Mon, Jun 21, 2010
An Additional 110 Pounds Added To MTOW
Terrafugia has received an exemption from the FAA to allow the
Transition Roadable Aircraft, or "Flying Car", a maximum takeoff
weight (MTOW) of 1430 pounds (650 kg). This additional weight
accommodates the structure and equipment necessary for compliance
with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) which are
not found in other Light Sport Aircraft.
Items such as airbags, an energy absorbing crumple zone, and a
protective safety cage will increase safety both on the road and in
the air. Exclusively applicable to the Transition, the FAA's
grant of an additional 110 pounds will allow a competitive useful
load while providing a revolutionary level of crash safety in a
Light Sport Aircraft.
By giving pilots a convenient ground transportation option, the
Transition reduces the cost, inconvenience, and weather sensitivity
of personal aviation. In addition to the enhanced protection
afforded by applying automotive crash safety technology to light
planes, the Transition reduces the potential for an accident by
allowing pilots to drive under bad weather instead of potentially
flying into marginal conditions.
Classified as a Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition requires a
Sport Pilot certificate to fly and is designed to drive on public
roadways and park in a standard garage. Terrafugia
successfully completed flight and drive testing of its Proof of
Concept Transition in 2009. Refundable airframe reservations
are being accepted with first delivery scheduled for late 2011.
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