Commitment to Safety
Commitment to the Environment
Terrafugia is committed to designing and manufacturing the safest Transition® possible, while still delivering the functionality and practicality desired by customers. With a team populated with pilots, everyone at Terrafugia knows first hand both the joys and dangers associated with flying.
Safety on the ground translates into an uncommonly high level of safety as an airplane: features such as occupant protection designed to meet the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety off-set frontal impact crash test and compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) provide safety on the ground and unparalleled protection in the event of an aviation accident. Modern avionics, including state-of-the-art fuel gauges, and a high level of visibility in the air, add to the peace of mind of a full-vehicle parachute. Giving pilots the option to land in the face in questionable weather, stow the wings, and continue safely on the ground is also a powerful antidote to "get-there-itis" and an example where practicality and safety coincide.
While personal safety for today is of paramount importance, environmental consciousness for tomorrow is also highly important. It's no secret that General Aviation could do more to help protect the skies so dear to every pilot's heart. Terrafugia is stepping up to the challenge. Driven by the EPA's automotive emissions standards, the Transition® will have a smaller environmental footprint than other planes of its size. Unleaded autogas will be used instead of the standard leaded aviation 100LL. Cylinder blow-by gases are re-circulated and not released directly to the atmosphere. And a catalytic converter will further reduce the Transition's® environmental impact.
On the road, the Transition® is expected to hold its own environmentally as well. With a light weight and an aerodynamic frontal profile, the Transition® is anticipated to get an average of 30mpg*. By allowing pilots to take the most direct route, combining air and road travel, the Transition® also has the potential to eliminate many wasteful miles stuck in traffic for its owners.
For current GA pilots -- it's time to make the Transition® -- to a more practical, safer, and more environmentally responsible airplane. Because Terrafugia Blue is Green.
*This is an estimate and will be refined after road testing is completed.
