Still Awaiting Certification From The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

It has an "N" number and a "VIN" number ... but Terrafugia's Transition roadable aircraft is still lacking complete certification from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and that is holding up the announcement of production dates for the hybrid aircraft/car.

Terrafugia has continued to flight test the vehicle, and the online site engadget reports that the company is organizing the supply chain that will eventually lead to production of the the roadable airplane. But the NHTSA is still apparently uncertain about the road safety of the Transition, and the company says it cannot release production dates until the vehicle has the blessing of both the FAA and the NHTSA.

Terrafugia skipped Oshkosh last summer, saying that taking the airplane to the show would disrupt the flight test schedule. It has been on display at various car shows around the country, and engadget reports that a prototype will be on display at Cape Cod's Heritage Museum this summer.

But full certification by the NHTSA is not expected for another 12 months, so don't expect to be parking one in your garage, driveway, or hangar any time soon.

FMI: www.nhtsa.gov