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Miniature Flying Car Receives US Airspace Approval For Testing

Posted by Soulskill on from the clown-transportation-system dept.

An anonymous reader writes: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has this month approved test flights for a one-tenth scale version of Terrafugia's flying car. The team behind TF-X, patented in 2011, will see the two-foot-long unmanned aircraft headed to the skies. The scale model is permitted to reach a maximum height of 121 meters, and a maximum speed of 100mph. While it is allowed to use U.S. air space, the team must be in constant communication with FAA authorities. The data collected during the special FAA-approved test runs will help Terrafugia plan the future development of design for its flying cars. The testing will also allow the engineers to assess the hovering capabilities of the drone.

3 of 95 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Why did they need FAA's permission? by mpthompson · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I suspect this company is announcing "FAA approval" to make it look as if the FAA backs their concept so they can raise more $$$. In reality, the FAA probably said "Pfffft. Sure, you can fly your toy models. Go wear yourself out. Next?"

  2. Re:Why did they need FAA's permission? by Deadstick · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I suspect this company is announcing "FAA approval" to make it look as if the FAA backs their concept

    Exactly what they did when the FAA granted them a waiver on the max gross weight rules for ultralights, so the original Terrafugia could be sold under those rules. They billed it as "FAA approves flying car". They've squeezed all the marketing juice out of that early model, and now they need something new.

    You won't get very far through their website before they offer you a chance to invest...

  3. Re:Comic relief by Deadstick · · Score: 3, Insightful

    One more thing: Parking-lot dings are aircraft damage and get repaired at aircraft repair rates.