World's first flying car that can travel at 100mph cleared for take-off

The world's first flying car that can travel at 100 miles per hour and fly up to 10,000 feet has been approved for take-off.

The Terrafugia Transition 'roadable aircraft' has been given the all-clear by the Federal Aviation Authority in the USA.

It has been granted an FAA Special Light-Sport Aircraft airworthiness certificate by the official aviation body. This means that it meets the standards for flight, at least.

So despite it not being on the road (or in the sky) just yet, it does mean that day could come pretty soon in the future.

The vehicle has a 27-foot wingspan that folds down to make it small enough for the whole thing to fit inside a single car garage.



A full air and road model of the two-seater craft is planned for release in 2022.

The flying car is powered by a 100 horsepower fuel-injected engine, and can fly at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, and altitudes of 10,000 feet.

It has a range of approximately 400 miles, and safety features include an airframe parachute and a carbon fibre safety cage.

The idea of the vehicle is that you'll fly the plane, before landing it on a small stretch of road or a small airport, before simply driving it off to wherever you want to go.



It won't be cheap, though. In 2018, NBC News reported that the two-seater Transition would be priced at $400,000 (£287,254).

Currently, pilots can buy an air-only model that runs on both car fuel and aircraft fuel if they want to take it for a spin ahead of release.

Those who want to get one will need both a sport pilot's certificate as well as a valid driver's licence.

The vehicle will still need to be to be declared roadworthy.


The Chinese company has been pursuing this plan to create a roadable aircraft for years - with this new certificate representing a significant step in the right direction.

General manager Kevin Colburn praised his team's efforts during what he called 'an extremely challenging pandemic year'.