Jetlev Southwest now offers training for the Jetlev Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) program, which will give individuals the certification to fly the Jetlev R200 Water-Powered Jetpack and instruct others to fly it as well.
Jetlev equipment and training systems have been designed from the outset to make it easy to operate, but it is still very important that instructors and students take Jetlev flying very seriously and understand the best practices in flying, maintenance and commercial operations in order to maximize enjoyment of the sport, and to minimize the risks of injuries or property damage.
Jetlev Flight Training encompasses both flying skills and flight instructor skills, and is one of the three modules of our training program which also include Product Training (theory, design and construction) and Commercial Operations Management (business models, facilities, site selection, policies and procedures).
First aid and CPR certification from an accredited authority such as the Red Cross is a pre-requisite. The course takes place over five days and includes three (3) two-hour classroom training sessions on Jetlev theory, product knowledge, and commercial operations management; and five (5) 3-hour practical sessions at the water held in groups of three individuals. Early lessons take the student through hands-on instructions at the launch ramp, the water’s edge, flying, observations and discussions, followed by cleaning and maintenance instructions. Later lessons cover operation of training equipment and learning how to instruct, practicing on an experienced pilot. Still later, instructors play the role of difficult students who create “situations” to test and teach the new instructors how to handle them properly. A CFI level I certification indicates that the pilot has sufficient skills and knowledge to transport, handle, operate and instruct others to fly. They have good flying and instructing skills but they are expected to gain additional experience and hone their skills through practice. They are also expected to properly maintain Jetlev systems, including basic diagnostics and parts replacement. When a CFI level I has gained sufficient experience, he/she returns to the Academy to be tested and certified for CFI level II, the recognition of a professional instructor of the highest order, allowing the instructor to train paying customers in a commercial operation.
Product training and commercial operations training are separate modules with their own training manuals.
1. Enrollment Prerequisites
You must be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language. You must be reasonably fit, have no health conditions that would make you unfit to fly, be a good swimmer and not be afraid of heights.
For Certified Flight Instructors, you must produce proof of First Aid and CPR certification from an accredited training organization such as the Red Cross.
2. Flight Training Course Objectives
The student will obtain the aeronautical skills and experience necessary to meet the requirements of a Certified Flight Instructor Level I (CFI-1) for Jetlev jetpack systems. All CFI students are expected to learn and participate in all aspects of Jetlev operations, including transport, site evaluation, set-up, launch, knock-down, pre-trip and pre-flight checklists, flying, instructing others, emergency maneuvers, remote throttle control, cleaning, flushing, and basic maintenance.
3. Flight Training Course Completion Standards
The student will demonstrate through flight tests and knowledge tests the necessary aeronautical skill and experience for a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI-1) for Jetlev systems.
4. Flight Training Syllabus
The flight training will be accomplished over several days. Average rate of student learning are offered as a guide to the instructor. Times used on individual lessons and stages may be adjusted to meet individual student needs and aptitudes, but will also take into account the benefits of group observations and discussions. Above average students may require less time to meet lesson, stage, or course completion standards, but must meet at least the average times specified below.
Average total CFI flight training course “at-water” times:
Approximately 5 hours of on-water training per person plus 10 hours of interactive training with other group members over the course of 5 days.
