Earlier this month, British inventor, Richard Browning set a new record for the fastest flight in a body-controlled jet-powered suit. Using an Iron Man-type jet suit, he managed to reach speeds of more than 32 mph over the waters of Lagoona Park in Reading, UK.

Personal flight, once a pipe dream, is now within our reach. But futuristic transportation does not come cheap. David Mayman's right thigh is covered by a skin graft, the aftermath of a jetpack crash. In 2010, a “rocket belt” he bought in Mexico shot 1,300-degree steam down Mayman’s leg after he missed a landing in Australia, leaving him with third-degree burns. Today, in an avocado orchard north of Los Angeles, the clean-cut, 53-year-old Australian millionaire wears a thick, black flame-retardant jet suit.

Fighting a fire in a towering skyscraper poses unique challenges for both the equipment and the firefighters. That’s why the fire departments of large cities have dedicated high-rise units–but Dubai wants to do one better by equipping its firefighters with jetpacks. The city is no stranger to high-flying exploits, but it’s hoping this latest venture ends up being more than just a publicity stunt (or an obscene display of wealth).

The dream of personal flight took a great leap forward last week as Jetpack Aviation unveiled its JB-9 jetpack in spectacular fashion. Lifting off from a boat, inventor and aviator David Mayman flew the powerful, agile JB-9 around the Statue of Liberty, pausing to salute and pirouette before touching back down. Running on kerosene and using two vectored jet engines, the JB-9 can reach high speeds and altitudes and offers a flight time over 10 minutes, depending on pilot weight.