Flying Car is Granted a Special Exemption
Whilst unlikely to see it parked in an AutoStar Superstore lot in the near future, the reality of the flying car has just come one step closer with the Federal Aviation Administration granting the Terrafugia Transition a special weight exemption yesterday. Terrafugia were keen on having the vehicle designated as a Light Sport Aircraft which requires only 20 hours flying time for an owner to operate. However in order to meet road safety standards, which require crumple zone, air bags and roll cage, it came in at 120 pounds over the weight limit, hence the special weight exemption.
The Transition flying car cruises in the air at 115mph with a range of 460 miles. Its top speed on the ground is 65mph and it gets 30 mpg from a tank of unleaded gas. It seats two people and with wings folded fits snugly into a standard garage.
Who’s Going to Buy a Flying Car?
Carl Dietrich, CEO of Terrafugia, prefers the term roadable aircraft to flying car, primarily targeting the convenience benefits it offers pilots. If you hit some bad weather just land and drive home! When you land at your destination airfield forget having to stand in line waiting for a cab, just fold the wings and drive off.
I prefer the term flying car and I think Carl Dietrich is missing a huge potential market. If you’re a travel weary commuter spending half your life on Los Angeles freeways the Terrafugia Transition is a definite must. All that’s needed is 20 hours Light Sport Aircraft flying time, 2500 ft of takeoff and landing space and $194,000 for the purchase price. Well within the scope and budget of the average Angeleno!
70 deposits of $10,000 have been taken so far and delivery is expected in the last quarter of 2011. If anyone is interested place your orders here. I’ll wait for the 4WD model that has space enough in back for my hounds!
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