You’re so right. I’ve been waiting a lifetime but not for that!
We have a running gag in our family. When one of the kids asks me, “Need a hand?” I say no, I need wings!
This contraption has no room for error. I’m thinking rocketry is not the way to go about it unless the exhaust is blowing upwards or capable of same. Get the heat under the wing, not on your heels.
No wings...no sale.
I mean, it "flew", as in it could get off the ground, but an actual backpack design simply was not possible. Even if you could insulate the legs, and in the case of the backs of the thighs, calves, and feet; HEAVILY insulate them, landing anywhere but in a designated lot had a tendancy to start fires, and after a couple of times melting the tarmac then being glued to the spot after it cooled we just tossed it.
Don't bother asking about the times the "motor(s)" just quit on us, thankfully never with enough altitude to do any serious- ...ehrm, "permanent" (more or less) damage. Or the noise complaints throughout.
We built a hover car too, and that was a lot more fun, but it could never get certified for general use.