Not quite James Bond -- but still

A futuristic adventure puts thrill-seekers above the waves

James Bond meets the Jetsons in the waters off Key West, where sci-fi dreams of jet pack transportation are becoming reality.

A company called Jetpack Adventures is offering flight instruction and fly time about 2 1/2 miles off Key West, in the waters northwest of Wisteria Island.

The company ferries clients on a six-passenger boat from the Galleon Resort Marina to a catamaran anchored offshore. Once on board the catamaran, novice flyers strap on a JetLev R200 flight pack reminiscent of the one that Sean Connery wore in the James Bond movie "Thunderball."

The jet packs are strapped to the flyer's back and include a foot bar for balance and two handles in front for steering. A 30-foot hose tethers the apparatus to a floating module with a pump that uses seawater as a propellant. Water is sucked through the hose, then forced back down from the pack, creating lift. Flight controls allow individuals to take off, make soft turns, hover and land as the module is dragged behind.

"The flight instructor has a remote-control throttle at first, until the person becomes proficient at operating it," said Erik Adams, operational manager for Jetpack Adventures. "People need to set aside about an hour and a half to two hours for the instruction and fly time."

The company began operations on June 15, and Key West is the only location in the country that offers these futuristic flying devices. A second location will soon open at Hawks Cay Resort and Marina on Duck Key.

An introductory flight is $249 plus tax, Adams said, adding that discounts are available for locals and military personnel.

Jetpack Adventures has a showroom in Fort Lauderdale, where they sell the latest in-water recreational vehicles, but the flight training center is here in Key West, Adams said.

"It's off the hook," Adams said, excitement in his voice as he described the experience.

The ferry to the flight zone leaves the Galleon every 90 minutes, starting at 10 a.m., and reservations are strongly recommended, Adams said.

Reservations can be made by calling Jetpack Adventures at 305-294-2000. For more information, visit http://www.jetpackadventures.com.

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