July 08, 2011, 4:27 PM —
Image credit: Terrefugia
It's rare the Wall Street Journal and British papers (Daily Mail and The Sun) act so giddy about the same story, but that's what the idea of a flying car does to people. Yes, the Terrefugia Transition has gotten regulatory approval to fly and drive in the US.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration really calls this a "roadable aircraft" meaning it's more a plane that taxis really really well than a great car that can fly above traffic jams. But "flying car" sounds so much more James Bond, doesn't it? Maybe that's why our British friends share our excitement.
I live about two miles from a municipal airport, so this would be perfect for me. Now I just need the $10,000 deposit to reserve one of these $200,000 beauties until they become available late next year.
Here's what some readers have to say on the subject:
All in favor...
After decades of forays into making a useful and practical auto/plane, it may just be just the right time to market such a product. I would love more details. -- Murray Stollman on Technorati
It makes no sense, but I love it. I hope lots of rich guys go out buy the whole production run.-- Jdear97 on WSJ
Looks just like the cover of a 1946 issue of “Popular Science” -- Been there on WSJ
We've all been waiting. a mere 200K! -- Collision Auto Body on Twitter
Those against...
The lawyers will kill this long before the market gets to decide. -- Aaron S on WSJ
The same idiots who can afford a flying car are the same idiots who can't pay attention while driving let alone flying. Now we have to deal with them in the air! -- Pat on The Daily Mail
All great fun till someone gets into the driving seat with a few drinks in them - picture the chaos from there............ -- Rose (stereotype alert: from Ireland) on The Daily Mail
Splitting hairs...
I am sorry but it is not a flying car, it's a PLANE. A flying car is something like what was in the jetsons. It wont have wings and it will be able to take off vertically, it will also be able to hover but won't need rotor's like a helicopter. Now that's a flying car. -- scarecrowgirl on The Sun
A good idea yes, but a car/helicopter would be more useful! -- Jungleh on The Sun
Let me know if you think this will be in showrooms near you soon, or will wind up crashed onto the pile of other flying cars announced in the past. And if you want one, how much would you pay?
