The FAA says the Terrafugia Transition can now be called a light sport aircraft despite the fact that its maximum weight is 370 pounds greater than the standard LSA 1,430-pound limit. Terrafugia petitioned the agency for the exemption to use the LSA label for a street-legal version of the aircraft back in 2014. Although the Transition can be flown like a traditional two-place aircraft, the pilot can also fold its wings after landing to allow it to operate over the same roads as any automobile.
FAA Approves Terrafugia Petition for LSA Certification
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA granted an exemption allowing Terrafugia's street-legal Transition flying car to be classified as a light sport aircraft (LSA) despite exceeding the standard LSA weight limit by 370 pounds.
- The weight increase is attributed to the inclusion of automotive safety features like a safety cage, crumple zones, and enhanced occupant protection.
- Terrafugia's analysis indicated these safety features could substantially reduce injury severity and fatalities in accidents compared to traditional LSAs.
- The Transition's ability to land and drive in bad weather was also cited as a factor that could prevent a significant number of accidents.
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