Flying car companies aim for takeoff in 2017
A surprising number of small companies around the world are vying to be the first to bring flying cars to customers, and many are predicting that 2017 will be a turning point for the industry.
Terrafugia, AeroMobil, Moller International and PAL-V are just a few of the companies that are planning to produce, sell and deliver their vehicles within the next few years.
Terrafugia, an American firm founded by MIT grads, expects to start production of its "Transition" flying car in 2017. It's already accepted deposits from roughly 100 customers.
The vehicles have to pass numerous tests to prove they're road ready and fit to fly. Getting all the necessary aviation, road and transportation certifications can take ages.
"Building something that works is different than [building] something that's allowed," said Robert Dingemanse, CEO of PAL-V, who said his gyrocopter-style vehicle meets all the necessary road and air regulations in Europe and the U.S.
While these regulations may seem like a hindrance to the casual observer, they are designed to keep everyone safe in the air and on the ground.
Case in point: In early May, the AeroMobil 3.0 prototype crashed during a test flight. The pilot was unharmed, but the situation clearly demonstrates the importance of careful regulation and strict safety certifications.
Flying car companies aim for takeoff in 2017A surprising number of small companies around the world are vying to be the first to bring flying cars to customers, and many are predicting that 2017 will be a turning point for the industry.Terrafugia, AeroMobil, Moller International and PAL-V are just a few of the companies that are planning to produce, sell and deliver their vehicles within the next few years.Terrafugia, an American firm founded by MIT grads, expects to start production of its "Transition" flying car in 2017. It's already accepted deposits from roughly 100 customers.The vehicles have to pass numerous tests to prove they're road ready and fit to fly. Getting all the necessary aviation, road and transportation certifications can take ages."Building something that works is different than [building] something that's allowed," said Robert Dingemanse, CEO of PAL-V, who said his gyrocopter-style vehicle meets all the necessary road and air regulations in Europe and the U.S.While these regulations may seem like a hindrance to the casual observer, they are designed to keep everyone safe in the air and on the ground.Case in point: In early May, the AeroMobil 3.0 prototype crashed during a test flight. The pilot was unharmed, but the situation clearly demonstrates the importance of careful regulation and strict safety certifications.
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