Flying Cars

Flying car takes to the air for first time
Posted on April 3, 2012 – 08:41 by Emma Woollacott
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Terrafugia’s ‘street legal’ airplane has successfully taken its first flight, bringing the prospect of a flying car a big step closer.

The Transition Street-Legal Airplane is a two seat personal aircraft capable of driving on roads and highways, parking in a single car garage, and flying with unleaded automotive fuel.

The company currently has two functioning vehicles and is working on the manufacturing tool-up and compliance program necessary to begin commercial deliveries – expected to start within the next year.

«With this flight, the team demonstrated an ability to accomplish what had been called an impossible dream,» says Terrafugia CEO/CTO and co-founder Carl Dietrich.

«We look forward to continuing to show that the challenges of bringing a practical street legal airplane to market can be overcome. This is a very exciting time for Terrafugia. We are on our way up – literally and figuratively!»

The first flight reached an altitude of 1,400 feet and lasted eight minutes.

«When I drove it into the shop, literally from the road through the garage door, I was amazed that I had just flown it at Plattsburgh a few days before,» says Terrafugia chief test pilot Phil Meteer.

«A long-overdue mode of transportation and fun is just around the corner. I can’t wait for the upcoming flight tests and the chance to ‘wring it out’»

The plane will be on display at the New York International Auto Show next week.