Flying with your board

Flying with your board

Watch the walkthrough

Watch on YouTube ↗ · JETSURF USA — new owner series #22. Timestamps below follow the video's on-screen counter (0:31–4:57).

Airlines vary — some want the fuel tank and iCU out and carried separately in your hand luggage. Do the removals, run the engine dry so there's no fuel left in it, fit the two transport guards that came with the board, then pack the bag so nothing can move. Check your airline's rules before you travel.

Remove the fuel tank

1. 0:31 — Take the fuel connector bracket off, then undo the Velcro strap.
2. 0:48 — Release the fuel-pump plug — it's a nail-style pin; push it into the bracket on the side, a small push and pull, and it releases.
3. 0:57 — Lift the fuel tank out of the board — don't force it. (See Fuel tank removal & installation.)

Remove the air breather

4. 1:00 — On the back of the tank, push the small white cap of the air breather in and pull the hose out. The hose stays in the board.
5. 1:16 — Wrap the tank in cellophane, freshen it with a scented spray, and carry it in your hand luggage.

Remove the iCU

6. 1:34 — With the tank out, release the main plug from the iCU — push-button, pull away.
7. 1:43 — Slacken the two locating bolts slightly — the iCU drops down and slides off the bolts.
8. 1:54 — Take the iCU out and carry it in your hand luggage. (See iCU removal & installation.)

Flush the engine & fit the cover

9. 2:05 — Before the iCU comes out, run the engine up on the normal starting procedure (magnet in, electronics up) with the tank already removed — this flushes any fuel left in the engine. Then remove the iCU.
10. 2:23 — Put the engine lid on but only clip a couple of the catches — not fully tight — for travel.

Remove the fins & fit the transport guards

11. 2:35 — Take the fins off — the two side fins and the main plate. (See Mounting the fins.)
12. 2:44 — Fit the main plate guard that came with the board — it goes on as it shipped from the factory and clips on where the turbine is, protecting the back end.
13. 3:01 — Fit the foam piece that came with the board (the one you were told not to throw away) — it clips on the back to protect the tail.

Pack the bag

14. 3:16 — Put the board in the bag with the foam at the tail.
15. 3:29 — Add packing around the rails — bubble wrap folded into layers, tucked over the board edges under the straps.
16. 3:49 — Put the stand in the bag in its protective bag — laid across the board — and cinch the straps so it can't shift.
17. 4:11 — Check nothing can rattle or bang around inside — baggage handlers won't be gentle.

Zip it up

18. 4:22 — Zip the board bag closed.
19. 4:34 — Fit the wheels JETSURF supplies into the back/end of the bag, and leave them in — handlers will wheel the bag rather than drag the tail.