We might be in a recession but that doesn’t mean creativity is dead. Take the Transition for example, what they hope will be the first successfully marketed “roadable aircraft.” At least that’s what Terrafugia, the company who designed it are calling it. I prefer to call it what it is, a drivable plane or a flyable car. Either one works, though the picture much more resembles an aircraft than an automobile.
But regardless, it’s a dream come true for everybody who ever looked longingly at that flying Delorean in Back to the Future, or wished for the umpteenth time that they could skip rush hour traffic somehow, even if it meant flying over the backed-up traffic.
I’m not sure what traffic laws, if any, the latter would violate, but that previously hopeless daydream is now a reality thanks to a group of MIT students. It’s a two-seater airplane - bad news for any extravagantly wealthy couples with kids - that can fly 500 miles on a single tank of regular unleaded gas, land, fold up its wings and continue on four wheels after a quick refueling at any Shell, Getty, Sunoco or B&P.
With that kind of mileage, who cares that the price tag is currently set at $194,000?
The Price Might Not Be The Biggest Deterrent
Despite the unrealistic price tag for the average American family - or the average anything family - this could be the first step in completely changing the way that we travel in the next 50 years. It might start out as a small and expensive venture, but as time goes on and more people think it a worthwhile investment, that price tag will decline.
That is, says Dick Knapinski of the Experimental Aircraft Association, if people can get beyond their fear of change. “The comfort level for a significant percentage of the population is not there. They just don’t believe they can operate this type of machine.” Well, maybe it comes down to nerves and lack of confidence, but maybe it’s also simply a matter of common, old-fashioned Aviophobia or Aviatophobia: the fear of flying.
Think about all of the people you know who get very nervous just boarding a plane with an experienced pilot. Can you imagine those same people actually navigating a plane or “roadable aircraft” themselves?
To quote one of my coworkers who hates the very thought of flying the friendly skies:
“I think it is the worst idea ever. I have no idea how to fly and know nothing about air traffic control nor FAA rules and regulations. I’m pretty sure the end result would be me ‘parking” in a tree. Or worse, someone’s house. Honestly, I think some things should just be left to trained professionals. Let’s not forget what happened to John Denver.”
Then again, there might be hope for the new technology… just as long as there are certain amenities. Because he ended his comments with “However, if these ‘car-planes’ offer cup holders, I’m willing to reconsider.”
Thursday, January 22, 2009 - by Jeannette Di Louie, Assistant Editor of Mt. Vernon Research
