Flight Testing the Martin Jetpack in New Zealand
Test Pilot Prospero “Paco” Uybarreta
28 August 2025
12-1pm CDT
Webinar Link: https://aiaa.zoom.us/j/85883591985?pwd=08PKe0CJqg9KbVXLVgobq81rUIs31i.1 Passcode: 055522
The Martin Jetpack was a single-person aircraft that used ducted fans for lift. Martin Aircraft Company of New Zealand (not related to the Glenn L. Martin, US company) developed it and unveiled it at the EAA 2008 AirVenture in Oshkosh. The FAA classified it as an experimental ultralight airplane. It used a gas engine with two ducted fans to provide lift. It was specified to have a maximum speed of 25 mph, a flight ceiling of 2,500 ft., a range of 12.5 mi, and endurance of about 28 minutes of flight. Empty weight was 440 lb. Martin Aircraft initially planned to target first responders as customers but the company shutdown in 2019. Paco will describe the amazing program and his test flights that he accomplished as its test pilot.
Prospero “Paco” Uybarreta
https://www.pacotestpilot.com/
With over 26 years of professional aerospace experience, Paco has flown for USAF, Bombardier, Scaled Composites, Martin Aircraft, Pacific Aerospace, and others. Project Pilot of 18 major flight test projects, he has commanded first flights of five experimental manned aircraft. Paco has also provided specialized services to Dawn Aerospace, Alauda Aeronautics, and other clients, which are blooming aerospace and technology organizations from around the world. With over 5,300 flight hours in over 60 diverse manned aircraft models spanning military high-G, supersonic, very high-altitude, commercial/business jet transport, special mission, very short takeoff/landing, and unconventional vertical experimental flight regimes, Paco has broad practical aerospace experience in many different aircraft. A graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School, Paco is a current and qualified Category 1/A Experimental Test Pilot with Airline Transport Pilot & Certified Flight Instructor certificates with Aerobatic, Instrument, Floatplane ratings, & Helicopter pilot license with Mountain & Sling ratings. He also holds qualifications to fly two different experimental Jetpacks.