Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is the Transition® called a roadable aircraft and not a flying car?
• Where can I use a Transition®?
• What kind of training do I need to fly a Transition®?
• How does the Transition® convert from flight to road configurations?
• Why would I get a Transition® instead of a car and a plane?
• A lot of previous "flying car" attempts have failed. Why is this any different?
• When will the Transition® be available?
• • What impact will Terrafugia have on the economy and have any been sold?

• Why is the Transition® called a roadable aircraft and not a flying car?

The Transition® is flown by licensed pilots in and out of existing local airports. Once on the ground, with the wings folded the vehicle can be driven on any road. The Transition® is powered by a certified aircraft engine that runs on unleaded automotive gasoline. Perfect for trips between 100 and 400 miles, the Transition is not designed to replace anyone's automobile.

TOP

• Where can I use a Transition®?

The Transition® can take off or land at any public use general aviation airport with at least 2,500' of runway. This represents the majority of the over 5,000 public airports in the United States. On average, you're within 30 miles or less of one of these fields anywhere in the country. The Aircraft Owners' and Pilots' Association (AOPA) hosts a site that will let you search for airports near where you want to be. Click here to be redirected to that site. On the ground, the Transition® can be driven on any road and parked in a standard parking space or household garage.

TOP

• What kind of training do I need to fly a Transition®?

Since it will be certified as a Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition® will require a Sport Pilot license or higher to fly. You will also need a valid drivers license for use on the ground.

TOP

• How does the Transition® convert from flight to road configurations?

After landing, the pilot activates the electro-mechanical wing folding mechanism from inside the cockpit. The wings fold, once at the root and once at the mid-span, and are stowed vertically on the sides of the vehicle in less than 30 seconds. Simultaneously, the engine power is directed to the wheels with a continuously variable transmission.

Before flying, the pilot extends the wings and performs a standard preflight. The engine power is directed to the propeller for flight through a carbon fiber drive shaft.

TOP

• Why would I get a Transition® instead of a car and a plane?

Having ground mobility and the ability to fly integrated into the same vehicle provides new options for travel that are not available with two separate vehicles: If bad weather is encountered en route, the pilot can land and drive without worrying about ground transportation or having to return to pick up his plane. At the destination airport the pilot can fold the wings and drive off the airfield without having to move bags or arrange for additional transportation. Driving and flying can be combined between multiple airports as it is not necessary to take off and land at the same field.

The Transition® also reduces the cost of ownership of an airplane by burning automotive gasoline, parking in your garage at home instead of renting a hangar, and nearly eliminating ground transportation costs.

TOP

• A lot of previous "flying car" attempts have failed. Why is this any different?

The Transition® has the advantage of modern engines, composite materials, and computer-based avionics. Terrafugia’s philosophy is to design a vehicle for pilots that brings additional ground capability to an airplane instead of attempting to make a car fly.

TOP

• When will the Transition® be available?

First customer delivery is anticipated to be in Q4 2011. Refundable airframe reservations are currently being accepted to hold a place in production.  Over 70 aircraft have been reserved, representing an order backlog of $14 million. Reserve yours here.

TOP

• What impact will Terrafugia have on the economy and have any been sold?

Terrafugia will be growing from a small development team to a high-tech aircraft manufacturer over the course of the next few years. In five years, Terrafugia expects to be producing between 300 and 400 aircraft annually, supporting in excess of 400 skilled manufacturing jobs and high tech engineering positions while passing approximately $150 million through to its workforce and suppliers each year; $20 million of which will go to suppliers, most of which will be sourced locally.

Less directly, but also significantly, Terrafugia represents the American innovation and entrepreneurship that is key to the country’s long-term economic success.

TOP

The Proof of Concept at Lawrence Municipal Airport , KLWM