News: Roadworthy Plane

Stuck in traffic? Turn your car into a plane in 30 secs Authorities OK 2-Seater That Spreads its Wings To Fly At 185Kmph  London: Your dream of a car that runs on road but can fly you out of a traffic jam could soon come true as the US aviation authority has given the green signal for the commercial production of such a vehicle.           The "Terrafugia Transition" is a two-seater car that can convert from road to air in just 30 seconds, without the driver leaving the vehicle. Developed by former Nasa engineers and built by a small American company from Massachusetts, Terrafugia Inc, the vehicle can travel at speeds of up to 145kmph in car mode with its wings folded.          The wings then unflod for flight mode in which it can cruise at the speed of 185kmph for up to 805km on a tank of unleaded gasoline, the Telegraph reported. With its wings folded, it can be parked in an ordinary car garage.          The company says tests have shown that the vehicle can drive, fly and switch from being a plane to a car in just 30 seconds. The company claims the flying car has been successfully test-flown many times. It will have front-wheel dirve on the road and a propeller for flight.         The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted the Transtition an exemption - allowing it to be classified as a "light sport air craft" despite being 54k over the limit.         The "roadable aircraft". which is powered by the same 100-bhp engine whether it is on the ground or in the air, will require a "Sport Pilot license" or higher to fly.         According to its manufacturer, one of the major advantages of the Transition over ordinary light aircraft is safety, as in the event of inclement weather, it can simply drive home instead of either being grounded or flying in unsafe conditions.         With a deposit money of $10,000. nearly 70 people have already booked the car which is expected to cost $194,000, the company said,"Our schedule calls for the first delivery to be made prior to the end of 2011. We currently have in excess of 70 orders, which is about a two-year backlog," Richard Gersh, vice-president for Terrafugia, said.