From November 20 to 23, 2025, during the Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix, we previewed the AirScooter to the general public.

Held in an iconic setting on the Las Vegas Strip at the French restaurant Mon Ami Gabi, this event provided the perfect showcase to highlight the AirScooter and strengthen our presence in the United States.

A unique immersive experience in the heart of the Strip

For this first public presentation, nearly 40 celebrities and influencers had the opportunity to discover the AirScooter up close. Among them were Scott Eastwood, Jesse Metcalfe, Brooks and Sarah Jane Nader, as well as Supercar Blondie.

Guests were able to get up close to the device, talk to the Zapata teams, and test the flight simulator, offering a first concrete glimpse of the AirScooter experience.

Thank you for everything, Las Vegas!

The feedback has been extremely positive and inspiring. We had the pleasure of talking to many technology enthusiasts who were curious to learn about the AirScooter and our vision for air mobility.

We would like to thank Mon Ami Gabi for hosting us, the VIPs in attendance, our partners, and everyone whose energy and commitment contributed to the success of this event.

What’s next

Our ambition remains unchanged: to make the AirScooter much more than a technological feat, establishing it as a recreational experience accessible to everyone, everywhere in the world.

While we wait for our flight center to open, we continue to push the boundaries to inspire you and give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse of this incredible adventure.

Stay connected

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What is an ultralight aircraft?

Defining Ultralight VEHICLES

Ultralight vehicles, often referred to as microlights in some regions, are a category of small, lightweight aircraft designed for simple and efficient flying. They are known for their minimalist design and are typically limited in terms of weight, speed, and passenger capacity. The exact definition may vary from country to country, but the key characteristics include:

1. Weight Limit: Ultralights must adhere to strict weight limits (254 pounds or 115 kilograms empty weight in the United States).

2. Speed Limit: Ultralights are generally limited to a maximum air speed (55 knots, 63 mph or 102 km/h in the United States).

3. Passenger Capacity: In the spirit of recreational flying, most ultralights are single-seater vehicles.

Federal Aviation Regulation “Part 103” prescribes rules governing the operation of ultralight vehicles in the United States. Actually, in the USA, Ultralights are not considered as “aircraft” and therefore don’t follow the same rules as certified aircraft.

Types of Ultralight VEHICLES

Ultralights come in various forms to cater to different preferences and purposes. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Fixed-Wing Ultralights: These resemble traditional airplanes but with simplified controls and often an open cockpit. They are known for their stability and ease of handling.

2. Flex-Wing Ultralights (Trikes): These consist of a delta wing and a motorized tricycle-like undercarriage. Trikes offer a unique and exhilarating flying experience.

3. Powered Paragliders (PPG): Powered paragliders are lightweight engines strapped to a paragliding wing. Pilots wear a backpack-like motor and run into the wind to take off.

4. Gyrocopters: Gyrocopters have a rotor similar to a helicopter but rely on an unpowered overhead rotor and a conventional engine for propulsion.

5. Multicopters / VTOL : a multicopter is an aerial vehicle whose motion is controlled by speeding or slowing multiple downward thrusting motor/propeller units.

Why Choose Ultralight aviation?

Ultralights have gained popularity for several compelling reasons:

1. Affordability: Compared to traditional aircraft, ultralights are relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain, making flying more accessible to aviation enthusiasts.
2. Simplicity: Ultralights are designed to be easy to operate and maintain, making them an attractive option for those new to aviation.
3. Thrilling Experience: Flying in an ultralight vehicle offers a unique sense of freedom and exhilaration, with the wind in your hair and an unobstructed view of the landscape below.
4. Accessibility: Many ultralight vehicles can be stored at small private airstrips or even in a garage, eliminating the need for a large hangar or airport facilities. 

Ultralight Aircraft – Regulations

While ultralights offer numerous advantages, they are not without regulations. It’s crucial for pilots and enthusiasts to understand and comply with these rules to ensure safe and responsible flying. Some key regulations include:

1. Licensing: in the US, operators of ultralight vehicles are not required to meet any aeronautical knowledge, age, or experience requirements. On the other hand, in some countries, pilots require training and licensing to operate an ultralight aircraft.

2. Weight Limits: Ultralights must adhere to strict weight restrictions, and exceeding these limits can result in legal consequences.

3. Operational Limits: Ultralights are often restricted in terms of where and when they can fly. Certain airspace and weather conditions may limit their operations.

4. Maintenance: Regular maintenance and safety checks are essential to keep an ultralight aircraft in safe flying condition.

Safety Considerations

Safety is paramount in aviation, and ultralight flying is no exception. Here are some safety considerations for ultralight pilots and enthusiasts:

1. Training: Proper training is crucial for safe ultralight flying. Seek out professional flight centers and instructors to learn the necessary skills and safety procedures.

2. Weather Awareness: Ultralights are sensitive to weather conditions. Pilots should be mindful about weather forecasts and avoiding adverse conditions.

3. Pre-flight Inspections: Always conduct thorough pre-flight inspections to ensure the aircraft is in optimal condition for safe operation.

The Future of Ultralight Aircraft

As technology continues to advance, the world of ultralight aircraft is not standing still. Innovations in materials, engines, and avionics are opening new possibilities for ultralight design and performance. Hybrid Electric propulsion, for example, paired with Sustainable Aviation Fuel, is becoming a reality, offering safe, affordable, quiet, and more environmentally friendly flying experiences.

In the realm of aviation, ultralight aircraft (or ultralight vehicles) occupy a unique and thrilling niche. With their affordability, simplicity, and accessibility, they provide an opportunity for individuals to experience the joy of flight in a way that was once reserved for only a select few. Whether you’re a seasoned ultralight pilot or someone considering taking to the skies for the first time, understanding what ultralights are and the principles that govern them is essential for a successful and rewarding flying experience.

So, spread your wings, and let the adventure begin!

Everything you need to know about Franky Zapata

ZAPATA: THE PROJECT OF A PASSIONATE MAN’S AMBITION

To understand the project behind ZAPATA, one must delve into almost 30 years of development. Race pilot at the age of 16, and head of a company by age 20, Franky ZAPATA showcases an extraordinary path that requires perspective to understand its depth.

«I’ve pursued the same ambition ever since I was a young boy: flying as birds do.

It took me several decades to make this a reality, but what I am the proudest today is allowing anyone to experience it as well.»

FROM JET SKI PILOT TO CEO

Franky ZAPATA, inventor, founder, and CEO

Another passion of Franky Zapata has always been speed, he chose to start his career in the jet ski world where he worked relentlessly to become the best in his field. In his first year of competition in 1996, he won his first title of French champion in the stand-up jet ski category. Building on this success, Franky founded ZAPATA Racing – a competitive motorized watercraft team – in 1998.

He won several European trophies and eventually his first world title in 2007. Leveraging his experience, Franky ZAPATA created his first company in 2008 with ZAPATA Racing as its brand. Previously a sports team captain, he became head of a company. In accordance with the performance-driven spirit of competitive racing, he established his business as the design and production leader of Made in France watercrafts.

FLYBOARD: A WORLD-RENOWNED INVENTION

Driven by his childhood dream of flying, Franky ZAPATA aimed to develop a new type of vehicle that would allow people to soar through the air. Following this vision, he decided to diversify his activities and developed the first version of a new prototype in 2011: “Flyboard®”.

Designed in less than 24 hours and patented in 2011, Flyboard® is a hydro-propelled device that quickly gained worldwide enthusiasm. This versatile machine can be used both as a recreational toy and a sports device.

Widely distributed on all five continents through the ZAPATA global network, it is frequently featured in shows and events. Flyboard® also had a dedicated world cup held in Qatar in 2012. In less than two years, nearly 10,000 units had been sold.

FLYBOARD® AIR: A TECHNOLOGICAL GEM PUSHING THE LIMITS OF AIR MOBILITY

The inventor achieved a technological breakthrough in 2016 with his second prototype, Flyboard® Air. Using Flyboard® as a foundation, he switched environments and transitioned from water to air.

This groundbreaking invention opened a new era in ZAPATA’s development, strongly establishing the company within the VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) ecosystem.

Unlike the previous prototype which used water for propulsion, this new creation relies on turbojets to offer a unique freedom of movement. Developed by a seasoned engineering office, this model showcases noteworthy technical expertise. Convinced by this project, the Direction Générale de l’Armement (French Directorate General of Armaments) decided, as early as 2018, to invest 1.3 million euros in turbojets engine development.

Flyboard® Air is a mobility game-changer. It allows for a field of possibilities that Franky ZAPATA seized over time, surpassing records, and achieving great successes.

THE WILL TO SURPASS IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HISTORICAL INVESTORS

The summer of 2019 was an opportunity for Franky ZAPATA to introduce Flyboard® Air to the world during two major events.

During the French 14th of July parade, he performed a memorable demonstration flight in front of the presidential tribune, in the presence of the French president and his German counterpart. Two weeks later, he decided to pay tribute to a pioneer of aviation whom he admires, Louis Blériot, the first aviator to cross the English Channel. On Flyboard® Air, he went on the same journey, which led him to the English coast in 22 minutes.

This achievement puts him alongside historical inventors who both created and tested out their inventions such as the Wright brothers.

JETRACER: A FLYING LAB

In the middle of summer 2022, Franky ZAPATA revealed a third prototype:

Jetracer, a proper flying car. For the company, this was a second technological breakthrough. This prototype meets new standards of performance, accessibility, and security.

Jetracer serves as a flying lab: ZAPATA’s main intention with this prototype is to leverage its key technical elements for its next model: Airscooter.

With its 10 reactors and top speed of 155 mph, Jetracer showcases ZAPATA’s capability to produce secure and easy-to-operate flying machines, opening doors to the mass market.

AIRSCOOTER: A VISIONARY AND CONTEMPORARY FLYING MACHINE

The French inventor and his team designed Airscooter to meet a new challenge. With its unique design, it represents a significant milestone as the first publicly available flying machine that offers unparalleled freedom of flight.

Accessible to all, it flies using a hybrid propulsion system that combines thermal and electrical energy. Airscooter is expected to serve multiple use cases. Initially intended for leisure purposes, it will gradually transform into a means of public transport.

In the professional sphere, it has numerous applications, such as for rescue or offshore operations.

Finally, the serial production of Airscooter marks a turning point for ZAPATA which became an authentic industrial company.

FRANKY ZAPATA’S UNIQUE VISION OF AIR MOBILITY

«I must admit, I think against my ecosystem: in the short term, I do not believe that eVTOLs will be used for short and intra-urban trips. The vehicles we build will not be tomorrow’s substitutes for taxis and other short-distance vehicles.

In the medium term, I think that vehicles like AirScooter will be useful for regional traveling by connecting cities with dedicated infrastructure. The prototypes and vehicles we imagine will enable new intermodal passenger transport, complementing a train or plane travel with a stopover in an AirScooter.» Commented Franky ZAPATA.

Before turning it into a means of transportation, ZAPATA intends to open the doors of recreational aviation to the greatest number of people with the AirScooter.

Both enjoyable and responsible thanks to its hybrid propulsion system, it provides unparalleled freedom, for example, allowing sunny joyrides along the seaside.

He concludes, «Who knows, maybe in a few years, we will all have the pleasure of individually and automatically moving in eVTOLs. But you know me, I am a man of actions!»