Finally, the end of traffic jams and with them, the massive amounts of CO2 that flies to the skies to produce global warming. The only thing flying now will be us!

Paul, Miami, Florida, USA

This makes sense to me. Anyone that has ever been irritated by unending orange barrels should join me in applauding this invention. The cost of maintaining the freeway system let alone building new ones should make something like this very practical

M.L.Stonecipher, Wichita, U. S

Utterly stupid idea. Nowhere in the world would that vehicle be allowed on public roads. What is up with the massive dihedral on that thing? Hardly looks airworthy to me. And as for it being the "FIRST" flying car, the first successful flying car was the 1949 Taylor Aerocar. Try www.moller.com.

James, New York, USA

This is a great idea. As for Mr. Global warming it is inevitable and not caused by humans. This invention is the beginning of forms of travel. I hope they could implement VTOL technology in the near future.

Brian, Gouldsboro, USA

I luv the technology and am looking forward to see the looks to get better . I will defintely buy this product in 5 years

Steeve, Chicago,

The flying car is merely the world progressing. Why wouldn't we expect to have a flying car in this century? Look for more technological advances and futuristic inventions as our world moves forward.

Hattie Jean Phelps, Ft Lauderdale, USA

This world doesn't need stuff like that. Isn't man kind happy with what they achieved already. I'm telling you that flying car isn't anything good if you ask me. Do me a favor and quit creating stuff like that and make use of yourselfs and create something use full to stop global warming or somethin

Carlos, Penitas, USA

This car ain't got nothin on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

Will, Augusta,

Wonder how the price compares to a 150 cessna and a Ford Focus.

Dale, Harrison, USA

What ever happened to the backpack jet packs and backpack helicopter lifts that we used to see advertised in the 50's? Now that would be the way to get a short distance in a short amount of time. Don't drop the eggs.

Mordie, Kansas City, USA

In the writer's defense, the article says it is the first "fully integrated design, in which the wings fold up automatically and all the parts are in one vehicle". Did the ones from the '50's do that?

Bobby D., Toto, USA

What a wonderful concept!,I can't wait until the laws/insurance issues are worked out.
What about maintenance(A&P or ASE or both)?
This is actually a great bargain,imagine the money saved from hangar storage.
So much negativity,I think it's because they realize they cannot afford one.

Dave, Miami, US

Wow, this is great! The police department has no flying cars in their fleet yet. No pulling over then...

Anton, Fullerton, CA,

Aero Car was first commercial (street legal) flying car in 1959. A car with a rear prop and pull behind collaspable wings.I flew in it at the Marshfield Massachuettes airport. The airport owner (Whitey) was the owner and crop dusting pilot from WW-2..... family members have stored it.

peter, richmond, usa

James Bond already had a flying "car" in Octopussy- he even put the wings in the up position and drove into a gas station to fill up.

Eric, Tucson, USA

a lot of negitive comments. I think it looks great.

Mike, Sole Street, England

There is another flying car that has 3 times more power, no huge blind spots with folded up wings, and looks better all the way around at http://www.labicheaerospace.com/

Check out the FSC-1!

Howard, DFW, USA

I bet James Bond gets one in his next film.

Richard , newark, uk

dumbest idea ever!! can't fly it at night or in the fog. good for only clear and daylight conditions.

Michael Lee, Greensboro, US

Nice one, hope to ride one soon.

Manpreet Singh Chandoak, New York, USA

I can't wait to use my cell phone in one. Cops won't be able to get me and I'll be twice as much of a menace...

Billy, San Diego,

Nice animation film. Driver/pilot didn't stop at the nearest Burger King on his way home, though. What's wrong with him?

RONNIE, PARIS, FRANCE

Sounds interesting but I can't help but think of the safety issues. For instance, not many people die when their cars run out of gas and if your car did run out of gas, you can easily pull over to the side of the road.

Tuyen, Oakland, CA, USA

Wrong name. Hudson had the best one (Terraplane). I have one - a 1937 model. Doesn't fly, unfortunately - but what a name!

Alan, Exeter, UK

Problem not being discussed, is the clearance a person has to give between the plane and the ground over a city, etc. The only place a person can land, is on an approved runway or in the rural areas they can land on a ranch, etc. I saw my first flying car in 1951, and it was impractical then/now.

A Holman, Columbus,

A lot of people making comments sound a lot like those people who stood around at Kitty Hawk saying "Ah, it'll never get off the ground..."

Robert, Denver,

such a great idea, I wish them all the luck in the world... best of luck

zahid qayyum malik, UMM AL QUWAIN, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

It's certainly not the first. i remember two others in my lifetime and there may be more.

Roger Gunn, Poway,

Carl has what it takes to give his concept a chance...persistence.
Technically, I think it has a few hurdles, two much side area exposed, drive shaft issues with engine in front and pusher prop, rotation with rear wheels very far back, small prop and very draggy design = slow. Good Luck Carl !

RT Rubleton, Manitowish Waters,

Yup, just wait till the first 'accidental' stall out or someone running out of gas. ONE simple mistake will send the thing crashing down to the ground and killing them.
This may be the most dangerous vehicle ever developed by anybody.

David, Austin, USA

I wish them all the luck in the world. But please don't drive this car/plane in a wind above 5 mph. At 1300 pounds, it will tip over like a leaf thanks to those wings hanging in the breeze.

Elliott Weinstein, Altamonte Springs, FL, USA

This could be the one that works. There are many useful applications for a vehicle like this if there were a few well placed short runways designed for its use exclusively. It could replace a lot of helicopters.

William Bergmann, Hollywood, USA

To be a practical flying car, it would have to 1. Vertically take off and land (VTOL) 2. Not be too loud 3. Most flying would have to be done by a reliable computer. Such a car would require a propulsion system that hasn't been invented yet. We can still dream, though.

Dale, Charleston, SC, USA

There was a flying car, made in Longview, WA in the 1950's. This is far from new.

Richard Levin, Issaquah, United States

Only pilots can fly it, and they know the VFR rules. It avoids the necessity of renting a car at one's destination airport. Instrument rating is not required. Commuting to work is an unlikely use. Negative comments just show the abject ignorance re aviation of the average person.

C. Paige Gabhart, Jeffersonville, USA

First flying car????? There were several that were made in the 50's and 60's, one in Vancouver Washington that I have seen on the road and fly several times.

A lot of documentation in Popular Mechanics and Popular Science magazines from that era.

Bill, Olympia,

Hopefully, the regulations can be rewritten to account for this sort of vehicle without compromising auto safety. For example, motorcycles are much less safe than cars, but obviously don't require airbags. Airplane regulations should be strictly adhered to, however.

Bill, Dallas,

And people have enough trouble driving and thinking in two dimensions? Assuming that it works, FAA certification would be a pain, and the engines would have continuous problems. Pressures and things.

Jubal Harshaw, Los Alamos, NM, USA

Jim, you are right. As noble an endeavour as this effort might be, the vehicle will be: a) subject to aviation/FAA regulations (prohibitive) b) subject to ground regulations (bumper, airbags, etc., all too heavy) c) unable to ever take off except from private uncontrolled airstrips d) silly.

Rick, :), USA

Cool, first or last, it is just great!

Matt S Ratcliffe, College Station, USA

The level of ignorance here is simply stunning. It's a civil production aircraft. It will be certificated under the Federal Aviation Regulations, part 25. Pilots will be certificated under FAR part 91. It's probably too heavy to qualify as a Light-Sport, though that would really nice.

Corrie, Cleveland,

Terrorists would love this. Also mid are collisions over residential areas may become a thing of the norm.

Loke, Chesapeake, USA

This isn’t the first flying car several were made in the 1960’s and proved to be impractical
I doubt this one will have any more success than the first.

Ken Hughes, Waterford Mi, USA

Don't we have enough wackos on the highways, without having them in the air also? The road-restricted cars can only run into your house, not fall on them.

Gordon, Winlock, U.S.A.

All these,"It can't be done" always prove themselves right in their own lives.Look what the home built and experimental aircraft builders have accomplished in the last 20 years.Why couldn't these same pilots drive it to the local airport and fly?Endless emergency strips!Same road rules and FAR's.YES

John Hunt, Eastsound, Wa, USA

This new "first flying car" is actually not the first of its kind. The Boeing Museum in Washington houses the first actual commercialized flying car made in the 50's or 60's. Think Wright Brothers driving a BMW. Production was stopped because it was too dangerous; the new one might share this fate.

Travis, Kailua, USA

Rod: it probably does fall under LSA. But as you know, you're going to need an inst. rating if you plan on using this for daily transportation. Which means a full ticket and medical.

If a local hangar is reasonable, you might as well buy a skycatcher for 100k, and keep the extra 100k for cab fare.

Reginald, Akron, USA

This isn't even close to being the "first" flying car. Doesn't anybody remember the "Sky Car"? It's much more compact with a much higher top speed.

John Wiggin, London,

I'll wait for the driving, flying submarine model.

stan, joburg,

To Reginald: I believe it conforms to the new FAA "Light Sport" aircraft standards requiring 20 hours of instruction for a Light Sport Certificate plus a valid drivers license (in lieu of a medical). The LS type must only seat 2, not exceed 120 knots, have fixed gear, fixed prop, etc.

Rod, Coloma, USA

I had heard that NASA was also working on 'air lanes' such that a car like this (with computer guidance) could basically fly itself and take the risks associated with amatuer pilots out of the equation. In any case, it's many years away from being commercially viable.

Bob, Plainview, USA

I hear the sound of the Back to the Future theme tune . . .

Terry J., Surrey,

Been in aviation for 30 years and don't see a problem with this vehicle as others point out pilots only flying this machine and costly. If a large number of these are made I am sure the FAA/or = in other countries can figure out a system of landing zones. I see no reason for paranoia about this...and sure there are always a few stupid pilots trying crazy stuff...it is a given.

Jim, Ronan, USA

The important thing is the innovation and the fact that someone is trying to innovate. With every failure comes an advance in knowledge. We should always celebrate the innovators and ignore the mediocrity. If you think it will fail because of this or that, where is your "better" design?

Veritas, Memphis, USA

High blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease....at least one fourth of the people in the U.S. wouldn't pas the FAA medical. And if they did, the weight limitations would make the aircraft useless.
But at least this could help create new interest in aviation and help keep the industry alive.

Reginald , Akron, USA

As I've been telling my children for decades: "Tires are SO yesterday." But I do see better potential in a hover-type craft that can run silently by opposing magnetic fields built into the current infrastructure of roads.

Susan McHugh, Concord, USA

Sounds like an oversimplified idea. Aviation requires an increased set of skills and knowledge. Unless this is classified as an "expieremental" aircraft, it will require a private pilots cert and what percentage of the populace even knows what VFR traffic encompasses?

Jason, Oklahoma City,

Nice one.Expected it a long ago.Guess we should start making new traffic rules cos when this finally comes out,u'll be surprised how orders will be made even in Africa.

Ifeanyi, Benin city, Nigeria

This seems to be able to fit into the LSA (Light Sport Aircraft) category. An individual can obtain a license to fly in this category for $2,500 wihtout the need of an FAA medical. All you need is a drivers license, but there are some restrictions.

Bradley, Syracuse, USA

How soon can we get the second hand version of this product in Africa.

uche, Lagos, Nigeria

wowww!! this is the coolest thing ever!!! I'm so excited for the days when it will actually be practical.It would be awesome if you could just fly to school instead of driving or taking a bus. I think eventually, they'll make it happen!!!

marissa young, new york,

This is not the first flying car!!
Don't you guys do your homework anymore?

One of the first ones was or is still for sale on ebay.

Good grief!!

Rich Dugger, La Porte,IN, La Porte

Hopefully I'm not first to point this out, but this misses being the "first flying car" as claimed by more than half a century. A journalist should do 30 seconds of research before printing such a claim.
Still, great someone is trying this idea again. The world needs a viable flying car.

Vince, Seattle, Wa

I'm glad that the FAA requirement is strenuous. It shouldn't be easy.

Tom, Lynden,

I prefer my airplanes at the airport. I can drive there in my car.

Peter Ramsey, Vancouver, CANADA

chitty chitty bang bang

kevin, west chester, USA

I saw a flying car in the movie "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" I know it was a true story because it was in colour.

Leo, Durham, England

Stop such negativity! So its not for everyone...Ever seen folks who live in an "aviation community". Medical uses could be great. At least someone is willing to put some great effort out there. Great Job!!

Ken, Fruita, US

Sorry, but the Aero Car was developed and tested fifty years ago. It never caught on and there is at least one still in existance in a museum in Washington state. It was a car with removable wings that were towed behind it like a trailer

Don fischer, Wichita, USA

Sorry, never gonna happen. Failure in the air would be catastrophic and would also endanger lives on the ground. Mechanical inspections and overhauls will cost 20K per year (my guess) and it will have to be rebuilt every 2000 hours for about 50% of the purchase price.

You'll only see it on TV.

Jim, Duluth, USA

Bad design, won't fly, prop will stall, no airflow, just you wait and see, dud

kent, Dayton,

Anyone considered how fast this thing could be rendered unairworthy by one those "aimers" not drivers that we encounter on the roads and parking lots?

What about licensing? Just because you may afford one doen't mean you can fly it!

Chris White, Washington, USA

I want to see what happens the first time all these people try to fly home during a late afternoon thunderstorm.
You know, the typical t-storm with rain, hail, downdrafts, wind shear and very limited visiblity.
Is the FAA going to publish instrument approach plates for everyone's driveway? LOL

Richard Broberg, Dallas Texas, USA

It's and innovation that is overdue. There are at least two substantial obstacles will need to be overcome before this method of travel becomes available and practical:

1. You will need an pilots operator's license to operate it as an aircraft, and
2. Take off and landing area are needed.

David Muscalo, Lafayette, Sussex

Not the first, nor the last, but the first first fully integrated model with automated conversion to roll out. A definite step forward.

All pilots are also drivers, but not the inverse. This machine is being made for pilots.

You can rent a car or plane, but you are still have to bring it back.

Stephen Nichols, Santa Barbara CA, US

Not the world's first, I believe the Waterman Aerobile has that distinction, Two of them flew from California to Ohio sometime in the 1950's I believe.

David Warren, Sacramento, USA

It's about time ;) Thought we'd have these in 2000. Of course, by the time these become feasible for average consumers... who knows. It's a great first step though. Wonder if drivers and pilots' licenses will be combined someday.

Liz, Chicago, USA

Of course the US Government will not allow this to "fly". No way will they allow public citizens to take to the air at their leisure. Flight plans, clearance (Clarence), etc.

The government wants to what & where at all times, and for you to have the option to simply 'bolt' is not in their plans

Joey Mostacholli, Chicago, USA

I think this is one of the best inventions ever made look at the potential holidays for free extremely low price considering and it is sure to be a big seller although getting insurance will be impossible!

Jethro Williamson, shetland isles, Scotland

American innovation at it's finest-- way to go guys. And for a fair price too. Sure there are questioned and issues yet to be worked out--- shouldn't there be? This is excellent. I can't afford one yet, but it's this type of innovative spirit that America needs.

Jerry, Atlanta, USA

Commenters to this blog should realize that once you enter airspace, a different set of rules govern the use of the vehicle. People using this device will still need to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirement to operate the vehicle - those requirements are strenous.

John, Martinsburg, USA

"Already clearing my garage!! Just trying to figure out which car wash I'll be able to fly into... Meet George Jetson"!

Todd Williams, Southwick, MA, USA

What a bunch of negative slop most have posted in response. How about we applaud someone finally making all of our childhood dreams a reality. Good Job Carl!

Stephen, atlanta, usa

You think we have a lot of traffic accidents now? Just wait until morons can afford these! Everyone needs to get in front of this now by purchasing gas-powered electrical generators for their homes; I predict these flying cars will be hanging from power-lines like so many Christmas tree ornaments!

Andrew, Atlanta, USA

Great ! Now we can have the same idots on our roads and freeways flying over our homes !

Robert, Fairfield, USA

Ignorance abounds!

There has been only ONE FAA certified flying car and that was the Mott Taylor as someone mentioned before. Yes, others have built them, but they were not FAA certified commerical production aircraft. And you need a license to fly just as you need one to drive in this country.

Mike, Glen Ellyn, USA

everyone is missing the obvious, who cares if it is the first one or not. The real question is will you need a pilots liscense to buy one?

Jay, Morgantown, USA

While there have been a few actual "flying cars" in the past, most of them have never left the ground, even after hopeful investors have wasted millions of dollars on the R&D. Remember the Mollar skycar?

On the showroom floor in 18 months? LOL Get back with us when this thing actually flies.

James, Round Rock,

This is not the first flying car. There have been many examples over the years. The most famous was in the James Bond film "Man With the Golden Gun". Also, the Mueller flying car has been promoted for decades and is still under development. The news is not a good source of reality.

Marvin, Murphyville, USA

Come on Jeff, privacy issue! Give me a break you already have a privacy problem, you just don't know it yet. You guys can stay on the ground and leave the flying cars to me. It will happen because it one of those thing that people have wished for.

Pat, Elk Grove, USA

What about Supercar, that went underwater too. If I were to get one of these flying cars, Ill buy a second hand one, can I hover at the kerb above the yellows and not get ticketed? See my ad on ebay. Flying carpet, 4 seat shag convertible needs slight repair to return to flight.

kenny, hove,

I'll have one -- but make it a Hummer version; maybe with an M-60 mounted on the roof so I can flame the #$@% drivers from New York and California when they try to cut me off. Hey, I can dream, can't I?

Ed, Aiken, SC, USA

The Aerocar was built in Longview, WA USA in the 30s or 40s and outlawed by FDR. Looked like a VW Beetle with attachable wings. That's all we need is car planes dropping like flies from the skies. Only a bigot would expect the citizens to maintain their own stuff without government assistance.

Mitchell Gee, Toledo, WA, USA

I support the idea of human flight. They said humans couldn't drive or fly so why say we can't fly today. Use some kind of magnetic force to avoid collisions or balloons, idk something. But why not support this marvelous and long-awaited idea?

David, Spring Hill, USA

I'm for that little jet thing you see strapped to someones back and you fly off. Why can't someone perfect that? Put a little parachute on it or even a helecopter prop, wear a protective flying suit...they'd sell millions.

Vince Hugh, Atlanta, USA

Childish idea that should have (and had) died out in the sixties. Give me a proper car instead and I'll get a reliable opportunity to fly from any small airport in a Cesna.

Didn't James May fly a half a century old example of this in a documentary? Bad car and bad plane - we can't have everything.

Andras, Northington, UK

There will never be flying cars. People aren't responsible enough to stay where they are supposed to in the air. Also, it would create privacy issued with people flying over your house. It will never happen.

Jeff, Sacramento, CA, USA

Not true! the Areo Car was developed in the late 60's and the company I worked for had the Prop shafts and I think Axles. I called on the account int the state ow Washington. Can't remembet the city but I was the rep from our company. Dana Corp

Gerald Fox, Depoe Bay, Lincoln

The headline is wrong, as noted by other posters there were flying cars in the 1950s that still exist. The 50s version towed the wings behind the car and they had to be bolted on. The only diffrence from what I read about this new on is they fold automatically

Lawrence Parylla, Anderson SC, USAQ

You look at all this technology and wonder why we're still using petrol. Then we read about a fossil car that flies without any photos whatsoever. So how far does it fly when hitting an up ramp at 70 mph?

Russ, Coastal,

I'm an Air Traffic Controller in Savannah, GA. Oh boy, I'm really looking forward to this... Not.

Melangell, Savannah, USA

Aerocar - Combination single-engine aircraft and automobile on the comedy adventure THE NEW BOB CUMMINGS SHOW/CBS/1961-62. The Aero Car was owned by Bob Carson (Bob Cummings)...the Aero Car (sans detachable wings) converted into a fully functioning road car in about ten minutes.

dave, wichita, USA

Google Robert Fulton, a wonderful person I had the privilege to know, you will learn about the first flying car. It worked. If you want one, and can afford it, contact his sons, they will build you one.

Bill Graham, Augusta, United States

First of all a person would need a pilots license. It basically has no market outside a pilot. Secondly it's design is poor and has little if any functionality as a car.

Gregg, Fresno, USA

it's going to be expensive to insure.
Take the cost of private aircraft insurance, and add in the cost of $200,000-exotic-car insurance. This is a rich person's toy, and a rich person would just have a driver waiting at the airport instead.

Doug, Tampa, FL, US

The Cartoon Movies (like Dexter and Batman Returns) had already shown something similar... cool, at least we are catching up with them now....

Tarun, New Delhi, India

The worlds FIRST flying car? Hardly. There's still examples much like this one that were built in the 50s and 60s still flying. And like the boat/car are a foolish idea. They don't fly well nor drive well. It's comic that the new 2009 version is so like the 1955 version.

Peter Jaxon, la fortuna, costa rica

There have been many flying cars, here, abroad, -- even the Russians have a military model, University of Michigan professor Ed Stalker designed one, not sure if it was built though.

Ronnie T., Eppo, Michigan, USA

Sounds more like the first "driving plane".

steve, Topanga, USA

(a bunch of amatuers competing with commercial airliners up there? Are we going to have to worry about these things crashing on us?)the public has as much right to travel, using the public airspace as any commercial airliner and have done so safely for years! Its public airspace not privately owned

v ardis, everett, wa

Will there be flying patrol cars/planes to fly off to the side
of the skyway to hand out tickets for speeding?

Morris, Woodbury, USA

This is great! I've been waiting 40 years since George and Jane and their son Elroy were flying around the galaxy in their new jetcar.

Jack, Franklin TN, USA

It's exactly what we need and will give new meaning to tail gating, fender benders, passing and lane-changing. What a great idea. A guy will have to watch the gas gauge a little closer, but whatever. Practice before cell phoning - better antenna though. Great

Don M, Macomb, USA

Not the first--that honor goes to the Molt Taylor Flying Car, circa 1946

Randall Brink, Spokane, USA

This is not the first flying automobile. The Waterman Aerobile flew in 1937.

Carl , Coppell, Texas

Go to the company's website and look at this thing, it's clearly not a flying car. It's a plane that also drives around. You have to take off and land on a runway. When everybody thinks "flying car" they think of something that can take off vertically from your driveway. This is not even close.

Mike, Boston, MA, USA

Clearly the best solution ive seen to beat the credit cruch... Forget having a home or enough money for food. Families need a flying car!

Rob, birmingham,

Previous comments are correct there is a FAA cert'd flying
http://www.aerocar.com/
It's flying my FADEC system, Aerosance
Problems I see with Terrfruga. Aircraft related parts, ie the wing are brought with the car, exposing them to damage, road salt, etc, pre-flight is going to be very intensive

BobC, Marlborough, USA

FAA bureaucrats and lawyers will ensure this is a completely academic venture. If for some reason it is "allowed" the first time one crashes the ambulance lawyers will ruin it for everyone just as they have done to a once vibrant general aviation community.

Todd, Lynn Haven, USA

Really , I just drove from Hartford to Boston today and if you allow the folks driving on the roads today to fly , My family will be staying home.

Jerry, Hartford, USA

Do you all have ANY idea how many flying cars there have been?

Bill Smith, Connecticut, USA

January 11, 2009

World’s first flying car prepares for take-off

by Mark Harris


Wrong title, there is already a FAA certified flying car. It's just not in production.

Dennis, Tulsa, USA

On the 1 hand, I'd say wow, kool, were can I get one, I'd love to be able to fly away for the weekend!

On the other hand however, are we going to have a bunch of amatuers competing with commercial airliners up there? Are we all going to have to worry about these things crashing down on us?

Carl, nonya, USA

Apple computers are the best. I have one. I know.
iPhones are the best phones. I have one.
Mac Air=THE BEST. (Have One).

Therefore, I am great.

Lazlo, New Orleans, United States