Andy, I thought for sure being a jet guy you would at least run some quick numbers in your head. First thing is what engines are commercially available in the higher thrust ranges. My short search found a max thrust rating of 50 lbs. So for an average weight guy plus engines adds up to 4 engines ( 200lbs ) for a 1:1 power to weight ratio. Now for vertical take off and climb to 3,000' 1:1 is not going to cut it. 1:1.25 would be minimum. So add more engines, now up to 6 engines producing 300lbs of thrust at FULL THROTTLE. Oh wait, we haven't added fuel yet. How much fuel does a 50lb thrust turbine consume at full throttle? I can't find any specs but I would guess at 20oz per minute. Now that's 120oz per minute for all 6. But wait again we haven't figured in the weight of fuel or the amount of time it takes to get to 3,000' and back to the ground. That could easily be 15-20 gallons of fuel. Let's see now, how much does Kerosene weigh per gallon? Looks to be around 6.5lbs per gallon so add about 130lbs for fuel. There goes the power to weight ratio, oh well add more engines right? Oh wait, then we need more fuel..........


Ok so that about eliminates the vertical take off and landing jet pack. That leaves us with the wing type that have to be launched from a manned aircraft in flight. Hmmmm wouldn't the FAA have a flight plan of the launching aircraft, especially in such a congested corridor?


My guess at this point is that the pilots saw a promotional inflatable that got away.