in a 1‑person ultralight, Jetson is pushing personal eVTOL from viral videos toward early‑adopter ownership—while staying inside existing U.S. ultralight rules and exploring European pathways. The company is also stoking a culture around the product with formation flights, freestyle demos and a budding Jetson Air Games concept for pylon racing. jetson.com
Key specs (manufacturer‑stated)
- Configuration: Single‑seat, electric eVTOL (octocopter)
- Top speed (limited): 63 mph / 102 km/h
- Flight time: ~20 minutes
- Service ceiling: Above 1,500 ft AGL
- Pilot weight limit: 95 kg / 210 lb
- Mass incl. batteries: 115 kg / 253 lb
- Folded width: 980 mm / 3.22 ft
- Controls: 4‑axis joystick; “hands‑free” hover/emergency modes
- Safety: Ballistic parachute; one‑motor‑out capability; redundant propulsion; radar‑based autoland; protective safety cell
- Price (current US site): $148,000; $8,000 deposit; est. delivery 2028 for new orders
jetson.com
The bigger picture: how the Jetson ONE fits into personal eVTOL
The ONE arrives as part of a wave of electric VTOL concepts—from larger air taxis chasing certification to ultralight single‑seat craft aimed at recreation. Jetson’s bet is that the ultralight route (Part 103 in the U.S.) lets enthusiasts fly sooner while heavier, multi‑passenger aircraft navigate years‑long certification. That strategy explains the ONE’s short, low‑altitude flight envelope, focus on simplicity, and the marketing emphasis on “your personal aircraft” rather than air‑taxi service. FAA
FAQs
Is it legal to fly?
In the U.S., Jetson targets FAA Part 103 ultralight operations—no pilot certificate is required, but there are strict limits (e.g., uncontrolled airspace or with proper authorization, daytime VFR, speed, congestion avoidance). Pilots must know and follow those rules. FAA
Can I buy one now?
Yes—but new orders are quoted for 2028 delivery and cost $148,000 before taxes/fees, with an $8,000 deposit. Production slots for 2026–2027 are shown as sold out on Jetson’s order page. jetson.com
How safe is it?
It includes multiple layers: ballistic parachute, one‑motor‑out capability, redundant battery/propulsion, hands‑free hover/emergency modes, and radar‑guided autoland—plus a protective spaceframe around the pilot. As with any ultralight or experimental‑style flight activity, risk remains and training is strongly recommended. jetson.com
Has anyone actually taken delivery?
Jetson says the first delivery occurred in September 2025 (Palmer Luckey, Carlsbad, CA), a milestone covered by outside media. jetson.com
Where is it built?
R&D and limited production are in Arezzo, Italy, on a private airfield used for testing and customer demos. jetson.com
Bottom line
With the ONE, Jetson is packaging drone‑style simplicity into a human‑scale eVTOL you can actually buy—if you’re willing to join the queue and accept ultralight limitations. It’s not a “car” for roads, but it does make the idea of personal, point‑to‑point flight feel less like science fiction and more like a (very premium) recreational reality. jetson.com
Sources: Jetson official specs and news; FAA Part 103 guidance; ENAC/AeCI regulatory updates; independent coverage of the first delivery; Jetson’s Arezzo facility announcement. jetson.com
