The world of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is buzzing with excitement, and a Swedish company called Jetson is leading the charge in a new arena: air racing. While Australian company Airspeeder has been developing remotely piloted eVTOL races, Jetson founder and CTO Tomasz Patan recently piloted a Jetson One around a racing pylon, marking what some are calling the dawn of crewed eVTOL air racing.

Airspeeder, established in 2017, has been working towards eVTOL world championship races. However, their current races involve ground-based pilots controlling the aircraft remotely. Jetson's recent demonstration, though involving a single aircraft, showcases the potential for piloted eVTOL racing.

The Jetson One, a personal eVTOL, is designed for speed and maneuverability. Patan's recent flight around a 26-foot pylon, while not a full race, provides a glimpse into the future of this sport. The Jetson One has the following specifications:

• Size: 8.86 ft x 5.25 ft x 3.67 ft
• Max Speed: 63 mph (software limited)
• Flight Time: 20 minutes per charge
• Power: High-discharge Lithium-ion batteries
• Controls: Joystick
• Altitude: Over 1,500 ft
• License: Not required in the U.S.

The Jetson One has garnered significant interest, with over 470 units already sold. Pre-orders for the 2026 production run require an $8,000 deposit towards the $128,000 price tag. Jetson asserts that piloting the aircraft is easy to learn, requiring about an hour of flight time and eight simulator sessions.

Safety is paramount, and the Jetson One incorporates features like a race car-inspired safety cell, redundancy for single motor failure, hands-free hovering, emergency functions, and a rapid-deploy ballistic parachute. Jetson has obtained flight permits in Italy for personal use in uncontrolled airspace, but air racing regulations are still under development.

While Jetson is making strides, Airspeeder remains a strong competitor. They have already formed racing teams and conducted aerial demonstrations, though with remotely piloted aircraft. Airspeeder's eVTOLs boast a top speed of 124 mph and a power-to-weight ratio comparable to Formula 1 cars.

Jetson's pylon racing demonstration signifies a major advancement in both personal aviation and air racing. While not yet a true race, it paves the way for a future where eVTOL racing could become a widespread reality.