FAA ruling makes Flying Car a real possibility

The idea of a flying car has been kicked around in various forms for over 50 years but it may now be closer to reality than ever. The makers of the Terrafugia Transition flying car have been given approval from the FAA for a weight exemption. The exemption was needed to place such automobile required items such as airbags and crumble zones.

Makers of the Transition were requesting the FAA classification of a “light sport” aircraft. This classification is only for the smallest types of aircraft and has a maximum weight of 1,320 pounds. Since the Transition needs both car and plane components the makers were unable to get the weight under the maximum limit. Despite being over the limit by 120 pounds the FAA did grant approval for an exemption to the Transition.

The Transition can be used as a two seat car on ordinary roads when its wings are folded in. Once a suitable area is found the driver can fold out the wings and use the rear-mounted propeller to take off and fly. The Transition’s cruising airspeed is 115 miles per hour and it has a maximum range of 460 miles. The Transition needs about one third of a mile runway for take off.

Terrafugia reports that 70 Transitions have been ordered on the vehicle with a retail price of $194,000. Those that have placed orders had to pay a $10,000 deposit that is held in escrow keeping the money safe if Terrafugia were to file for bankruptcy.