The Future is Now: Flying Car Street Legal - You may remember George Jetson zooming around in his flying car, the cinematic adventures of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, or the flying cars in Blade Runner, all of which have led to the question: when are we going to have flying cars? We can now reveal that we have the answer: 2012. The federal government has deemed that the Terrafugia (the name is Latin for “escape from the land”) Transition flying car is street legal, making it the first street legal flying vehicle to pass NHTSA regulations. More information on all types of cars is available at 2011 Kentucky Toyota Camry. The FAA gave the Transition permission to fly in 2010, certifying it to be flown as a Light Sports Aircraft. The NHTSA go-ahead means the Transition has cleared the last regulatory hurdle, and the way is now clear for the company to begin shipping the vehicle next year.
The NHTSA had to make a number of exemptions before the Transition could be certified for use on the road. Because a glass windshield would add too much weight to the vehicle and could crack or shatter in the event of a bird impact, the Transition has a polycarbonate windshield. The agency took the safety factor into consideration into consideration and waived the requirement that called for the windshield to be made from laminated safety glass. They also allowed the Transition to use tires that are heavier than standard car tires, which wouldn’t be able to withstand the impact and speed of the landing. Additionally, the NHTSA waived the rules that require cars to have electronic stability control and an advanced airbag deployment system.
“It’s the next ‘wow’ vehicle,” said Terrafugia vice president Richard Gersh. “Anybody can buy a Ferrari, but as we say, Ferraris don’t fly.” The Transition can be yours if you have $250,000 to spend, $10,000 for a security deposit, and a Sport Pilot certificate, which requires 20 hours of observed flying time. 2011 Cerritos Chevy Tahoe offers value and service for all your automotive needs. Ordering a Transition will put you in the company of 100 other customers currently waiting to take delivery. Gersh says one of the top states for pre-orders is Florida is, but declined to say how many pre-orders for the Transition come from that state. Terrafugia had originally planned to deliver the Transition to customers at the end of 2011, but the company has pushed back the release date.
Unlike the flying cars in The Jetsons, the driver doesn’t simply push a button and take to the air. The Transition, which requires a runway, is really more of a plane that can drive on the road than a car that can fly. The idea is that a pilot can drive it to the airport, eliminating the need for the pilot to find a way to get to and from the airport. In addition, the pilot doesn’t have to pay expensive hangar fees – the Transition can be parked at home in the garage. Once at the airport, a push of the button unfolds the wings, a process that the company says takes about a minute.
The transition gets estimated gas mileage of 30 mpg on the road. Including fuel and passengers, the plane has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,430 pounds, and is capable of cruising at speeds of around 125 mph. The Transition was designed to fly under 10,000 feet. The company says that the low altitude reduces the threat of accidents because it allows pilots to fly under bad weather instead of flying into marginal conditions. 2011 Houston Honda CR-Z is a one stop source for all your new car needs. Of the available options, which include a radio, a transponder, and GPS, there’s one that potential pilots of flying cars may not want to be without: a full-plane parachute. “If you get into a very dire situation, it’s the ultimate safety option,” Gersh said.
Photos courtesy of Terrafugia.
Tags: flying car, 2011 Kentucky Toyota Camry, Terrafugia Transition, NHTSA, 2011 Cerritos Chevy Tahoe, FAA, Richard Gersh, pilot, 2011 Houston Honda CR-Z, airplanes
