"A flying car is to go into commercial production after manufacturers were given a special exemption by US aviation officials.
"The Terrafugia Transition is designed as a 'light sport' aircraft, the smallest kind of private aeroplane under FAA classification.
. . . .
"Light sport aircraft licences require just 20 hours' flying time, making them much easier to obtain than full private licences.
"The two-seater Transition can use its front-wheel drive on roads at ordinary highway speeds, with wings folded, at a respectable 30mpg.
"Once it has arrived at a suitable take-off spot - an airport, or adequately sized piece of flat private land - it can fold down the wings, engage its rear-facing propellor, and take off.
"Its cruising speed in the air is 115mph, it has a range of 460 miles, and it can carry 450lb. It requires a 1,700-foot runway to take off and can fit in a standard garage."
It's about time! They promised us flying cars back in the fifties! Heh.
Posted by: proof | June 30, 2010 at 01:19 AM
Only problem with this design is it still needs a runway, which makes it unsuitable for use as a real commuter. I have been working on my own design which does not require a runway, as it is helicopter based, using my own rotor blade design. The blade design allows the blades to fold for road use. Expected performance far better than any fixed wing light aircraft.
Posted by: Bruce Brown | July 20, 2010 at 10:11 AM
nly problem with this design is it still needs a runway, which makes it unsuitable for use as a real commuter. I have been working on my own design which does not require a runway, as it is helicopter based, using my own rotor blade design.
Posted by: costa rica investments | July 31, 2010 at 02:12 PM