French Hoverboard Inventor Faces Flight Ban, Considers Leaving France
Franky Zapata, the visionary behind the revolutionary Flyboard Air, has announced he may leave France after aviation authorities banned his untethered hoverboard flights—threatening arrest if he defies the order.
The Backstory: From Innovation to Controversy
Zapata first captured global attention in 2016 with a viral YouTube demo of his fuel-powered Flyboard Air, which achieved unprecedented free-flight capabilities without tethering. As founder of Zapata Racing, he pioneered multiple airborne devices, including jetpacks—though most require fuel hoses.
Why France Grounded the Flyboard
French regulators classified the untethered Flyboard Air as an unauthorized aircraft, prohibiting test flights. Zapata revealed in a translated Facebook post:
“I’ll be forced, with deep regret, to definitively leave France. I’m heartbroken—I love my country. I’m French in my heart, culture, and soul.”
Authorities warned of potential arrest and imprisonment if he continues flights. Despite appeals to government officials, the ban remains.
Public Outcry and Petition
Zapata’s post sparked widespread support, including a Change.org petition with over 10,000 signatures demanding government intervention. Supporters argue the ban stifles innovation:
“We protest this infringement on our freedom to create, invent, and develop.”
What’s Next for Zapata?
While no final decision timeline exists, Zapata’s potential departure raises questions about France’s stance on experimental aviation. His team has yet to comment publicly on relocation plans.
This story highlights the tension between groundbreaking innovation and regulatory frameworks—will France reconsider, or lose a pioneering inventor?
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