Terrafugia’s Flying Car

Thursday, July 07, 2011 at 06:57 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The Transition flying car has received special design exemptions from the FAA, allowing for a higher maximum takeoff weight, and from the Department of Transportation, exempting it from standard requirements for airbags, automotive glass, and tires.
Developed by MIT graduates, this compact aircraft features foldable wings, enabling it to operate on both roads and in the air, and to fit in a single-car garage.
After initial testing in 2009, approximately 100 Transition aircraft have been reserved at an estimated cost of around $250,000, generating both enthusiasm and skepticism.

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The Transition has just received a variety of special design exemptions.

Since then, the aircraft has stirred both enthusiasm and skepticism among aviation enthusiasts. For more, check out “Flying Car Receives Special Design Exemptions.“

**With a compact design and foldable wings, proponents hope the aircraft could potentially bridge the travel delays frequently encountered by pilots.
** For more, check out “Flying Car Receives Special Design Exemptions.“

The Transition took to both the roads and the air for testing in March 2009. For more, check out “Flying Car Receives Special Design Exemptions.“

The small start-up company behind the Transition was founded by a group of MIT graduates in 2006. For more, check out “Flying Car Receives Special Design Exemptions.“

Terrafugia says that, to date, roughly 100 Transition aircraft have been reserved. For more, check out “Flying Car Receives Special Design Exemptions.“

The Transition has been granted an exemption from the FAA allowing it to enter the LSA category with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,430 lbs. The standard limit is 1,320 lbs. For more, see “Flying Car Receives Special Design Exemptions.“

The Transition was also granted additional exemptions from the Department of Transportation, including exemptions from the requirements of advanced airbags, standard automotive glass and traditional automotive tires. For more, check out “Flying Car Receives Special Design Exemptions.“

While an exact price for the Transition has not been set, Terrafugia says it will likely cost around $250,000. For more, check out “Flying Car Receives Special Design Exemptions.“

The Transition is designed to fit in a single car garage with the wings folded For more, check out “[Flying Car Receives Special Design Exemptions.](fits in a single car garage with the wings folded. )”

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