A hovercraft flies a few inches off the surface on a cushion of air. The 14-ft. model has a 100 HP engine. The engine drives a 36 inch fan, which creates thrust to drive the hovercraft forward. Part of the fan thrust is ducted through the double skin hull to lift the craft off the surface on a cushion of air. This lift air is contained under the craft by a flexible segmented skirt, which keeps the air cushion pressure up.
Bigger models have twin fans and bigger engines.
This depends on the surface conditions you are flying over. Generally, smooth surfaces are best. You can learn basic operations in less than half a day but like windsurfing or mountain skiing you get better at it with practice. Of course, there is lots of fancy footwork to learn before you become a world champion. We offer hovercraft operator training programs at our Dealership in Arkansas.