Jetpack and Fetboard FAQs
Videos:
X-Jets Jetpack Introduction
X-Jets Jetblade Introduction
Steering Nozzle Removal
Jetboard Boot Setup
Dual 180 Shotgun U-Pipe by X-Jets Overview
Attaching U-Pipe to Hose and Venturi
Video Overview of X-Jets Quick Nozzle
Q&A Section:
What is the shipping time?
All equipment can be shipped to any destination around the world within 1-2 weeks. Please note, customs clearance may add additional time for delivery for international shipments (FlyDive and Jetovator ship from the US and Zapata ships from France).
Do products come with a warranty?
Equipment issues with the brands we carry is very rare. However, Jetpack America stands behind the equipment we sell, so if any problem arises within one year of personal use or three months of commercial use, we will work with the manufacturers to assist in replacing any faulty parts.
Are hydroflight devices legal in all states/ countries?
Hydroflight devices are generally considered personal watercraft (PWC) accessories, so they are typically subject to the same requirements for operation, but we recommend contacting the governing body for the body of water where you intend to use the device before flying to ensure there aren’t any specific restrictions.
What is easier to fly, the Jetpack, Jetboard or Jetbike?
The good thing is that all hydroflight devices are easy to learn with most first-timers flying within the first 10-15 minutes, but the jetpack and jetbike are typically the easiest for beginners to fly. Anyone with limited leg strength should probably opt for the jetpack. The jetboard requires balance and leg strength similar to activities like water-skiing, skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, etc. The Jetbike, Freedom Chair and Jetpack are accessible to nearly anyone who is comfortable in the water.
How difficult is it to assemble the equipment?
When you receive your hydroflight kit, it should take you no longer than one hour for the initial setup. You will need to provide your own basic tools, like a socket wrench, screw drivers and Allen wrenches to prep your PWC, which you will need to have out of the water for setup. Watch our video above on how to remove the stock steering mechanism. If you are not mechanically inclined, you can opt to take the PWC to the nearest powersports shop for them to assist with the initial setup.
Is it easy to go from flying back to normal PWC operation?
After initial installation, you should be able to go from normal flying to normal PWC operation within 30 minutes. This process does require tools and you should probably plan on having your PWC out of the water. If you anticipate wanting to frequently switch between normal PWC operation and flying, you should consider purchasing a quick release steering nozzle from Zapata or Flydive which allows you to switch back and forth within 2 minutes.
Will attaching a hydroflight device void my PWC warranty?
Your PWC warranty will still be valid, but you should reinstall your stock steering mechanism before taking your PWC in for warranty work to avoid confusion with your dealerships maintenance techs.
What kind of boots/bindings are compatible with the jetboard?
All wakeboard boots/bindings will work with the products we carry. There are two different designs: 1. bindings with separate removable boots and 2. integrated boot/bindings. Both will work, so it is up to you to choose the style that works best for you.
Do I need any special training to start flying?
Flying any hydroflight device is pretty intuitive, but you should definitely watch our Jetpack America training video to get an idea of the basics. It is also preferable to have a partner with you the first time you are flying. If you haven’t purchased a wireless throttle kit, then you will always need a partner on the PWC. Your first flights should be kept low to the water and you should only increase your flying height when you are comfortable and capable at lower levels.
Is hydroflight safe for kids?
Hydroflight can be safe and fun for the whole family, but generally kids who are less than 100 lbs or under 5’0” may need extra instruction or assistance to get flying. Some of the best Jetboard pilots in the world are teenagers (Check out their rider profiles in our blog) – the lighter the pilot, the higher they can fly! Look at the thousands of flight videos on the Jetpack America-Customer Videos YouTube channel to see the variety of people who can fly.
Do I need any extra parts other than the “kits” that you sell?
Nope! Everything you need to start flying is included when you purchase one of our kits, other than boots/bindings for the jetboards. You only need to supply your own tools for initial installation onto your PWC.
What horsepower PWC is needed?
Minimum horsepower for hydroflight operation is 110, but you should try to power your flight with the most horsepower possible. A 110-horsepower PWC will only fly lighter weight people. If you already own a PWC and you are concerned that it might be a bit underpowered, you can purchase a dual impeller to add some extra altitude to your flights (usually 5-10 feet). The best PWC range would be 215+ horsepower and supercharged, but a 180hp will get you flying just fine and you can always add a dual impeller later, if you feel like you want to fly even higher.
What length of hose should I buy?
For 95% of pilots, the standard hose that comes with our packages will be sufficient. Typically only pro pilots with very powerful PWCs are able to take advantage of longer hoses.
Can hydroflight devices be used in freshwater or saltwater?
Hydroflight devices can be flown in any type of water with similar performance, but all equipment should be washed and the PWC should be flushed thoroughly with fresh water after any flights in saltwater.
Do I need a dual impeller on my PWC to fly a hydroflight device?
No, you do not need a dual impeller in order to get flying, but it is the one accessory that we recommend for virtually all customers, both private and commercial. The reason we recommend the dual impeller is because it provides more efficient water flow for your hydroflight device, which will provide you with an additional 5-10 feet in max height and reduce the overall engine RPM to achieve a certain height, which means less fuel consumption and engine wear-and-tear. The only people we do not recommend the dual impeller for are people who expect to be switching regularly between flying and jet skiing. The reason for this is the fact that the dual impeller is designed to push large volumes of water rather than pushing the water quickly, so you will most likely lose 5-10 mph in top speed from your PWC with the dual impeller. For most of our customers though, once they start flying, they rarely go back to traditional jet skiing, so the dual impeller is a worthwhile investment.