The First Flying Automobile

A flying car used to be a dream shown in science fiction movies, but a private Massachusetts company named Terrafugia has proven it won’t be long before automobiles are able to fly: they have developed the first flying car that made its successful flight at Plattsburg International Airport, in New York.

The full name of this new vehicle is Transition Roadable Aircraft Proof of Concept. It is a two-seater equipped with a propeller and a front-wheel-drive. It cruises at a distance of 450 miles on a tank of gas (20 gallons) at a speed of more than 115 mph. No special fuel is required, so Terrafugia can be refueled by unleaded gasoline (premium) at any gas-station.

Tests have been held for six months, and finally the manufacturer can proudly say the auto is a successful flier. In order to fly it, one is required to have a Sport Pilot License. The company says, “By giving pilots a convenient ground transportation option, the Transition reduces the cost, hassle and weather sensitivity of personal aviation. It also increases safety by incorporating automotive crash structures and allowing pilots to drive under bad weather.”