The Transition, from a company called Terrafugia (“escape from land”), proposes to have LSA specs…with a few interesting differences: Wingspan 27 feet; Width with wings folded 6.75 feet; Cruise at 75% power 120 mph; Fuel economy 30 mpg in air or city, 40 mpg highway. Want more info? Come to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006.
One of my favorite lines comes from a man associated with trying to perfect the airplane convertible to a car. Molt Taylor is reported to have said, “An airplane will get you from one place you don’t want to be to another place you don’t want to be: the airport.” Indeed too many American airports are simply places to get your plane out of the hangar…and leave. How handy would it be to fly in, land, and quickly transform your plane into your automobile? So, the aerocar idea remains alive. Now, a development team associated with highly regarded MIT is promoting the Transition. Why cover a concept in the early stages? Because Transition is being built to meet LSA definitions. While looking novel, I especially like that you carry the wings with you when motoring on the highways (check their web movie). Most other concepts call for removing the wings, a cumbersome process at best.
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