http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/ Engadget Comments for Avcen Jetpod inventor killed in test flight crash http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 6:32AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/
Besides, if it's "spiralling towards the ground" ejecting's going to either fire you head-first into the dirt at high speed or send you on an unpredictable trajectory at high speed, bringing with it all kinds of dangers (angular momentum ftw)]]>Aug 17th 2009 6:38AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/
Also bear in mind commercial airliners do not have ejector seats, and noone considers that a design flaw...]]>Aug 17th 2009 6:39AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/not if you have a parachute...]]>Aug 17th 2009 6:40AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/
I'm sure his idea will long live and encouragement to other challengers. ]]>Aug 17th 2009 6:43AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 6:45AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 7:05AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/
Mr. Dacre's death is a terrible tragedy. This is, unfortunately, the kind of risk many inventors must take — sometimes when you push the envelope of technology, the envelope pushes back.]]>Aug 17th 2009 7:21AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/
Not a design flaw.
]]>Aug 17th 2009 7:24AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 6:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/
@Angry_Commenter: ''Live like a nub, you die like a nub. Now the wifey will cash in on his life policy and go away with the 10-year younger guy next door. I love cougars.''

tsk tsk tsk, wanna hear you say something like this when its someone from your family. Or are you the black sheep bastard of the family?
]]>Aug 17th 2009 7:38AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 6:38AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 6:41AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/but it actually makes sense for a commercial airliner that was tested thousands of times not to have eject seats but, this was a PROTOTYPE.... it just makes sense to have a backup plan.]]>Aug 17th 2009 6:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 6:48AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 7:35AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Seriously do you have any idea what goes into an ejection seat, how much they weigh and all that? Never mind that the only prototypes that do have them are military. Another thing if it was spiraling the G forces alone can keep you from pulling the lever. You are an idiot learn about something before making a comment about it. ]]>Aug 17th 2009 9:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 6:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/
Dude, this is worse than trolling.]]>Aug 17th 2009 6:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 6:56AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/
]]>Aug 17th 2009 7:05AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/
Seriously, do any of you have a shred of decency? A man has died. ]]>Aug 17th 2009 7:24AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/
Besides, who said he didn't use computer simulation? He had to have used a computer at some point during the design process, but there's only so far simulation can take you. That's why pilots are handed their license only after flying an actual airplane — a computer simulation cannot compare to the real thing. Same goes for inventors — despite all the simulations, you'd have to build a prototype eventually. ]]>Aug 17th 2009 7:33AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 7:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 7:49AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 7:08AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 7:16AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/What good is it when the taxi driver (pilot in this case) ejects leaving the passangers to crash and die?

Ejector seats would be useless as having them so close together would add weight and be dangerous as each time they eject from such a small aircraft at low altitude the plane would lose weight and shift or barrel roll, making it more dangerous for the passengers still on-board to eject

The safer option would be airbags lol]]>Aug 17th 2009 10:35AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/It's just wrong. Just plain wrong.]]>Aug 17th 2009 8:16AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 8:21AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/
To quote from the description of one:
Script Summary:
Hide all comments from pointless users "Zak", "iEye", "Paul A Chapel" and "Flashpoint" on Engadget.
Version: 0.2.1
]]>Aug 17th 2009 8:58AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/]]>Aug 17th 2009 8:28AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 8:51AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 8:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.flickr.com/photos/avi_abrams/1465840997/sizes/o/
But I'm not sure.
]]>Aug 17th 2009 9:00AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Even though they put the term 'very quiet' in the design, but how quiet can it be really? Especially when in open air where the sound travels far.


]]>Aug 17th 2009 9:05AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 9:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/
That said, since the production model certainly wouldn't have an ejection seat, it's quite understandable that the prototype (intending as, well, a *prototype*) wouldn't magically be redesigned for one, and only a fool would cram one in an airframe not designed for it. I think you probably got that, but some don't, and I'd rather respond here than in one of the troll-induced pile-ups. ;)]]>Aug 17th 2009 9:23AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/
Rest in peace Michael ... ]]>Aug 17th 2009 2:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 18th 2009 3:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 9:10AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 9:15AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/
I feel sorry for the guy, but aeronautics does not suffer fools gladly.]]>Aug 18th 2009 8:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 9:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 9:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 9:43AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/This man was my uncle, and if you knew the devistation this accident has caused across our family!
How dare you be so cold towards someone just trying to make a difference... I am sure it is more than most of you have done, and will ever do in your lifetime.
Have some respect to the people who do not fail, but merely take risks everday, to make your life easier and more convienient... which is the sacrifice my uncle made.
This is someones brother, uncle and fathers life you are finding comical and you should be ashamed of yourselves.

I would also like to thank all of you who have paid tributes to Mike Dacre over the past 24 hours.

All my love Uncle Mike!]]>Aug 17th 2009 9:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Dear Samantha,

I knew your uncle as well...He was a great human being who had a dream and a vision for a better tomorrow for all of us and the next generations to come...I respect and admire him...He was my HERO...He had a dream and he set out to achieve it...He was very very brave and honourable in doing what he set out to do...

I am so sorry for your loss and wish that he rests in peace...]]>Aug 17th 2009 12:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/
That being said, I'm observing a moment of silence today in honor of your uncle. I have absolutely no connection with him personally or with his enterprise, but I understand and greatly respect the "type" of person he was. Quite simply, if it were not for folks like your uncle, we would all be living in pre-industrial conditions with much, much lower quality of life (and longevity). Individuals like your uncle have an incredible amount of audacity: it takes audacity not only to think/dream of inventions such as your uncle's air taxi (a smart, innovative idea) in the first place, but also to maintain focus and optomism in the face of skeptical critics; it requires audacity to take actual steps to make the dream a reality, especially in terms of gaining the help and support of others; finally, it takes an incredible amount of audacity to step into the realm of the unknown and actually put one's ideas to a "real world" test. There is no way to shortchange this process, and it requires brave, confident, risk-taking individuals who believe their ideals are "bigger" than themselves as individuals; this is a rare breed of human, but our world absolutely needs them.

I'm truly sorry for the loss to your family. Please understand that there are plenty of us out here who respect what he (and people like him) do, and we understand that they have had a HUGE influence on everything available to us today that leads to the high quality of life that is now available. Take comfort and pride in knowing that he was a true visionary and pioneer, and that he gave his life in pursuit of goals and objectives that he firmly believed in (you are absolutely correct in calling this a "sacrifice"). I cannot think of a better type of person for young people to look to as role models, and he will undoubtedly have a positive impact in this regard also.]]>Aug 17th 2009 1:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/avcen-jetpod-inventor-killed-in-test-flight-crash/Aug 17th 2009 7:12PM