Cleared for take-off: TV sci-fi fan who built 'world's first practical jetpack' is granted permission to carry out manned test flights New Zealand inventor began building jetpacks in his garage 30 years ago His new design has a range of 30km and a total flight time of 30 minutes Expected to go on sale next year priced between £97,000 and £160,000 A TV science-fiction fan who built what is being described as the 'world's first practical jetpack', has been given permission to carry out manned test-flights. Glenn Martin began building jetpacks in his garage more than thirty years ago, inspired by programmes such as Thunderbirds and Lost in Space. Over the years he has gone through a number of prototypes, founding the Martin Aircraft Company based in Christchurch, New Zealand along the way. A pilot poses with the latest jetpack prototype - the P12 - which has been described as 'a major step forward' His latest design, the P12, has been described as a 'major step forward'. Previous versions have flown to 5000ft but only with dummies on board. The P12 has a range of 30km and a total flight time of 30 minutes. Although described as a jetpack it is technically a miniaturised helicopter as it uses small fans as opposed to jet engines for thrust. Martin Aircraft chief executive Glen Coker told AFP: 'Changing the position of the jetpack's ducts has resulted in a quantum leap in performance over the previous prototype, especially in terms of the aircraft's maneuverability. 'For us it's a very important step because it moves it out of what I call a dream into something which I believe we're now in a position to commercialise and take forward very quickly.' The Martin Jet soars through the sky albeit with a dummy pilot. The company has now been granted permission to carry out manned test flights The P12 hovers above the New Zealand countryside with a helicopter close by Steady a she goes: The Martin p12 jetpack is put through its paces during an earlier test flight Designer Mr Martin wanted to create a device that could be used on a daily basis by people with no pilot training. It consists of two propulsion fans enclosed in cyclinders which are attached to a free-standing carbon-fibre frame on either side. The pilot straps himself in and uses a pair of joysticks to steer. The device is also equipped with a rocket-propelled parachute in case something goes wrong. Although originally designed for recreational use, as a plaything for multi-millionaires, the company says there has been strong interest from the commercial sector. The device is equipped with a rocket-propelled parachute for use in the event of an emergency The device could also have military applications or be used to patrol borders or by emergency services for rapid response. The New Zealand aviation authority has granted permission for manned test flights although they will be limited to no more than six metres and can only be carried out over uninhabited areas. The company hopes to begin delivery next year with an estimated price of between £97,000 and £160,000, although they hope to bring the cost down over time. Science fiction: Sean Connery wears a jetpack in the 1965 film Thunderball