Terrafugia Transition Flying Car Gets FAA Approval, Could Become Street-Legal Next Year

Geely-owned Terrafugia is one step closer to transforming transportation as their Transition flying car has been given an airworthiness certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The company noted this is a “significant milestone” as it brings them closer to their goal of having the Transition meet safety standards from both the FAA and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Since the Transition is now cleared to fly, the company is looking to take advantage of that by selling flight-only variants. However, customers might want to hold off as Terrafugia expects the Transition to be both street and sky legal in 2022.

Also Read: PAL-V Liberty Flying Car Hits The Road As It Becomes Street-Legal In Europe

In a statement, Terrafugia Vice President Kevin Colburn said “This is a major accomplishment that builds momentum in executing our mission to deliver the world’s first practical flying car.” He went on to say their team “remained focused, improved our quality system, completed … critical aspects of the design, built the vehicle, completed 80 days of flight testing, delivered 150 technical documents and successfully passed the FAA audit,” despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

Getting back to the Transition, the initial flight-only version will feature a rear-mounted propeller that is powered by a 100 hp (75 kW / 101 PS) Rotax 912iS engine which can run on either premium gasoline or airplane fuel. It enables the aircraft to hit speeds of up to 100 mph (161 km/h).

Other highlights include a Dynon Skyview avionics package, a carbon fiber safety cage and an airframe parachute. The Transition’s wings can also be folded to enable the plane to fit in a single car garage.

H/T to Robb Report