The world’s first real flying car just got a step closer to a driveway and/or runway near you. Terrafugia’s Transition® Roadable Aircraft received FAA approval this week of an overweight exemption to classify the roadworthy plane as a light sport aircraft. The Woburn, MA company-based company is offering the Transition for under $200,000.
The two-seater seems to be more of a roadworthy airplane than a flying car, but the designers were constrained by this inconvenient nuisance known as reality. You’re not going to get something that looks like your Camry into the air. It does handle highway speeds, gets better highway mileage than most cars, and even fits in a standard garage.
I’m not quite sure who is the demographic target for this product, but they do have around 70 pre-sold. It looks adequate in its role as an airplane and competent as a road vehicle, with folded wings and windows in the front section.
Still, one must admit that the concept of flying over those traffic jams has a certain appeal, and at 30 miles per gallon, according to Terrafugia, it seems reasonable to drive from the airport. Just watch that blind spot.
