Personal Flying Vehicles Aim to Draw Tourists to Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is working with a personal eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle startup to bring automated flying vehicles to the state to increase tourism.

The single-seat personal air vehicles from Neo Aeronautics in Singapore would be used to fly people through a geofenced course in the air.

“We believe Neo Aeronautics has the potential to bring a unique experience to Oklahoma,” said Hopper Smith, interim executive director and state director of aerospace and defense, Commerce. “Oklahoma has long been a leader in the technology driving the future of the aerospace sector. By partnering with Neo Aeronautics on this project, we are continuing that legacy and creating new opportunities for Oklahomans.”

Neo’s Crimson S8 vehicle would not require a pilot license under the ultralight category, as defined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Neo and the commerce department plan to work together to identify potential sites for Crimson Clubs to be set up with investments by Neo Aeronautics.

“Neo Aeronautics has been developing the Crimson S8 for Part 103 compliance,” said Kok-Beng, Neo founder and CEO. “We believe everyone can fly and we are empowering them to enjoy the flight experience through our automated eVTOL.”

Related:Personal Flying Vehicle Introduced; $190,000 Each

A large number of personal aerial vehicles are planned for delivery and use in 2024.

For example, Ryse Aero Tech in Ohio has taken its electric aerial vehicle (EAV) to numerous events and was flown at CES in Las Vegas. CEO Mark Kowitz has flown the Ryse Recon many miles and has even taken off and landed on water. Those vehicles are expected to ship in 2024.

Pivotal recently introduced a new $190,000 eVTOL vehicle planned to go on sale in January. The Pivotal Helix EAV has been in development since 2011.

The Jetson, which singer, songwriter and technology entrepreneur Will.i.am invested in, plans to start deliveries of its $98,000 Jetson One in 2024, with more than 300 already ordered, according to the company.

Land Rotor in Orlando, Florida, agreed with Aeroauto in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, to add its $70,000 Land Rotor Sportster to the growing portfolio of flying vehicle companies Aeroauto is marketing in flying vehicle showrooms.

And Doroni Aerospace CEO Doron Merdinger has flown its personal air vehicle in Florida, though that vehicle would require FAA certification before being sold and flown.

Other forms of eVTOL vehicles also are under development, though the passenger-carrying category requires meeting significantly more stringent rules and regulations by the FAA.

Related:Will.i.am Funds Flying Car Company; $15M Invested

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