Samson CEO and Founder Sam Bousfield with the Switchblade

Samson Sky, which is developing the Switchblade flying car, has unveiled a new pilot training program.

Company officials noted that many of the reservation holders for the flying car are not pilots, buoyed by several marketing surveys conducted by the company of the regional traveler market — people who take trips of 250-500 miles for business or pleasure or both. There are an estimated 22 million regional travelers in the U.S., according to company officials.

“The survey results of regional travelers showed a remarkable level of interest in purchasing a flying car,” said Samson CEO and Founder Sam Bousfield, noting “80% of those expressing interest were non-pilots.”

The company plans to collaborate with established flight schools while simultaneously laying the foundation for its own training infrastructure, Bousfield noted.

“One key portion of our program is the use of advanced flight simulators where students can master each new maneuver before going up in the air,” he said.

The company emphasized that the new flight training program is not exclusively for Switchblade owners, and non-customers will also be able to take advantage of the program to earn their wings.

The Switchblade Flying Sports Car is a highway capable, hybrid electric vehicle that transforms into flying mode in three minutes. The experimental Switchblade seats two, side-by-side, and flies up to 450 miles on a tank of premium auto gas. Estimated cruise speed in the air is 160 mph.

General Aviation News Staff