The idea of a flying car seems crazy. The Jetsons had one in a 1960s cartoon. Then again, they also had a talking robot for a housekeeper! It turns out, though, that flying cars are real. A company called Terrafugia has made a car-plane. It's called the Transition. The company says the vehicle will go on sale by the end of 2011.

Question

The car-plane has wings that unfold for flying. They fold back up for driving. (The change takes one minute.) This switch can't take place on a road or in a driveway. Why not? Like every other plane, the Transition needs a runway to take off and land.

Terrafugia is selling the Transition to private pilots. The company says the vehicle is a convenient and cheaper way to fly. There's no need for other transportation to and from airports. You drive the car to the airport and take off. When you land, you fold up the wings and drive away. You don't have to pay to store the aircraft. You can park it in the garage at home.

Buyers of the Transition will likely want to know more about the car-plane. When the Transition acts as a car, it can go about 30 miles on each gallon (13 kilometers on each liter) of gas. That's about the same as a small car. It can carry up to 1,430 pounds (649 kilograms). The aircraft flies mostly under 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). That's about 25,000 feet (7,620 meters) below large passenger jets. The company says this makes the vehicle safer. Why? The aircraft can fly below storms. Other small planes must fly through storm clouds.

The Transition is being marketed more as a plane that drives than as a car that flies, although it is both. Terrafugia is working with the U.S. government to make sure that the vehicle is safe in the sky and on the road. In 2010, the car-plane was categorized a Light Sport Aircraft. This will allow pilots with different levels of experience to fly the Transition.

Once the Transition meets government safety rules, it will be sold to the public. The starting price will be $194,000. Buyers who want other options, like a radio, will have to pay more. People can also pay extra for a parachute.

Can you really expect to see this flying car in the sky? Terrafugia says you can. As of July 2010, the company had taken more than 70 orders for the Transition.

Information for this story came from AP.

Think about a car and an airplane. Compare and contrast the two. Talk about how each one is designed and used. Could you really use a flying car? Give examples from the readings in your comparison. Also give examples from what you may already know.

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Answer 1

Cars and airplanes are two very different modes of transportation, each designed for specific purposes. Cars are primarily used for land travel, providing individuals with a convenient way to commute from one place to another. They are designed with wheels, an engine, seats, and safety features to ensure a smooth and safe ride on roads. On the other hand, airplanes are used for air travel, allowing individuals to travel long distances in a short amount of time. They are designed with wings, jet engines, a cockpit, and other specialized features to withstand the challenges of flying at high altitudes.

The Transition, a car-plane developed by Terrafugia, combines the features of both a car and an airplane. When in car mode, it functions like a normal vehicle, allowing individuals to drive on roads and park in garages. However, when the wings are unfolded, it transforms into a small aircraft that can take off and land on a runway. This unique design offers the convenience of driving to and from the airport without the need for additional transportation.

One key difference between cars and airplanes is the ability to navigate through different terrains and obstacles. Cars can easily maneuver through streets, highways, and rough terrain, providing individuals with flexibility in their travel. Airplanes, on the other hand, require a runway for takeoff and landing, limiting their accessibility to designated airports. While the Transition offers the flexibility of both land and air travel, it still requires a runway and cannot take off from a road or driveway.

In terms of safety, airplanes are designed to withstand the challenges of flying at high altitudes, including turbulence, weather conditions, and other potential risks. The Transition, being classified as a Light Sport Aircraft, meets government safety standards for flying, ensuring that pilots with different levels of experience can operate the vehicle. Additionally, the aircraft can fly below storm clouds, providing a safer flying experience compared to other small planes.

Overall, the concept of a flying car like the Transition offers a unique and innovative solution for individuals looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to travel. While it may seem like a futuristic idea, advancements in technology and design have made it a reality. As more people seek alternative modes of transportation, flying cars could become a common sight in the sky, revolutionizing the way we travel.