Flying car approved by FAA

Flying car approved by FAA : DAYTON — The Company that is considering Dayton as a possible site to produce a flying car has received approval, that allows it to move for production, from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Last month, Terrafugia Inc. was granted weight immunity from the FAA that allows the Transition Roadable Aircraft a maximum takeoff weight of 1,430 pounds — 110 pounds above the usual limit for light sport aircraft.



The Transition is a two-seat aircraft designed to take off and land at local airports and drive on any road. Anna Dietrich, the company’s chief operating officer, said “The extra weight is for car-related safety features like air bags, roll cage and crumple zones.”

The “light aircraft” designation makes the Transition more accessible because licenses for such planes require only 20 hours of flying time. Making them easier to obtain than full private licenses, which requires at least 40 hours of flying time.

Terrafugia officials said “the company was weighing $4.4 million offers to move production to Dayton. The Dayton region offers to aircraft companies which have expertise in composites, sensors and air vehicles.

Dietrich said “Discussions still are ongoing, but no decisions have been taken. Terrafugia has received more than 70 orders for Transition aircraft, with the first delivery scheduled in about 18 months. We are planning on doing initial low-volume production near where we are currently located outside of Boston.”

According to the company’s Website “The planes cost $194,000.”
Joe Zeis, vice president and chief strategist with the Dayton Development Coalition, said “In addition to research programs at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and area universities. We have had very positive talks with Terrafugia.”