- cross-posted to:
- gadgets@lemmit.online
- cross-posted to:
- gadgets@lemmit.online
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It’s obvious you will have to be a licensed pilot for one of these. Possibly under the FAA Light Sport Rule.
To qualify for LSA, max takeoff gross weight 1320 lbs, max stall spd 51mph, max level cruise 138mph. Since they claim 160 cruise spd, it would disqualify if for LSA. Also with 36gal of fuel weighing 218lbs, I doubt this will be 1320lbs or under gross weight.
If it’s not qualified for light sport aircraft, then it would have to qualify for 14 CFR Part 23, and require a Private Pilot License, single engine land cert at minimum. I can’t see this supposed $150k airplane being certified for IFR (instrument flight rules), and don’t see this airplane being less than $300k or more. More than likely operated under FAA experimental rules.
This is really just a novelty toy when it comes down to it. Obviously intended to take off from an un-controlled airport to land at another un-controlled airport and drive it to your lake cottage or something. But why buy this when you can buy a rebuilt Cessna with a new engine for a fraction. Renting or sub-rent hanger space at an un-controlled airport doesn’t cost much, and you can buy a cheap used car to keep at your destination. I seriously doubt this will ever get off the ground, and if it does, it will be short lived.
Sorry for the long rant, but some seem to think any Joe Blow will be able to fly one of these. The thought of autonomous flying vehicles like the Jetsons won’t happen in our grand children’s life time. There’s way more to it than people think.
A flying sport car with the reliant robin as its base look?
I can see this as more of a conspiracy to sell speedy death traps to rich people.I think people misunderstand this whole flying car thing. I agree with Neil Degrasse Tyson. We already invented flying cars they are called helicopters. And highway cloverleafs already put traffic up and into 3 dimensional space.
We are never going to have Back to the Future 2, or George Jetson flying vehicles for everyone. All these ‘flying cars’ are just airplanes you can take home and park in your own garage so you don’t need to store them at the airport hanger for huge money$$$.My theory is it’s being pushed by the ultra wealthy.m so they don’t have to share the road with us peasants. Yeah they could use helicopters, but they’re limited to designated landing pads. The kind of flying car they want is fictional though.
Most regular folks I know want a better train system. It already exists and done well in Japan and Europe, it could actually be done.
They are still going to be limited to airports. This is not a vertical take off. It requires a runway, and there is no way they can just get on the highway, spread their wings and fly away. If they believe they can fly, other road goers sure are going to have a word about it.
