Flying Car seeking to raise funds to build up the company
It was designed to soar above traffic jams, but had been grounded by paperwork. Now, finally, the flying car has been officially cleared to take to the skies. The sticking point had been the weight of the Terrafugia Transition - it was 110lb over the limit for light aircraft. But U.S. aviation authorities have given it a special exemption because the vehicle is also required to comply with car safety standards - including airbags, energy absorbing crumple zones and a safety cage. The vehicle had previously passed test flights and has now gone into commercial production. Though not the world's first flying car, its makers say it is the first to have wings that fold up automatically at the push of a button. There have already been 70 customers who have paid a £6,500 deposit for the vehicle, which costs £132,000 - about the same as a Bentley or Ferrari supercar. But Terrafugia vice chairman Richard Gersh points out that for the money it gives you a great 'wow factor'. He said: 'Anybody can buy a Ferrari. But Ferraris don't fly.' As well as needing a healthy bank balance, owners of the Terrafugia Transition will require plenty of space - 1,700ft of uncluttered road is needed for take-off.
It was designed to soar above traffic jams, but had been grounded by paperwork. Now, finally, the flying car has been officially cleared to take to the skies. The sticking point had been the weight of the Terrafugia Transition - it was 110lb over the limit for light aircraft. But U.S. aviation authorities have given it a special exemption because the vehicle is also required to comply with car safety standards - including airbags, energy absorbing crumple zones and a safety cage. The vehicle had previously passed test flights and has now gone into commercial production. Though not the world's first flying car, its makers say it is the first to have wings that fold up automatically at the push of a button. There have already been 70 customers who have paid a £6,500 deposit for the vehicle, which costs £132,000 - about the same as a Bentley or Ferrari supercar. But Terrafugia vice chairman Richard Gersh points out that for the money it gives you a great 'wow factor'. He said: 'Anybody can buy a Ferrari. But Ferraris don't fly.' As well as needing a healthy bank balance, owners of the Terrafugia Transition will require plenty of space - 1,700ft of uncluttered road is needed for take-off.