1. WHAT IS A HOVERCRAFT ?
A hovercraft is an air cushion vehicle (ACV) that flies above any surface on a cushion of air. It is powered by an engine that provides both the lift cushion and the thrust for forward or reverse movement. It is a true multi-terrain, year-round vehicle that can make the transition from land to water without touching the surface.

2. WHAT DOES "HTI" STAND FOR?
"Hi Tech International", this word was chosen to exemplify the company's clientele, they are individuals who demand the latest and most unique technology.

3. HOW FAST WILL A HOVERCRAFT GO?
Depending upon the effects of terrain and weather, the average speed of a hovercraft is 35 mph (56 km/h). It is faster on ice or when going downwind, slower when on dense grass or rough surfaces, or when there is a head wind.

4. WHAT IS THE PAYLOAD?
The hovercraft is designed to carry four people with an average weight of about 170 lb (78 kg) each. Payload can be increased dramatically depending on the experience of the driver and the condition of the terrain. For example, when flying over smooth ice, up to 1200 lb (546 kg) could be carried.

5. DO I HAVE TO PUT IT TOGETHER?
No. HTI’s hovercrafts are available either fully or partially assembled.

6. HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO ASSEMLBE THE HOVERCRAFT?
The basic partially assembled craft takes about 40 hours to finish. Most of the work has already been completed at the factory. The machinery module is fully assembled and tested, along with the wiring harness, instruments, etc. The hull and body are already bonded. Basically all you need is an electric drill, a pop rivet gun, sets of open-ended and allen wrenches, a set of screwdrivers, and a one-car garage.

7. WHO INVENTED THE HOVERCRAFT ?
During the fifties, an Englishman, Christopher Cockerell, developed and patented the first hovercraft. For his contribution to the British people and the Queen, he was knighted and named "Sir" Christopher Cockerell. Soon after, British Hovercraft Corporation developed the first commercial hovercraft for passenger transport across the English Channel. With the ability to carry up to 400 passengers and 50 automobiles, these craft still function today.

8. HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO DRIVE A HOVERCRAFT?
First, it is necessary to mention that you are actually flying -- low to the ground, but flying nonetheless. Therefore, you will need proper training to ensure safe, enjoyable hovering. At HTI, great care is taken in preparing you for your first "hover". Before your first flight, you are schooled in the principles and preventative maintenance of a hovercraft. Then, you will spend several hours hovering on land and water until you achieve sufficient pilot experience to receive HTI's certification of competency.

9. DO YOU NEED A LICENSE?
No. When you purchase a hovercraft, you will be assigned a Coast Guard hull identification number (HIN). These numbers are free and, if you decide to purchase a partially assembled Hovercraft, your number will be provided by HTI. Using this number, you then register your vehicle as a boat. Some states may require an ATV license as well. Overseas customers, consult your local hoverclub or marine authority.

10. WHAT ARE OTHER SAFETY AND LEGAL ASPECTS?
All HTI hovercraft comply with all U.S. Coast Guard boating laws, the Hoverclub of America, Inc. regulations, and the Hoverclub of Great Britain Ltd. "Requirements for the Design, Construction, Operation and Maintenance of Light Hovercraft". Hovercraft should be operated in areas where the public and personal safety and ecology are not placed in danger.

11. WHAT IS THE FUEL CONSUMPTION OF A HOVERCRAFT?
As with most vehicles, the mileage is affected by climatic conditions and the way in which it is driven. Therefore, one could expect to get anywhere from as little as 2-3 gph (7.6-11.4 l/h) of fuel consumption.

12. HOW IS A HOVERCRAFT TRASPORTED?
The Hovercraft is trailerable and can be hitched up by one person in less than two minutes. Simply hover up to the end of the trailer, attach the winch cable to the craft, lift the trailer tongue and place the rear rollers under the front of the craft. Crank the winch until the craft is completely on the trailer. Fasten the locking arms at the rear, hitch the trailer to your vehicle and go.

13. HOW DOES A HOVERCRAFT HANDLE ROUGH WAVES?
Since the craft hovers on a 9 inches (228mm) cushion of air, the ride is very smooth and small waves are not noticed. Larger waves can be handled providing their crests are spaced well apart. Operation in surf is possible with an experienced driver. However, hovercraft operate best on sheltered water.

14. CAN A HOVERCRAFT BE DRIVEN ON THE ROAD?
First of all it is necessary to understand that roads are designed to be used by cars and have a camber, or slightly convex surface. This causes very unstable driving conditions for hovercraft. Also, the abrasiveness of the road's surface causes excess skirt wear. Therefore, while road travel is possible, it is not recommended.

15. WHAT SLOPE CAN A HOVERCRAFT CLIMB?
The hovercraft will accommodate a gradient of 1 in 6 (16.7%), standing start, smooth surface, 400 lb (181 kg) payload. It can climb much more easily when the slope is approached at a running start than if standing still, and find it easier to ascend than to descend.

16. WHAT ARE HOVERCRAFT USED FOR?
Hovercraft are so versatile that their applications are as diverse as the people who use them. They are usually used to reach areas that are inaccessible on foot or by conventional vehicles. A partial listing of present uses includes:

• Exploring the vast number of shallow and narrow waterways that cannot be reached by boat
• Rescue work on swift water, ice, snow, mud flats and deserts, in wetlands, shallow water, swamps, bogs, marshes and floodwaters.
• Affordable and a safe way to fly without a pilot's license.
• Transport in environmentally sensitive areas where habitat, erosion and soil compaction are a concern.
• Wildlife conservation and research
• Transportation or "island-hopping" with clients for real estate purposes
• Fishing anywhere...including ice fishing
• Traveling from land to water where there is no boat dock
• Military services
• Dive recovery teams
• Retrieving birds from tailings ponds at mining sites
• Water management
• Port authorities/drug enforcement
• TV and film companies
• Entertainment at Disney World water shows
• Agricultural spraying
• Survey work
• Forestation
• Heavy load movement across difficult surfaces
• Mosquito abatement
• Environmental testing
• Charter operations
• Oil spill clean up
• Removing leaves from Pecan farms

17. WHAT ABOUT HOVERCRAFT INSURANCE?
Most people add hovercraft to their Home Owner's Insurance. It's important to call it a 'boat' and not a 'hovercraft' when talking to insurance companies. Under US Federal Law, HTI Hovercraft, Inc. is considered to be a boat manufacturer. Legally hovercraft are boats.

18. HOW LARGE OF A "STEP" CAN HOVERCRAFT HANDLE?
With an experienced driver, it is possible for the hovercraft to handle a 24" (610mm) drop. Stepping up is usually limited to the hoverheight of 9" (229mm). If the step is gradual, greater heights may be traversed.