For those of you that joined our mailing list since our last update in September, you can view previous newsletters online at www.terrafugia.com/news.html.

This newsletter is sent out periodically to share updates on our progress towards delivery of the Transition® roadable aircraft and general company news. 

If you have any questions about Terrafugia or the Transition®, please feel free to send us an email at info@terrafugia.com.  We’d also like to invite you to take our online survey (accessible from the Terrafugia homepage), if you haven’t already.  To the 2500+ of you that have filled out the survey – thank you!  Input from both pilots and non-pilots is appreciated.  And please don’t hesitate to forward this Newsletter to a fellow aviation enthusiast.

To reserve your airframe number today, visit www.terrafugia.com/deposit.html or contact us at sales@terrafugia.com.  There’s still time to give a Transition® airframe reservation for the holidays! (see below)

Truly practical, convenient personal aviation is a dream of every pilot.  By reserving a Transition® airframe now for yourself or the pilot on the top of your gift list, you’re bringing that dream to life.  With first delivery scheduled for the end of 2009, the Transition® will be available on a comparable schedule to other new Light-Sport Aircraft.  All deposits placed by Dec. 20^th will receive complimentary overnight FedEx shipping (where available) for the deposit package, as well as a Terrafugia logo T-shirt as our team's contribution to the holiday cheer. 

Don’t delay!  The Terrafugia Team can be reached by email: sales@terrafugia.com or by phone: +1-781-491-0812 every day from 8:30am until 6:30pm EST. 

Company Store Merchandise Also a Great Gift Idea!

Maybe you’re not quite ready to reserve your airframe number yet.  Or maybe the aviation enthusiast on your list is a bit young to make use of a Transition® of their own right now.  You can still inspire the future of aviation and show your Terrafugia colors with a purchase from our Company Store.  Both screen printed and embroidered options are available.  Check out the store online here: http://www.terrafugia.com/store.html .

Sebring Sport Aviation Expo is Next Month!

It’s hard to believe that the New Year is almost upon us, but the Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, FL is right around the corner.  Terrafugia will be exhibiting at the show January 17 – 20 with a cockpit mock-up of the Transition®. CEO and CTO Carl Dietrich will also be giving a forum presentation at the show on Friday January 18^th at 2:30pm.  The Transition® is a completely unique option for anyone considering a Light-Sport Aircraft. The Transition® is being designed to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and EPA regulations.  The Transition® will feature a safety cage and crumple zone designed to survive the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety off-set frontal impact crash test.  Additionally, due to emissions controls, the Transition® will be more environmentally friendly than comparable aircraft alternatives.  This additional safety and environmental consciousness combine with the Transition's® roadability to make it an attractive player in the Light Sport field.  The Expo is your chance to compare options before the rush at Oshkosh ’08.

Since the last newsletter update in September, significant progress has been made on the development of the proof-of-concept vehicle.  The powertrain and controls systems both had successful Preliminary Design Reviews and have moved into detailed design.  The vehicle structure, including integrated safety cage and crumple zone design, completed a Detailed Design Review.  Carbon fiber composite construction of the first vehicle structural components will begin before the end of the year.  The graphic shown here is a snapshot from the fabrication plan for a fuselage part. 

Flight testing is still on track to occur before the end of 2008. In preparation for this key phase in development, Terrafugia now has a Flight Test Coordinator and Test Pilot.  Regular meetings are in effect to receive input into the detailed design phase of the controls system and cockpit layout, as well as to develop the drive- and flight-test plans.  More information about this and the other new additions to the Terrafugia team can be found at: http://www.terrafugia.com/company_team.html