I KNOW WHAT I WANT FOR MY BIRTHDAY!

Plane that transforms into a car

On January 3, 2011, I wrote a blog  about software that on-line retailer Amazon has developed so potential gift recipients can turn down a gift before it even arrives. In the blog I started off by writing that I don’t like giving gifts when they are expected like for a birthday or a holiday. I like giving them when I find something that I know a person would specifically want. Well, people say I am impossible to buy for, so I am letting all my (loyal) blog followers know today that I have found the perfect gift for me!

Terrafugia Inc. has developed and is taking deposits on a multi-functional vehicle known as the Transition®. It can fly like an airplane and also be fully capable of operating as a car on public streets and highways. According to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, “This vehicle is being built to meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) certification standards. It has been classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an aircraft and therefore exempt from the Clean Air Act. It has also been classified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as a multi-purpose passenger vehicle, and will have certification labels from both NHTSA and EPA. It will have a conforming 17-digit VIN and VIN plate, and will meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). “

Sounds great! Here are the answers to some of the simple questions I know many of you must have before deciding if you are going to buy me this present.

Who can use this vehicle?

Since it will be certified as a Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition® will require at least a Sport Pilot license to fly, which requires a minimum of 20 hours of flight time and passing a simple practical test in the aircraft. One will also need a valid driver's license for use on the ground.  (I have a driver's license, I will have to get the Sport Pilot one.)


How does the Transition® convert from flight to road configurations?


Before flying, the pilot extends the wings and performs a standard preflight. The engine power is directed to the propeller for flight through a carbon fiber drive shaft.


After landing, the pilot activates the electro-mechanical wing folding mechanism from inside the cockpit. The wings fold, once at the root and once at the mid-span, and are stowed vertically on the sides of the vehicle in less than 30 seconds. Simultaneously, the engine power is directed to the wheels with a continuously variable transmission. (Sounds easy.  I can do it!)



Where can I use a Transition®?


The Transition® can take off or land at any public use general aviation airport with at least 2,500' of runway. This represents the majority of the over 5,000 public airports in the United States. On average, you're within 30 miles or less of one of these fields anywhere in the country. On the ground, the Transition® can be driven on any road and parked in a standard parking space or household garage. ( The vehicle would not fit in the garage space I currently have, but since I am planning on moving, I will look for a bigger garage.)


How much does the Transition® cost?


The final purchase price has not been set. The company is currently in the process of updating their final cost estimate, which is expected to be between $200,000 and $250,000. (But since they also estimate the car mileage at 35 m.p.g., filling up will be cheap!)


What does one do next if they want to buy one for Kathy?


It only takes a refundable $10,000 deposit to put one on hold. If all my friends get together, that should be no problem! Collecting the rest of the money might get tough, but I know you can do it if you all band together. You read this blog for free! Is it worth a $1/day? Start saving! (The Friends of Kathy Unit (FOKU) committee can pick the color.)