Transition: Cleared for Road Use

By Karen Di Piazza / July 19, 2001

Imagine, you’re flying in a single-engine plane, but then you land and begin driving on the highway—with approval from the federal government. Automated electromechanical folding wing technology allows the two-seat craft to become a four-wheeled car. Appropriately named the Transition Roadable Aircraft, the brainchild of Massachusetts-based Terrafugia Inc. (pronounced ter-ra-foo-gee-ah), the company was recently granted temporary exemptions from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

On June 29, published in the Federal Register, the NHTSA responded to Terrafugia’s petition (dated July 20, 2010) requesting a three-year exemption of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Not all requested exemptions were granted for three years but include: tire selection and rims for motor vehicles, electronic stability control (ESC) systems, glazing materials, and advanced air bag requirements.

As for glazing materials, rather than FMVSS-compliant automobile safety glass, the Transition’s windshield and windows will be equipped with polycarbonate (plastic) due to potential in-flight bird strikes. Regarding advanced air bags, the NHTSA didn’t believe Terrafugia’s three-year requested exemption was warranted. The agency granted a one-year exemption to meet full compliance with the caveat: the Transition must have a “permanently affixed sun visor air bag warning label” and a “removable warning label on the dashboard,” which the NHTSA developed and requires for vehicles without advanced air bags. However, the agency allows manufacturers to apply for renewal of temporary exemptions when they expire.

Terrafugia has 10 full-time employees and identified itself as a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) spin-off company, but said it didn’t  have access to MIT’s financial resources. “We haven’t produced any aircraft for sale yet; the company plans to deliver its first Transition in late 2012,” said R. A., volunteer company spokeswomen. But according to the notice, the plane-car maker foresees producing 200 units during the exemption period. Terrafugia also stated it would continue marketing the Transition as an airplane with road-going capability. “We’re not marketing the Transition as a ‘flying car,’” R. A. said.

Transition: Not for Air Charter Consumers

Under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules, the Transition is in the light sport aircraft (LSA) category, which isn’t allowed to operate FAR Part 135 air charter operations. Terrafugia spokeswoman confirmed they had “about 100 aircraft orders,” which according to the company’s website, represents a backlog worth more than $25 million; refundable airframe reservations are being accepted to hold a place in production. Although the company’s website states the Transition’s final purchase price isn’t set in stone, it expects the price tag to come in around $250,000. Terrafugia acknowledged due to escrow agreements for each deposit, such funds  aren’t accessible for company operating costs, according to the notice.

“Two Normal American Men”

Terrafugia said in Latin its company name means “escape from land.” After a proof-of-concept vehicle was built in 2007-2008, the Transition indeed escaped land with a flight-drive test in 2009. As weight is an issue to satisfy automobile and airplane safety requirements, in 2010 Terrafugia obtained a partial grant of exemption from the FAA (docket no. FAA-2009-1087), permitting the vehicle to have a maximum take off weight (MTOW) of 1,430 pounds, rather than the general 1,320-pound MTOW requirement for LSA.

Added weight to the vehicle has caused criticism. For instance, the Register reported: “…according to the new spec a fully-fuelled Transition will be able to lift only 330lb of passengers and payload: it can’t get airborne carrying two normal American men.” [Ed: Really, two “normal” American men? This makes for great late-night TV comedy. In fact, here’s an idea for network moguls: start a TV sitcom named Two Normal American Men and compete with Two and a Half Men.]

When asked if the Register’s comment was factual, Terrafugia spokeswoman replied, “If the plane had a full tank of gas, passenger payload would only support 330 pounds. But you don’t always need a full tank; you can fly a great distance with ‘useful payload,’ which supports 460 pounds.” On the company’s website, “useable fuel” is 23 gallons.

During conversation with Terrafugia’s spokeswoman she also said that “a new Transition production aircraft will be on static display” at this year’s Air Venture in Oshkosh, Wis., from July 25 – 31.

The company’s website explains that future Transition pilots will only have to complete 20 hours of flight time to earn a sport pilot license and pass a simple, practical in-flight test; a driver’s license is required for road use. The company also states on its website familiarization training will be provided to each customer. If you’re itching to take the Transition for spin, Terrafugia said at the earliest, such an opportunity wouldn’t be available until 2012.

Although the notion of owning a small plane that can also drive at normal speeds on roads is fascinating, and to boot the company’s safety specs boast a full vehicle parachute, it remains to be seen if the Transition can meet full compliance and ultimately becomes certified by the FAA.

 Air Charter Still Thriving

With or without the Transition, other LSA or small single-engine planes that currently exist, on-demand air charter still remains top dog for private air travel. There are numerous private aircraft used for air charter: turboprops, light jets, midsize jets, heavy jets and executive airliners.