Flying Cars Get Green Light in Minnesota
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently signed a bipartisan transportation bill that includes provisions for roadable air© Photo credit: Samson Sky
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently signed a bipartisan transportation bill that includes provisions for roadable aircraft, marking a significant step for the future of flying cars. This new law allows for the registration and use of roadable aircraft on state roads and highways, providing a legal framework for these vehicles. The legislation specifies that drivers of roadable aircraft must follow the same traffic laws as other vehicles, and take-offs and landings on public roads are prohibited unless in emergencies.
Industry Input and Support
Samson Sky, a prominent flying car designer, played a crucial role in the legislative process. Russell Bousfield, Samson Sky’s legislative analyst, contributed to the Senate Transportation and Public Safety Committee’s discussions. “I’m happy that there was such a great show of support from the state legislature,” stated Bousfield. “It was also great to see independent interest for using roadable aircraft for business and travel in Minnesota.” Samson Sky plans to advocate for similar legislation in other states across the country.
National Context
Minnesota is the second state to pass such legislation, following New Hampshire’s 2020 enactment of the “Jetson Bill,” which was the first to provide state registration for roadable aircraft. In New Hampshire, Samson Sky was one of the three companies providing industry input, alongside Terrafugia and PAL-V. The trend towards integrating flying cars into state transportation systems is gaining momentum, with several companies projected to start production by 2025.
The Switchblade Flying Sports Car
Samson Sky’s Switchblade, which had its first flight in November 2023, represents a practical flying car designed for everyday use. It features a hybrid electric system that runs on unleaded auto gas, allowing owners to refuel at regular gas stations. The Switchblade combines high performance in both driving and flying, and its innovative Skybrid™ hybrid electric drive system sets the stage for future all-electric models. The vehicle seats two, offers storage for travel bags, and can fly up to 500 miles on a single tank of gas. Owners can drive the Switchblade from their garage to a local airport, switch to flying mode, and then fly to their destination, transforming back to driving mode for the final leg of the journey.
Future Prospects
Samson Sky is currently accepting reservations for the Switchblade without requiring a deposit. The company has received interest from over 50 countries, reflecting the global appeal of this new mode of transportation. As legislation evolves and more states adopt similar regulations, the vision of integrating flying cars into everyday travel is becoming increasingly feasible.
AutoGuide Editorial Team
