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Weight Increase Granted for Roadable Aircraft

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Terrafugia's 'Transition' roadable aircraft has been granted an FAA exemption.
  • This exemption raises its maximum takeoff weight from the standard 1,320 pounds for Light Sport Aircraft to 1,430 pounds.
  • The increased weight allowance accommodates critical safety features (e.g., brakes, airbags) required for ground operation, aligning its limit with amphibious LSAs.
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Terrafugia announced the FAA has granted an exemption to its ‘Transition’ roadable aircraft. Planned for approval to Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) status, the Transition would have been limited at 1,320 pounds maximum takeoff weight. But the FAA has granted an exemption allowing another 110 pounds for elements required by federal motor vehicle safety standards for ground operation, such as brakes, mirrors, airbags and crumple zones. The 1,430-pound limit also applies to amphibious LSAs.

Mark Phelps

Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.

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