Posted on 07/01/2010 11:51:57 AM PDT by GQuagmire
A flying car is closer to take off. Now that the Federal Aviation Administration has allowed the vehicle to be certified in the Light Sports Aircraft category, it can operate on asphalt and in the air. That's a key clearance sought by its developers since the project began in 2006, reports Motor Trend .
The two-seater vehicle is 110 pounds over the limit for Light Sports Aircraft, but the FAA said the car-plane can still be sold as long as customers are advised about this extra weight. Developers also sought the FAA classification so potential pilots would only need 20 hours of flight practice before being granted an air license.
Nobody does nothing without the approval of the EPA.
20 hours flight practice? What could possibly go wrong?
how much did hey donate to Obama to get this approved?
Looks like he's changed his design. It looks like he increased the wing size big time from the prototype although, since this is a staged photo, who knows if he actually has a new design ready to go.
It’s a joke of a vehicle. Barely flies. As a car it is useless. Two seats, no baggage. Try driving it in a strong wind or passing through a turnstyle.
This is actually a great idea. LSA can be flown by experienced pilots who have a mild medical condition that prohibits the issuance of a 3d calss medical.
They are VERY easy to fly.
It is also a great step forward in deregulation.
Think how much fun ATC will have trying to keep all of these things separated in controlled airspace.
Different companies on opposite ends of the country.
Mohler
http://www.moller.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74&Itemid=89
Terrafugia
http://www.terrafugia.com/about_us.html
I have to go from Tampa to Orlando, Miami, Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Atlanta and my boat in the Keys.
My choices are a long drive or a short airline flight, preceded by a long wait, security, then a long drive, etc.
Take TPA to Marathon for example.
The drive is a very long boring 4.5 to 5.5 hours. Airlines? Leave the house at 8:45 to arrive at TPA at 9:45, for a 10:45 flight. Arrive at 12 noon, get rental car and drive, to Marathon, 2 hours. Leave house at 8:45, arrive at 2:00, 5.25 hours... if the airlines are on time.
In this thing? 15 minutes to Clearwater Airpark, 10 minute preflight, 1:30 flight, land then 5 minutes to my boat. Total 2 hours.
And the view is a lot better, it's cute, pick up chicks, can take dog in plane with me, etc.
Outside 7-11 or my favorite saloon in Marathon, about 7:30 on a nice May evening. .
Vacationing Diary Queen School Teacher from Wisconson: "Gee, I love your big fluffy dog and what kind of cute car is that?”
Hero Pilot (moi) “Actually my dear, it's my airplane. Have you ever seen the sunset over the gulf from a mile high?”’’
It would all be downhill from there.......
“Once you get them into the skies, you can get into their thighs....”
Pabianice...
You are wise grasshopper, you perceive as well as see.
Here is the real LSA solution...
http://www.eaa.org/experimenter/articles/2010-01_facetmobile.asp
What does this mean?
Different companies on opposite ends of the country.
Are you saying the FAA relaxed the rules for the Terrafugia implying that the FAA is, let's say, not as strict as in Ca??
One thing, Moller isn't an idiot, he founded the Supertrap company which provides exhaust for a lot of Motorcyles. In fact, I believe he used the money from the sale to work on his car.
I believe he either bought or designed super small rotary (Wankel) engines. I just want to see his car fly.
Moller has been introducing his whatever-it-is thing “next month”.... for the last 15 years.
Moller has been introducing his whatever-it-is thing “next month”.... for the last 15 years.
I know. In fact, when you see his videos, it looks like it’s just ground effects and it is not flying.
His excuse that the FAA won’t let him fly is lame. Just go somewhere and try it.
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