transition by terrafugia is the world's first flying car to be cleared for takeoff

flying cars are one step closer to reality following the federal aviation administration (FAA)’s flight permission to a hybrid two-seat aircraft and automobile. the FAA special light-sport aircraft (LSA) airworthiness certificate was obtained by terrafugia’s transition roadable aircraft. as a unique hybrid, the flying car is designed to meet safety standards.

images by terrafugia

‘we are excited to have reached our goal of an airworthiness certificate for the initial version,’ said kevin colburn, vice president and general manager of terrafugia. ‘during an extremely challenging pandemic year, our team remained focused, improved our quality system, completed the critical aspects of the design, built the vehicle, completed 80 days of flight testing, delivered 150 technical documents, and successfully passed the FAA audit. this is a major accomplishment that builds momentum in executing our mission to deliver the world’s first practical flying car.’

the vehicle that received the certificate is legal for flight and represents the initial version of the transition® roadable aircraft. terrafugia will produce and sell additional initial (flight-only) versions to interested parties and will evolve the driving portion of the transition® design, with the goal of being legal both in the sky and on local roads in 2022.

overall, the initial version of the terrafugia transition features enhanced safety capabilities and the latest avionics. powered by a 100-hp rotax 912iS sport fuel-injected engine with a 2,000 hr TBO, the vehicle has a flight speed of 100 mph and runs on either premium gasoline or 100LL airplane fuel. standard features include a dynon skyview avionics package, a BRS® airframe parachute, four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, a rigid carbon fiber safety cage, and folding wings to allow storage in a single-car garage.

project info:

name: transition

company: terrafugia