Rocketman Zapata Fails to Traverse the English Channel by Air
French Aerial Inventor Franky Zapata Attempts English Channel Crossing with Airscooter Hoverboard Craft
Franky Zapata, the French aerial inventor and jet ski pilot, made headlines once again on July 25, 2025, as he attempted to cross the English Channel using his Airscooter hoverboard craft. The ambitious journey aimed to see Zapata fly from France to the UK and back, landing in St. Margaret's Bay before returning to Sangatte, France.
This latest attempt followed a previous endeavour in 2021, where Zapata faced a setback during a Channel crossing. The 2021 crash was caused by a technical failure in the hoverboard's engine during the flight, resulting in a crash into the water. Despite the incident, Zapata survived the ordeal. This earlier accident highlighted the risks associated with piloting novel personal flying devices over the Channel, particularly regarding engine reliability and safety backup systems.
In 2025, Zapata has continued to refine and pilot his Airscooter, with live broadcasts and coverage of the flights. The latest efforts appear to be more ambitious, intending a continuous round trip across the Channel without using a parachute as an emergency fallback. Although one attempt in 2025 reportedly ended in failure, it illustrates Franky Zapata’s ongoing commitment to pushing the limits of personal flight using his evolving Airscooter technology.
As of now, no new details about a 2025 crash have emerged, with current reports focusing on attempts and challenges rather than accidents. French media reported that Zapata was rescued unharmed from the water after the attempt. The Airscooter, a helicopter-like vehicle with multiple rotors and a seat, was later recovered.
Zapata, often referred to as the French "Rocket Man," planned to complete the round trip in about an hour and 20 minutes at a speed of around 70 mph. Several boats were in the area to assist if needed during the attempt, which took place from Sangatte, near the northern French port city of Calais.
However, Zapata encountered problems approximately 15 minutes into the flight, resulting in another crash for the inventor while crossing the English Channel. There was an issue with one of the engines during the flight. Despite the setback, Zapata decided to turn back, accompanied by one of the boats. His goal was to fly to the White Cliffs of Dover in the UK and return to France.
The English Channel has long captivated adventurers, tech pioneers, and fearless athletes, with previous attempts including a flight by British billionaire Richard Branson on a kitesurf and a successful crossing by Zapata himself on a five-engine flyboard in 2019. Despite the challenges faced, Zapata's determination to push the boundaries of personal flight using innovative technology continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Technology played a crucial role in Franky Zapata's latest attempt to cross the English Channel with his Airscooter hoverboard craft, as he aimed to refine and push the limits of personal flight using his evolving Airscooter technology. During the flight, an issue with one of the engines caused problems, demonstrating the need for reliable and safety-focused technological advancements in sports, such as personal flying devices.
