Flying car one step closer to takeoff
FAA regulation relaxed for world's first flying carThe US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved Terrafugia's flying car for takeoff, classifying the vehicle as a Light Sport Aircraft.
Dubbed the 'Transition', the dual-purpose vehicle passed FAA regulations with a waiver, the added safety equipment required to meet road-going safety specifications (airbags, crumple zones, safety cage, etc) pushing the flying car's weight over the strict 1320lb (600kg) limit required to meet category restrictions. Relaxed rules now mean the Transition could be ready for sale as early as next year.
Switching between road and flight mode takes approximately 30 seconds, the retractable wings taking roughly the same time to fold away as the roof on most retractable hard tops. With a total flying range of around 700 kilometres (depending on conditions) and a top speed of 160km/h, pilots of the Transition require only 20 hours of training.
"Once you've landed at the airport you can fold up the wings without having to get out of the cockpit," explains Terrafugia spokesperson, Anna Dietrich.
"It takes about the same amount of time as putting down your convertible top. Once you've done that the power from the engine is directed to the wheels and you now have a street legal vehicle that you can drive to where you actually wanted to go."
The world's first flying car (an arguable title) will be delivered to new owners from early next year, going on sale in the US for approximately $230,000 and in case you were wondering, Terrafugia comes from the Latin for "escape from land".
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