The Terrafugia Transition “roadable aircraft” – the nearest thing to a flying car yet built – has made its first test flight.
Terrafugia says that the flight took place on March 5, and will hold a media briefing at 1430 UK time. Meanwhile pictures of the flight are available on the company’s website.
The Transition has most of the weaknesses of light aircraft, in that it can’t easily be flown through poor weather, bad visibility or restricted airspace (as found above cities, for instance). Users needing to get through such obstacles will need to land at a suitable strip nearby, just as a normal private pilot in a Piper Tomahawk might.
The difference is what happens next. The Transition driver has no concern with finding an aircraft parking spot, getting hold of taxi or hire car etc. Instead, he or she presses a button. The wings fold up in less than thirty seconds, and the Transition drives out of the airport gate and makes the rest of the journey by road.
If the weather gets worse and a takeoff for the return flight is impossible, no bother – simply drive home on the ground, all the way if necessary.
