Update From ABC News
Jetpack cleared by New Zealand authorities to carry a pilot - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
The New Zealand makers of a one-person jetpack hope to have it on sale by the middle of next year.
The Martin Aircraft company says its jetpack can reach speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour and soar 1 kilometre high.
The Christchurch-based firm has been testing its prototype 12 via remote control.
The New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority said the jetpack has now been issued with an experimental flight permit for development test flying, which allows someone to pilot the aircraft.
Martin Aircraft says it has had 10,000 enquiries from people keen to take to the skies, but it is likely to first sell the jetpacks to government and emergency agencies involved in search and rescue and defence.
Chief executive Peter Coker said a simpler model aimed at the general public is expected to be on the market in 2015.
He said the certification was a significant milestone in the development of the jetpack.