Hybrid electric Airscooter takes flight in first-ever manned air test

The hybrid-electric Airscooter, a personal VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft designed for solo travel, recently completed its first manned flight on June 7, 2025, with founder Franky Zapata at the controls. This milestone follows a development timeline that began with the concept reveal in June 2023, progressing through unmanned test flights and system refinements to ensure stability and reliability. The Airscooter is notable for its compliance with FAA Part 103 ultralight regulations, allowing operation without a formal pilot’s license after a brief training program involving virtual reality and flight simulators, making it accessible to everyday users. The Airscooter features a compact, stable design measuring approximately 11 feet in length and width and 8 feet tall, with an upright frame enhancing maneuverability. Its hybrid propulsion system combines electric motors for takeoff and low-altitude flight with a gasoline engine that activates once airborne, enabling flight durations of up to two hours—