Off topic, but has anyone seen one of these fly? http://www.terrafugia.com/
Hi Richard,
I have not seen one of these fly, however every time someone comes up with a flying car (like Molt Taylor in the early fifties, I believe) they never become a commercial success. For one thing just driving over city streets with their potholes could damage not only the landing (driving?) gear, but the slightest bump into another object such as while parking could and likely would damage the flying surfaces structurally.
Another thing that comes to mind is how is it propelled when operating as a car? By its propeller, or by driving wheels... If by propeller then the lawyers would be looking at this very eagerly for people getting their body parts into the prop. I just do not know much about this specific airplane but I don't have a great deal of optimism for its commercial success.
It's a neat concept, but the reality is that cars are not suited to fly and airplanes don't make very sturdy cars. If this airplane is in the standard category (FAA certification) I would, as an A&P/IA, be very reluctant to sign off an annual inspection.
P.S. I just watched the video of its flight and driving on the road. It looks marginal in both modes to me, and very vulnerable when on the road as a car. It is propelled by the wheels when driving so the propeller is not a factor for pedestrians. Just pulling it into the garage and striking the door frame with the canard could do damage that would ground the airplane. Not for me, anyway.
Topic: flying car? (Read 3501 times)
